Education is more than a curriculum — it’s an environment where children can be inspired, nurtured and prepared for life’s next chapter. From academic support and music access to adventurous prep schools and inclusive learning environments, discover a diverse mix of institutions helping young people thrive.
Will your child pass the 11+ exams?
AE Tuition has been preparing children for the 11+ for over 30 years. Their structured courses help pupils build core skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics and English — key areas tested in grammar school entrance exams.
The Year 5 11+ (5-month intensive) course is taught in person at AE Tuition’s Slough centre and includes a 13-day Essential Maths module. Intensive summer courses are available both face-to-face and online via Zoom, offering flexible preparation options for different learners.
Visit aetuition.co.uk
Surfing, sailing and a first-class education for girls
Located in the heart of Cornwall, Truro High School offers a vibrant day and boarding experience for girls aged three to 18. Alongside strong academic performance and a broad curriculum, students enjoy over 80 extracurricular clubs — from engineering and motorsports to surfing and climbing.
Graded ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the school is known for balancing outstanding results with holistic development. With dedicated pathways for aspiring medics and STEM students, Truro High prepares girls for future success in a nurturing and ambitious environment.
Visit trurohigh.co.uk
A crafty way to inspire creative minds
Décopatch offers an easy-to-learn papercraft activity that encourages creativity across all ages. Simply tear or cut decorative papers and glue them to papier-mâché shapes — from dinosaurs and dragons to unicorns and superheroes — to create your own colourful keepsakes.
Mini kits come with everything needed to get started and are suitable for ages three and up. With over 200 paper designs and a huge range of shapes, Décopatch inspires fun, focus and imagination — ideal for schools, rainy days or family craft sessions.
Visit decopatch.com
Give your dyslexic child the schooling they deserve
Frewen College in East Sussex is one of the UK’s most experienced schools for children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including dyslexia. It offers day and boarding education for pupils aged seven to 19, with small class sizes and specialist teaching throughout.
Every child is assessed individually, with tailored support plans, therapy access and technology to enhance learning. Recognised for outstanding learning support by the Independent Schools Association, Frewen helps children transform from underachieving to thriving — with progress that can exceed national expectations.
Visit frewencollege.co.uk
Professional development designed for piano teachers
The Piano Teachers’ Course UK (PTC) offers professional development tailored to piano educators at all stages. The programme helps teachers enhance their skills, grow their businesses and create more engaging, effective learning for students.
PTC graduates frequently go on to start their own music schools, gain teaching roles, and maintain long student waiting lists. With in-person and online options available, the course supports confident, motivated teaching and meaningful professional growth.
Visit pianoteacherscourse.org
Why more parents are choosing state boarding schools
Wymondham College is the UK’s largest state boarding school, offering a high-quality, affordable education in the Norfolk countryside. With free tuition and termly boarding from £4,700, it combines academic excellence with a vibrant, inclusive community.
The College offers over 70 extracurricular activities weekly, including sports, travel, debating and creative arts. Rated ‘Outstanding’ across all categories by Ofsted, Wymondham prepares students aged 9–18 for success — with a strong track record of offers from top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
Visit wymondhamcollege.org
Help MiSST give the gift of music to disadvantaged school pupils
The Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) provides key stage 3 pupils in underserved schools with free musical instruments, tuition and a classical music curriculum. Their research-informed programme is designed to boost musical skill, confidence and long-term aspiration.
Beyond classroom teaching, MiSST runs orchestras, choirs, residentials and nationwide concerts. By promoting inclusion and creativity, the charity helps students build supportive friendships and pathways to music and beyond — supporting teachers as well as pupils.
Visit misst.org.uk
Prep education’s radical traditionalists
Walhampton is a co-educational prep school for ages two to 13, located on a unique 100-acre site by the New Forest and Solent. Known for its “radical traditionalist” ethos, the school nurtures creativity, curiosity and resilience in a joyful, grounded community.
Full, weekly and flexi boarding begins at age seven, with a dedicated Walhampton Express train service to London. Children are supported to thrive — growing into thoughtful, prepared learners ready for whatever comes next.
Visit walhampton.com
