Author Archives: Ilana King

As a tutor guiding students and families through the labyrinth of entrance exams, I’m well acquainted with the buzz phrase “Tutor Proofing.” It’s a myth that often leads to heated discussions among concerned parents about how best to ensure children’s success in these pivotal assessments. But amidst the chatter, it’s crucial for parents to discernContinue reading “Navigating the Myth of “Tutor Proofing” Entrance Exams”

Preparing children for entrance exams can be a daunting task. As parents, you, of course, want to see them succeed, but also strive to ensure their journey is as stress-free as possible. Is it possible to achieve this delicate balance? In my role as an entrance exam tutor for children preparing for 7+ and 11+Continue reading “Navigating Entrance Exam Preparation: A Parent’s Guide to Managing Stress”

As we reflect on the past year’s 7+ entrance exam cycle, it becomes evident that while certain aspects remain unchanged, there are notable developments that provide insights into new trends and which should be considered by anyone navigating the competitive landscape of top London schools in future.  Despite economic fluctuations and potential adjustments to theContinue reading “Reflections on the recent 7+ Entrance Exam Cycle”

“Bing” is the sound of the email you’ve been eagerly awaiting. The email from the school regarding your child. Will it be an acceptance or a rejection? For you, this marks the culmination of a year or more of dedicated efforts with your child. You’ve done everything possible towards the ultimate goal of securing aContinue reading “Reframe “failure””

The top 3 questions many parents ponder about the 7+ and 11+ entrance exams (even if they haven’t voiced them): The unequivocal answer to all these queries is a resounding YES. Based on my many years of experience in this area, let me share with you why I feel this way to ease any uncertaintiesContinue reading “To Prepare Or Not To Prepare”

‘Hold them in your thoughts.’  This simple yet profound sentiment encapsulates my ethos of prioritising the holistic well-being of my students, particularly during the often stressful journey of exam preparation. I want to share a unique strategy I employ with my youngest students—a strategy that may seem silly to outsiders but has proven to beContinue reading ““Embracing Empathy: Nurturing Your Child’s Well-being Through Exam Stress”

Or so it can feel that way. “Find the school that fits your child, don’t shoehorn them into one that doesn’t.” 🌟 This invaluable advice resonated strongly at the recent Independent Schools Show, where parents gathered to unravel the complexities of selecting a secondary school, especially in the lead-up to the 11+. As a specialistContinue reading “The decision of a life time…”

October is the time when the pressure starts to build.  Entrance exams are looming closer, in some cases only a month away.  It is understandable that stress can start to grab hold.   However, the impact of this pressure cannot be underestimated and can have a very real effect on learning. Even if you feel that you areContinue reading “Don’t Panic!”

When we think of how children learn, we often associate it with giving them new information.  I would challenge that and say that often the best learning comes from being questioned.  This is a method that really works for home educated children.   Asking the right questions to spark critical thinking is one of theContinue reading “Questions not Information”

Summer holidays are not only a time for travel but can also be a time for making connections to what we read.  I am currently in Devon with my family, not far from Torquay.  Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and used many of the nearby locations for scenes in her novels.  Arthur Conan DoyleContinue reading “Making Connections Through Reading”