Our blog.

Relocation is never just about moving house. For families with school-age children, every decision – from which neighbourhood to choose to which visa pathway to pursue – ultimately traces back to education. In a recent article for The International Family Offices Journal, Figtree Founder Ariana explores how placing education at the centre of relocation planning…

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As we enter exam season, students and families alike are navigating the challenges of revision, stress management and performance pressure. Three of our experienced tutors share their top tips for managing revision and keeping nerves at bay across GCSEs, A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and the SAT/ACT. All three tutors are graduates from leading universities including…

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As exam season approaches, here’s what A-level and IB students should be focusing on now. Most university offers are in, conditional places are secured – and this is the final stretch before those offers become reality or slip away. This is not the time to coast Students holding conditional offers face a straightforward equation: meet…

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For students beginning their university journey, now is the time to start preparing. This cycle, Figtree students have secured places across humanities, social sciences, STEM and medicine at universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial and Warwick. Below, we share what we’re seeing and what to keep in mind over the coming months. The…

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It’s always wise to think ahead when it comes to further education, but this is especially true for students considering applications to US colleges. While final SAT or ACT scores are typically submitted in the autumn of the final year of school, successful preparation often begins much earlier. Understanding testing requirements, options and timelines is…

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As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the educational happenings and highlights that have shaped our year. It’s been a time of change, and we’re delighted to have played a part in so many success stories for our students. Thank you to all our tutors, partners and wonderful families for your ongoing collaboration…

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A note from our CEO & Founder In recent months, many conversations with clients, friends, parents and tutors have all circled back to one thing: AI. Many insisted it couldn’t be ignored any longer. Some parents even questioned whether AI should be woven into tutoring sessions themselves. I’ll admit, I’ve been something of a sceptic—not…

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Mind the knowledge gap While the number of subjects may drop after GCSEs, pace and expectations rise considerably. This shift often catches students and families off guard, which can impact confidence and attainment moving forward. It’s no surprise then that the idea of targeted ‘bridging’ tuition is gaining traction among those looking to get ahead.…

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US colleges have been navigating a turbulent economic and political climate of late, and the impact on current and prospective students is being felt around the world. In particular, there have been concerning reports about visa cancellations – generally targeting Master’s and PhD students, although some undergraduate students have also had their visas revoked across…

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With over 400 universities and colleges offering 35,000 courses (and counting), higher education is full of opportunities. But the move can feel daunting too. This month, we share our top tips for making the right choices as students consider their next exciting steps. Hearts and minds In the UK, degrees are generally highly specialised, with students spending at least…

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The 11+ has been the gateway to the most prestigious schools for decades, but this ever-evolving test is becoming more competitive year on year. That’s why we take a holistic approach to 11+ preparation, building a bespoke programme of support that’s tailored to the needs of each child – and the individual expectations of every…

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Home to vibrant cities, awe-inspiring landscapes and some of the world’s finest universities, the United States continues to attract growing numbers of international students to its shores. But beginning the journey to study abroad can be daunting – with different application requirements, new testing approaches and competition for top colleges becoming tougher than ever. At…

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A new academic year has arrived, and for many, this September marks the beginning of the end of school days. Those students in the sixth form have no doubt begun thinking about courses, colleges and university applications – but now’s the time to really get pen to paper. As the UCAS deadlines rapidly approach, here’s…

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Our 11+ group courses are now in full swing, and we’re delighted to have received wonderful feedback from students and parents alike. If you haven’t yet joined us, or would simply like a refresher, we’re adding new dates for 2024 – and expanding our offer to include preparation for the 7+ exam. Entry to the…

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The summer term will soon be upon us, bringing with it the start of exam season for our International Baccalaureate (IB), GCSE and A-level students. To avoid a last-minute dash to the finish line – which can hamper achievements and increase stress levels – we’ve put together a three-step approach to help get exam preparation…

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A new year ushers in new opportunities for learning, and here at Figtree we’re gearing up for another twelve months of carefully tailored tuition and expert consultancy. Working with children as young as four, all the way to university (and beyond), we’re equipped to support our students through every educational milestone. So this month, we’re…

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With the holiday season nearly upon us, now’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on successes shared with tutors, team members and all of our Figtree families. So, as we swap the pear tree for Figtree, and French hens for French lessons, we hope you enjoy our ‘Twelve Months of Figtree’ – with very…

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The 11+ has marked a turning point in children’s education for almost 80 years. But while the central premise of the so-called ‘transfer test’ has remained the same, it has evolved significantly over the decades – accelerated in recent years by COVID-19.   At Figtree, our dedicated 11+ team has supported children on their way…

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