Our blog.

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Having studied for her undergraduate degree and PhD at the University of Oxford, biomedical scientist and Figtree tutor, Claudia, is perfectly placed to guide prospective students through their Oxbridge applications. We asked her what students need to do to stand out, and how her support can help streamline the process.   Why did you decide…

Read More

You’ve made the decision to apply to Oxford or Cambridge. You’ve scoped out the courses, colleges and cities. Investigated teaching staff and interrogated league tables. But how do you make the Oxbridge dream a reality? With thousands of applications from top students around the world, you’ll need to see off tough competition to secure that…

Read More

The holidays are finally upon us, and while children definitely deserve a well-earned break, it’s worth planning a little learning to avoid the dreaded ‘summer slide’. Read on to discover our tips for everyday education, and how a few targeted top-ups can help prepare students for the coming academic year.   What is summer slide?…

Read More

This month, we’re diving into the challenges of university applications. Where to go, what to study, how to stand out – we know it’s a fraught time for students and parents alike. But with a little preparation now, we can help de-stress the process and secure that coveted place. We’re experienced in supporting students applying…

Read More

This summer, Winchester College will hold a two-week digital programme for the curious, ambitious and open-minded. The aptly-named Catalyst course is designed to give students the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world, and will encompass interactive lessons, online seminars and one-to-one coaching to help students challenge their thinking. The course has been developed…

Read More

Extracurricular activities have long provided a way to stand out and broaden horizons beyond the school gates. But with competition for top university places growing, they’re now essential to securing a spot in further education – and navigating the job market that awaits. From short summer accelerators to ongoing programmes, there are plenty of ways…

Read More