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ADHD Awareness Month 2022

Many of our tutors have been trained to help students across the special educational needs spectrum, including ADHD. The insight below briefly describes ADHD, before outlining how our tailored approach helps each student meet and exceed their educational goals.

 

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people’s ability to concentrate on a single task for long periods of time. ADHD is mostly diagnosed when children are aged 3 to 7, but it can be diagnosed later on in childhood and also in adulthood.

Students with ADHD in the past have frequently been labelled as troublemakers, however, discourse is slowly changing, and both research and history show that many strengths are associated with ADHD. From presidents to painters, and actors to musicians, the world has been enlightened by those with ADHD and will continue to be. With specific regards to the founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates; physician Albert Einstein; and polymath Leonardo Di Vinci.

ADHD in UK Schools

ADHD occurs in approximately 2-5% of schoolchildren in the UK. Students with ADHD have been stereotyped as easily distracted, often making careless mistakes, and disrupting the classroom. These students who have been wrongly stereotyped and who are also undiagnosed may feel isolated from their peers. However, the strengths associated with ADHD, and neurodiversity in general, can often help a student thrive in school.

Tutoring Students with ADHD

ADHD is increasingly seen as a unique way to unlock excellence. Our tutors recognise the ability to hyperfocus on tasks with enthusiasm, constantly acting upon curiosity, creativity, and intuitive thinking, abilities which are overlooked by many. With a wide range of tutors who have worked with pupils with ADHD, our tutors understand how to access this untapped potential.

Think Tutors investigate how the student learns best for both personal and academic growth. From bespoke learning plans to advice on independent schools that are best suited for your child’s needs, we pride ourselves on working with elite educational professionals to maximise learning and growth. We assess students’ current ability, identifying strengths and areas for improvement to provide purposeful tuition. Overall, we and our tutors place high importance on the students’ welfare to foster a healthy and happy learning environment for your child.

Contact Think Tutors

With a 100% school admission success rate, our teachers are adept at enhancing performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building. Please get in touch with us if you’re interested in finding a tutor to help your child feel confident and succeed in their studies.

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School Admissions Topical

Independent School of the Year: Epsom College

The honour is a true reflection of the first-class education that the school offers to its pupils. The winner is judged by a panel who assesses schools across the country who were shortlisted for one of the 22 award categories from the awarding association. Whoever impresses them the most overall is subsequently named School of the Year Winner.

 

Academic Excellence

 

At a co-educational independent school based in Surrey, from ages 11 to 18, pupils can experience an exceptional student experience in combination with achieving academic excellence. Impressively, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) assessed the educational quality of the school and made “no recommendations” for future improvement.

 

Epsom is an institution that shines in several areas, from well-being to SEND support, to extraordinary GCSE and A Level results. Their academic success was exemplified in the last set of league tables published by the Department of Education, which ranked the school in the top 1% nationally. Over 70% of their students’ progress to their first-choice Russell Group university, and in 2022, three students were accepted into Cambridge and a further ten went on to study medicine.

 

Charitable Roots

 

The aims of the institution have always been charitable. They were awarded with royal approval in 1855, and Queen Victoria herself was the first patron. Dr. Propert’s (the school’s founder) vision was to educate children, provide financial assistance, and provide a home for widowed families and older members of the medical community. To this day, the school upholds Propert’s legacy and continues to offer pensions to retired doctors and their families in financial hardship.

 

More recently, the Telegraph published an article which showcased Epsom’s commitment to upholding its historic aims. During the national lockdown, the school provided free accommodation to NHS workers in the utility of their boarding houses. In addition to this kind gesture, they collected donations, manufactured PPE, and helped to distribute the roll out of vaccinations.

 

Epsom Entrance

 

Epsom has become increasingly competitive at entry points 11, 13, 14, and 16+. Furthermore, with its recent achievement as the best independent school, it is set to become even harder to be admitted into the school.

 

As Epsom encourages both UK and international applications, Think Tutors has a global network with tutors around the world to help. In search of ‘all-rounders’ with exceptional entrance scores (Verbal Reasoning scores tend to be around 118-120), guidance from Think Tutors will ensure that your child attends the acclaimed best school in the country. Think Tutors is highly skilled at providing tutors both in the UK and overseas, and would therefore be extremely well-suited to ensuring success for any child, at any level.

 

How can Think Tutors help?

 

At Think Tutors, with the assistance of the highly qualified tutors that we can offer, your child will reach success. Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process. With a 100% success rate for school entrance, our tutors are experts at improving results through practice, comprehensive planning and confidence building. If you are interested in finding a tutor to ensure that your child feels confident enough to perform in their entrance exams, please contact us.

 

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Topical

Fun Investments into Education

Masterclass and Short Classes at the National Youth Theatre 

The NYT provides incredible opportunities for teenagers to explore drama, theatre, and acting through their masterclasses and short classes. Options are available online or in person. Their ‘Start-Up’ programme, for instance, encourages young people to develop their potential (on and off the stage) by exploring a range of topics across storytelling, devising theatre, movement, music, and character. It’s BBC approved and, at Think Tutors, we highly recommend it too.

100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for 2022 – Udemy

The opportunities for self-directed and assisted learning online are practically endless. With over 54 million students and 204,000 courses, Udemy is a well-recognised education company operating at the leading edge of online learning. Given coding’s importance as the language of innovation and technology, one of Udemy’s many coding-related courses could be the perfect gift for your gifted child.

Oculus Educational Apps

The Oculus range of VR headsets is pioneering 3D educational apps for the 21st century. Exploring everything from human anatomy and Rembrandt to chemistry and Anne Frank’s house, the opportunities to view educational content beyond the limits of a textbook or Google images is astounding. This is an excellent gift for children who adore technology and are insatiably curious.

Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s plays may be read the world over, but not everyone gets the opportunity to live and breathe the reconstructed atmosphere of where they were originally performed. Seeing one of Shakespeare’s plays at The Globe is the perfect way to bring the bard alive for his youngest fans, but it can also be beneficial for those who are struggling to understand his work. It is also because there are plenty of resources available on site to help such students better understand both the playwright and his plays. Indeed, Shakespeare’s Globe is well worth a trip to London on its own merits or when coupled with other adventures.

Bespoke Experiences at the Royal Observatory

You don’t need to live near the Royal Observatory in Greenwich to explore the night sky; indeed, there are thousands of observatories around the world that welcome public interest and youth participation. But, if you do happen to live in Britain, a bespoke tour of the Royal Observatory would be well worth it. There, you can arrange for your own private planetarium show and collaborate with professional astronomers to conduct your own observations using telescopes. For those who can’t make it there in person, there are online opportunities as well. These include virtual fireside chats with expert Royal Observatory astronomers as they transport you from your home to the outer edges of the universe.

Personalised Tours of Oxford and Cambridge

Our team of industry-leading tutors are available to curate bespoke educational outings for children, teenagers, and parents alike. With institutional connections to many leading museums, institutes, and universities, we can provide personalised tours by leading professionals and academics. Likewise, with dozens of our tutors having studied at Oxford and Cambridge, Think Tutors are incredibly well positioned to guide an aspiring applicant on a behind the scenes tour of many of the most famous and interesting colleges.

How can Think Tutors help?

At Think Tutors, with the assistance of the highly qualified tutors that we can offer, your child will achieve success. A number of our tutors and mentors are vastly experienced in working with multiple students from a range of backgrounds. If you are interested in finding a tutor to ensure that your child not only surpasses their academic targets but feels excited by education, please do get in touch.

 

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School Admissions

Admissions Guide: Entry to St Paul’s School at 7 and 8+

Based in central London, St Paul’s have a long-standing reputation for both delivering a world-class education and producing students with a truly global outlook. First founded in 1509 by the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, John Colet, by 1870 it was named as one of the ‘nine great public schools’ of England. The high standards have been maintained until present day, with the school consistently achieving excellent results at both GCSE and A Level. With a focus on pursuing academic excellence, the school devotes time to consider how they can help the boys leave St Paul’s as well-rounded individuals with an understanding of the world they live in.

 

As a prestigious and highly ranked independent school, the rush to join St Paul’s school can be frantic. With just fifty-four places available at 7+ and a meagre eighteen places available at 8+, entry to St Paul’s is extremely competitive. As 7 and 8+ entry into the school is closed for 2023, parents must look ahead to 2024 to ensure that their son can have the best chance of a successful admission into the school. Junior school entrance cements a better chance of progression into the senior school at 13+, as the child is automatically registered for transfer to St Paul’s at 13+, on the condition that they have stayed at the Junior School for the full duration of their studies. The next available year for 13+ entry is 2026. Consequently, admission at an earlier entry is imperative.

 

Stage 1: Registration and References

 

The first step of the process is to register via an online registration form, expressing your interest and ambition for your child to attend. Registration will open on the 10th October 2022 for entry into 2024 and an early registration is suggested as spaces will fill up quickly. In applying, you will be asked and required to upload a copy of your son’s passport and submit a payment of £175 in the form of a non-refundable registration fee. St Paul’s requires that both parents agree to the application, in the exception in the case of sole custody. After applying, St Paul’s will then contact your son’s current school for a reference (consent is given to St Paul’s to contact for references by applying).

 

Stage 2: Examinations

 

The assessment will be a compilation of examinations that will test your child’s current academic level and potential. Candidates will set tests in English, Mathematics and Reasoning. The assessment days for 2024 entry will be early December, for those sitting the 7+ entrance exams and early January, for those who sit the 8+ exams.

 

At Think Tutors, we can offer a range of tutors from all backgrounds to guide you and your child to success in the 7 and 8+ entry at any independent school, including St Paul’s. We provide tuition that is unrivalled, bespoke and attuned to each individual child and their family. Think Tutors will elevate your child’s confidence while improving their foundational knowledge and understanding.

 

Stage 3: Assessment, Interview and Offer

 

Successful boys will be invited back for half-day group assessments. The day will include a Maths and English lesson, alongside a group problem solving task. This day can be difficult for children and so preparation is vital for increased chance of success and acceptance. During this day, the parents will have the opportunity to meet with the Head of St Paul’s Juniors, Oliver Snowball. The assessment day should take place within two weeks of the written test stage and following this stage, successful applicants will be made an offer. Boys are accepted to St Paul’s Juniors on the understanding that St Paul’s will be their first choice of senior school.

 

How can Think Tutors help?

 

At Think Tutors, with the assistance of the highly qualified tutors that we can offer, your child will reach success. Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process. With a 100% success rate for school entrance, our tutors are experts at improving results through practice, comprehensive planning and confidence building. If you are interested in finding a tutor to ensure that your child feels confident and can ease through entrance exams, please contact us.

 

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University Admissions

Choosing Your Oxbridge College: Questions to Ask Yourself

Does the college offer the subject you want to study? 

It may come as a surprise, but not every college teaches every course. Many of the big colleges do, but some colleges prefer to be more particular in what they provide. You can easily find out which subjects are taught at which colleges by navigating the university or faculty website.

Do alumni networks and alumni benefits matter to you?

This final question may seem a little strange to be asking before you have even applied to a college, let alone been accepted to one. Nevertheless, if you do attend an Oxbridge college, you will become a member for life. As such, you will spend far more time as an alumnus than as a student. So, too, your college’s networks may be very important during the first few steps of your career. For these reasons its worth having a quick look at a college’s alumni page to see what they offer after graduation.

Does location matter to you?

Oxbridge colleges are spread throughout their respective cities. Generally speaking, newer colleges are located further away from the city centres, whereas older colleges are more centralised. The city centres are very charming, but they can also be incredibly crowded (and not just with tourists). It is also worth thinking about proximity to your department and whether you want a long or short journey to lectures.

Do you want a small, medium, or large college?

College size can vary greatly. Some are only a few hundred students, whereas others can be over a thousand. That means your year group can range from less than one hundred people to more than three times that. Small colleges are often noted for their warmth and close-knit nature, whereas large colleges can offer more variety and choice. Neither is better, but it is good to know what you want.

How important are aesthetics?

Some colleges do have genuine ‘Brideshead’ or ‘Harry Potter’ vibes (not least because the movies were filmed there), while other colleges can look less quintessentially Oxbridge. If you’re not bothered by red brick or Cotswold stone, then consider applying to a modern college. If looks matter, consider your options wisely, as some of the prettiest colleges are also the most oversubscribed.

Which facilities matter to you?

Dining rooms, libraries, chapels, common rooms, and bars are standard facilities at most colleges, but some have specific facilities that may or may not be interest to you. This is especially true if you are sporty, as some colleges have extensive and conveniently located pitches, gyms, and boat houses. This can also be applicable for music, as some colleges have extensive facilities for practice and performance.

Do you want college accommodation for all three years?

Not every college has enough housing to offer accommodation students for all three years of their degree. While first years are generally provided with on-site rooms, students sometimes have to live further afield in their second and third year in order to remain in college-owned rooms. It is also worth noting that costs and quality can vary between colleges, as do dining arrangements and kitchen facilities.

Do you have a preference regarding gender balance?

While many colleges are evenly split between genders, some colleges do have more of one gender than another. Likewise, Cambridge has several women only colleges.

Do you have a preference regarding state and public-school balance?

Some colleges are more interested in admitting state school applicants than those from public schools. If you have a preference in either direction, have a look at the admissions statistics for your college.

How can Think Tutors help?

At Think Tutors, with the assistance of the highly qualified tutors that we can offer, your child will reach success. A number of our tutors and mentors are vastly experienced within Oxbridge entrance and have worked with multiple students to gain entry into their chosen college. If you are interested in finding a tutor to ensure that your child feels confident in selecting their chosen college and experiencing success in entry, please do get in touch.

 

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School Admissions

Mastering The ISEB Pre-Test

Your child can sit the test anywhere in the UK or overseas, which appeals to both the school and child alike. Taken in either early November or the middle of January, it provides a universal and standardised measure of assessment of a child’s current academic level and potential. Students undertaking the test are not disadvantaged because of age, as there is an element of age-weighting in the examination, in which their results are adjusted and are given a standardised age score (SAS). The average score is around 100 but for the most competitive schools, a score of 120+ is considered a good number to aim for.

 

The Pre-test comprises of four separate components: English, Mathematics, Verbal reasoning and Non-verbal reasoning. The test should take two hours and fifteen minutes to complete: English and Mathematics will take 40 minutes each, Non-verbal reasoning will be 30 minutes long and Verbal reasoning 25 minutes.

 

However, a change in format at the beginning of the 2022 academic year has resulted in some confusion. At Think Tutors, we would like to shed some light on the significant changes, so that you and your child feel confident and equipped to complete the test with ease.

 

2022-2023 Format 

 

Firstly, your child now needs to be registered with ISEB rather than automatically registered by your chosen senior school. Whilst the registration process can be completed though the ISEB website, do get in touch if you would prefer guidance on the matter.

 

Children can now decide whether or not they prefer to see the timer or not, an accommodation which will reduce stress in some children immensely. Other adjustments which can be made is the change of colour and size of the font, along with the use of pencil and paper for notes and rough working throughout the whole test. No longer refined to the use in verbal reasoning and mathematics.

 

The 2022 update has seen that the test is now fully accessible to all children, with less reliance on short term memory and more emphasis on improving accessibility features. Children with SEND can be given: 25% more time within each test, a reader for the tests, supervised rest breaks and a separate exam room. Parents can apply for these arrangements when you register your child for the test though the ISEB website. Although, it is advisable to contact the school to discuss your child’s needs in advance also.

 

The format change has impacted the English component of the Pre-Test significantly. There are now two separate scores within English rather than just the one: a score for reading comprehension and one for SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar). The text that the child must read within the test has also changed from one long piece of information to several short passages. It can be read by simply scrolling rather than clicking through several pages to read the whole passage.

 

As the whole test is answerable by multiple choice questions only, the system now assess the pupils ability after each response and selects the subsequent questions level of difficulty based upon the previous answer. Mistakes are taken into consideration and therefore, the end result will still be representative of the child’s overall ability.

 

Which schools will this impact?

 

There are several schools who determine a child’s entry circumstantial upon their performance in the ISEB Pre-test. Most notably, but not exclusively: Charterhouse, City of London, Eton College, Harrow, St Paul’s, and Westminster. These highly selective and popular senior schools utilise the Pre-Test to select/de-select pupils from the entry process. If a child passes the Pre-Test, they will usually be offered a place contingent on them then passing Common Entrance at 13+.

 

How can Think Tutors help?

 

From the information provided above, there is no doubt that familiarity with the different question types, experience of the computerised interface and some knowledge of what to expect can significantly help. At Think Tutors, your child will become confident and unfazed by the process.

 

Moreover, with the assistance of the highly qualified tutors that we can offer, your child will reach success. A number of our tutors and mentors are vastly experienced within school entrance exams and have worked with children of all levels and ages. If you are interested in finding a tutor to ensure that your child excels within the ISEB Pre-test, please do get in touch.

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School Admissions

Admissions Guide: Lambrook School

Lambrook has recently become the topic of much discussion with Prince Williams children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis starting this academic year. All three great-grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, have followed in the footsteps of Queen Victoria’s grandsons, who were pupils of Lambrook in 1878. Noticeably, the Royals have started the school at varying ages. This is because the school encourages prospective students to start their journey from Nursery to Year 7, although the common points of entry are at years 3, 4 and 7. Entry to Lambrook is dependent on the school’s ability to meet the needs of the pupil, consequently a personal visit is required, in addition to the common entrance exams.

Stage 1: Registration and References

The first step of the process is to register via an online registration form, expressing your interest and ambition for your child to attend. After completion of the online registration form, references are requested from the candidate’s current school in order to obtain the relevant material to make a basic judgement of the character and academic level of the student. At this stage, applicants have the opportunity to declare whether they have any relevant connection to Lambrook. Although this does not guarantee entry, in our experience, students who have a Lambrookian sibling, parents as alumni or other contacts are prioritised. If there are no spaces available, a child will be placed on a waiting list. For the Pre-Preparatory school, parents are advised to register as early as possible and registration for the Preparatory school should be completed at least a year in advance.

Stage 2: Visit to the school and Interview with the Headmaster

After registering, it is required that you attend an appointment with the Headmaster Jonathan Perry and to also visit the school in person for a tour of the buildings, facilities and grounds. This allows both parties to consider whether the school is right for the child and if Lambrook can meet the needs of the pupil.

 

Relaxation is important at the interview stage, as overly rehearsed answers are obvious to the interviewer. The best way to do this is practice with somebody who knows the format and expectations of an Independent School interview. Our tutors are well-versed in the often peculiar assessment techniques included in a school interview, with many of them having been involved in the interview process itself. At this stage, our mentors have also had great success at building a natural confidence to ensure our students flourish during interviews.

Stage 3: Assessment

In the admissions process for entry into Early Years, Year 1 and Year 2, children will be assessed informally. The assessment day for the Pre-Preparatory school is usually held in January. For entry into the Preparatory school, children are not only assessed on their English, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning, but on four other criteria also: academic ability, wider interests, character and general behaviour. Mathematics is comprised of mental arithmetic, problem solving and times tables, whereas English is focussed primarily on reading, writing and oral inference, punctuation and grammar. The Non-Verbal reasoning assessment aims to discover a child’s ability to understand, interpret, problem solve and tests logic and intelligence. Assessments for entry into Year 4 take place in November, whereas entry into Year 7 is assessed in October.

 

On the condition that you have passed the assessments and have therefore been accepted into the school, you are offered a place in writing. You will then be asked for the deposit and to complete the acceptance of place form (this is the formal contract).

Contact Think Tutors

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process. With a 100% success rate for school entrance, our tutors are experts at improving results through practice, comprehensive planning and confidence building.

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University Admissions

Oxford and Cambridge Entrance: A Guide to Assessments

Cambridge Law Test

The Cambridge Law Test is a paper and pen test used to measure your aptitude for law by assessing your comprehension and exposition skills. You do not have to possess prior knowledge of the law to sit the test, which lasts for one hour and is sat on the day of your interview. The Cambridge Law Test is being phased out from 2022 onwards, to be replaced by the LNAT.

LNAT

The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is a pre-interview admissions assessment. It tests an applicant’s abilities in reading comprehension, inductive and deductive reasoning, verbal reasoning, as well as analysis (but it does test an applicant’s intelligence or knowledge of the law). Comprised of two sections, the first consists of 42 multiple choice questions and the second is essay-based.

MAT

The Mathematics Admission’s Test is mandatory for those applying to various courses at Oxford (such as Computer Science and Mathematics). It is a subject-specific test that aims to gage the depth of an applicant’s mathematical understanding rather than the breadth of their knowledge. The MAT is designed to be approachable for all students, including those without Further Mathematics A-level or equivalent.

STEP

Achievement in the Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) forms a part of a conditional offer to read mathematics at Cambridge (it also used in the admissions process for mathematics at Warwick and Imperial College London). STEP has two papers (entitled STEP 2 and STEP 3): the former based on A Level Mathematics and AS Level Further Mathematics), while the latter is based on A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics. Of note, STEP questions are less standard and less structured than their A Level equivalents, which is designed to distinguish between ability (or potential) and good teaching.

BMAT

The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is used by universities around the world to help select applicants for medical, dental, biomedical, and veterinary degree programmes. The BMAT tests an applicant’s ability to apply scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as problem solving, critical thinking and written communication skills that are essential to university-level study. There are several BMAT sessions throughout the year and different universities accept different sessions, depending on their admissions cycle.

GAMSAT

The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a day-long assessment required by several universities in the UK for graduate entry medicine programmes. The test’s length distinguishes it from the UCAT and BMAT, and it can be taken as many times as one likes. The GAMSAT covers basic science, as well as general problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and writing abilities.

UCAT

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a computer-based admissions test used by many UK and non-UK universities (in collaboration with the UCAS application system and the use of academic qualifications) for entry into medical and dental schools. The UCAT assess for verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitate reasoning, abstract reasonings, and situational judgement.

CAT

Sitting the Classics Aptitude Test (CAT) is required for all those applying to study Classics at the University of Oxford. The CAT is a paper-based test, divided into three sections: the Latin Translation Test, the Greek Translation Test and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT). Each section lasts 1 hour and is sat under timed exam conditions. Which of the sections you take depends on whether you are applying for Classics I or Classics II.

ELAT

Oxford University’s English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) is a paper-based assessment, lasting 90 minutes and sat under timed exam conditions. The ELAT is designed to test a candidate’s close reading skills, and their ability to shape and articulate an informed response to unfamiliar literary material. Applicants will be asked to write one essay comparing two provided passages, focusing on elements such as language, imagery, syntax, form, and structure.

HAT

The History Aptitude Test (HAT) is a written assessment sat by those applying for a History degree at Oxford University. Candidates are asked to offer thoughtful interpretations of a source without knowing anything about its context. The HAT is a test of skills, not substantive historical knowledge. It is designed so that candidates should find it equally challenging, regardless of what they have studied or what school examinations they are taking.

PAT

The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is a part of the admissions process at the University of Oxford for courses such as Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, and Physics and Philosophy. The PAT is subject-specific and lasts 2 hours, which is sat under timed conditions. It is designed for candidates who have studied the first year of A-level (or equivalent) Maths and Physics and covers similar material to that of the GCSE and A-level syllabus.

MLAT

The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) is required for those applying to read any modern languages-based course at the University of Oxford. The MLAT is a paper-based test which consists of 10 sections. Which sections are taken depends on the course you are applying for. There are eight individual sections for each of the following languages: Czech, French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. The other two sections are: the Language Aptitude Test (LAT: for those applying for new languages as beginners and for Russian on its own), and the Philosophy test (for those applying for Philosophy and Modern Languages). The Philosophy section lasts 60 minutes while each other section is 30 minutes. Candidates are to take a maximum of two sections.

CAT

Sitting the Classics Aptitude Test (CAT) is required for all those applying to study Classics at the University of Oxford. The CAT is a paper-based test, divided into three sections: the Latin Translation Test, the Greek Translation Test and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT). Each section lasts 1 hour and is sat under timed exam conditions. Which of the sections you take depends on whether you are applying for Classics I or Classics II.

MML

All Cambridge Colleges (unless otherwise stated) requires applicants for the Modern and Medieval Languages course to sit an at-interview written assessment. This test it is designed to test your skills rather than your knowledge. The written test lasts one hour and is based on a short text in English. It will be marked by the subject experts in the College that are interviewing you according to an agreed set of criteria.

OLAT

Sitting the Oriental Languages Aptitude Test (OLAT) is required for all those applying for either Oriental Studies, Classics and Oriental Studies, European and Middle Eastern Languages, or Religion and Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford. The OLAT is a paper-based test, lasting 30 minutes and sat under timed exam conditions. The OLAT is designed to assess your ability to analyse how languages work, in a way which doesn’t depend on your knowledge of any particular language, but instead looks to gauge one’s aptitude for learning a new language rapidly.

TSA

The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is a two-part test, divided into a 90-minute multiple choice component (focussing on problem-solving and critical thinking skills), and a 30-minute writing task (focussing on organising ideas in a clear and concise manner). The TSA is required for those applying to study courses such as PPE at Oxford.

Oxford Philosophy Test

The Oxford Philosophy Test is required for all candidates applying to study Philosophy and Theology at the University of Oxford. It is a paper-based test, lasting 60 minutes and sat under timed exam conditions. The Philosophy Test is designed to test a candidate’s philosophical reasoning skills. There is no expectation that you will have undertaken any formal study of philosophy, and it is not a test of philosophical knowledge.

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University Admissions A-Level and IB Topical

A-Level Results Day 2022

When is A-level results day this year?

A-level results day is on Thursday 18 August 2022.

Where can you pick up your results?

Results can be collected anytime from 8am, or when your college or school is open on the 18th.

What happens on A-level results day?

In addition to your college or school disclosing your results, UCAS receives your results directly and updates your Hub. This often happens by about 08:15. The UCAS system will be incredibly busy, so it may take longer than expected for you to discover whether your applications have been successful.

 

Note that UCAS does not disclose your A-level results directly (unlike your school or college), merely the outcome of your university applications.

How Should I Prepare?

Apart from rising early and accessing your results at 8am, it’s advisable to have certain details and materials to hand. This is particularly applicable for those who might receive lower than expected results and need to apply for a university place through clearing.

 

You should have:

 

  • Your UCAS ID number and log-in details.
  • Your UCAS Clearing number. This will be available on the UCAS Hub for those who’ve failed to gain admittance at any of their choices.
  • Clearing phone numbers for universities you’ve applied to or are interested in.
  • Your personal statement as universities you communicate with in Clearing may ask you questions about it. It may help to know your GCSE results in case you are asked about them.

 

If you might need to go through Clearing, prepare ahead of time by researching your choices.

What if your UCAS Hub doesn’t update?

If this occurs and continues into mid-morning, then you should phone the university. It is very possible that they have yet to make a final decision. Be sure to note when you call that you are an existing offer holder and not a Clearing applicant.

What if you’ve met your offer?

It’s time to celebrate! Once your UCAS Hub status has updated (which can take a few hours on results day), you will receive confirmation from your firm choice.

What if you’ve just missed your predicted grades?

It’s still possible that you’ll get an offer from your firm choice. As such, check your UCAS Hub to discover whether your status has changed to ‘unconditional’ or if you’ve been offered a place on a different course at the same university. This is designated a ‘changed course offer’ and it will need to be either accepted or declined.

 

If you’ve narrowly missed out on your expected grades or you are intending to appeal the outcome, you might be able to request your firm choice to reconsider your application if they haven’t accepted you.

What happens if you don’t receive your desired offer?

Should this occur there are several options available to you which include accepting your insurance offer, applying to alternative universities through Clearing, retaking your A-levels, and reapplying for next year. This is also applicable if none of your insurance choices have offered you a place.

How can Think Tutors help?

Think Tutors can provide short-term assistance with university applications, and long-term tuition across every subject. Our industry-leading team of advisors are well positioned to assist with any inquiries or impediments that emerge during your university application process. Contact us to find out more.

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Homeschooling

Relocation: Capitalising on the British Education System

For those coming to the UK to capitalise on its world-leading schools (which span from nursery to university), there are additional challenges, ranging from entrance exams and medical appointments to arranging guardianship and securing high-end tutors. But despite these hurdles, the route from opportunity to outcome can be remarkably smooth when its travelled together. It doesn’t matter where you are coming from—whether its Singapore, Dubai, Geneva, or New York—our industry-leading team of education advisors, admissions experts, full-time and part-time tutors can both ease as well as optimise your family’s transition to the United Kingdom.

The UK Education System

Many high net-worth families from around the world send their children or relocate their entire family to the United Kingdom to benefit from the country’s outstanding education system. This is partly because schools and universities like Eton and Harrow, Oxford and Cambridge are synonymous with academic excellence and personal advancement—but as always, there’s more to the mountain than just the top. For many, the UK’s unique combination of history and tradition, innovation and excellence, along with its global status and world-wide connections provides the ideal environment for their children’s education and personal growth. Navigating these opportunities is one of the primary ways in which Think Tutors can help your family, as we provide unparalleled support across every stage and circumstance of a child’s education.

International Tuition

Think Tutors works with many families who live internationally, providing them with introductions and connections to leading nurseries, independent schools, and universities. For those who are sending their children to boarding schools in the UK, we routinely fulfil an academic guardian role for international students. In fact, our families enjoy 24-hour access to our services, which includes everything from mentoring and academic support to assisting with medical arrangements and liaising directly with schools. This also extends to providing families with travelling tutors and live-in tutors in case they wish to extend their child’s educational experiences at home or on holiday.

University Tuition

For those relocating to the United Kingdom to attend university, Think Tutors can partner with you through every stage from application to graduation. Our leading team of academic advisors, admissions specialists, and high net-worth tutors have all attended the world’s top universities (75% attended Oxford or Cambridge) and have 5+ years of industry experience. They are experts in their field and can assist with everything from study strategies and personal statements to dissertation research and securing blue-chip summer internships.

Contact Think Tutors

Think Tutors approaches education from a global perspective, offering cradle to career partnerships with families from around the globe. At the same time, our DNA is undeniably British. At Think Tutors we prize both tradition and innovation, academic rigour and the power of relationships, educating for excellence while ensuring student wellbeing. Ultimately, we seek to not only smooth the transition for those coming to the United Kingdom, but to help ensure their success as they make this country their new home, for however long that may be. Contact us for more information.