The ultimate 11+ survival guide
Making the move from prep to senior school is a huge leap on any child’s educational journey. We’re here to help you every step of the way with Talk Education’s ultimate 11+ survival guide, which covers everything from key dates to how to narrow down your shortlist.
What will happen to education in the UK?
In the UK, we’re at an inflection point in education. Whether it’s buildings, exams, curriculum, private schools or mobile phones, ‘set piece’ issues are in flux like never before. Of course, it all hinges on politics.
The Harrow Test and Interview
Following a reference from a boy’s preparatory school and a successful ISEB Pre-Test score, boys are invited to sit the Harrow Test in the Autumn of Year 7.
Wellington College Admissions Process
Wellington accepts around 260 new pupils per year. From 2025, the intake will be 50% boys, 50% girls. Around 80% board at the school, and 20% travel to the College as day students.
The Winchester College Admissions Process
What is the admissions process for Winchester at 13+? Students can enter Winchester at 13+ and 16+. The application deadline for 2027 entry for 13+ is 3 July 2024.
Introducing our new framework: Skills Builder Partnership
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve adopted the Skills Builder Partnership to provide the framework of our work both with families and in schools.
Introducing our Pro Mentors
For the academic year, 2023-2024, we have six amazing pro mentors ready to support you.
These mentors represent the best of what we're trying to achieve at Oppidan: full time, committed for the long term, bags of experience and ready to help your child achieve their dreams.
The Oppidan Academy 2023
The Oppidan Academy (TOA) is an annual work experience programme for students from schools across the UK. Its primary aim is to provide invaluable insights into potential future careers, the world of business, and the essential skills required for their next steps.
GSCE Results 2023 - Advice for Students
The countdown to GCSE results day is on, and we're here to make sure you're all set for the big reveal on Thursday, August 24.
My Mentor & Me Campaign
Earlier this summer, we spent the afternoon with three quite remarkable people: Gabi, a 10-year-old student, Camilla, her mentor, and Eli, Gabi’s mum. Without a script or prompts, we rolled the cameras and let them loose as they discussed Gabi and Camilla’s mentoring relationship.
Introducing Sarah: US College Support
Sarah is our resident mentor supporting students interested in studying in the US. Since graduating from Harvard and throughout medical school, Sarah has committed herself to helping other students who are seeking further education opportunities in the US.
A Level Results, 2023 - Advice for Students
Students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are gearing up for the release of their AS, A-level, and T-level results on Thursday, 17 August.
Working with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Here is some information, tips and practical advice for mentors and parents working with a student that has Special Educational Needs.
A parent's guide to leaving school and university
As parents, knowing how to support our teens as they make one of the biggest decisions in life following school can be challenging. So much of their world differs from previous generations, and it's important we support them in a way that warrants the best start to adult life.
How to keep your child’s brain engaged during the summer holidays
After a long summer term with far too many exams, your kids (and you!) deserve to kick back and put their feet up. That said, you may want to ensure that your children's minds stay engaged and active during this break.
Developing financial literacy in kids with Ruffer
We’ve teamed up with Ruffer to launch an awareness campaign on the value of financial literacy in a child’s education.
The value of mentoring in schools
The National Bureau of Economic research just published a recent study into the importance of mentoring in schools. Much of the evidence is related to the US schooling system but with huge relevance to the UK system and the work we do here at Oppidan.
Decoding the London 11+ Consortium Exam
Preparing for the London 11 Plus Consortium Exam can feel like a daunting task for girls aiming to secure a place to one of the prestigious member schools.
The 10 best parenting books to read this summer
For you, our parents, we’ve put together a list of the best beach or poolside reads (with some Oppidan favourites mixed in) to help you support your children.
Common Entrance at 13+ Explained
The Common Entrance, designed by Oppidan partners ISEB, is taken at 13+ for entry into senior independent schools. ISEB say: