The first year 5 session went ahead yesterday. I popped on to say hi and introduce the talented @Sheena Chan. Honestly, she doesn't need an introduction, considering her track record and her presence in our Facebook group, helping parents and giving valuable advice. Her bio says it all. If you haven't read it, you should. ⭐ Welcome to the year 5 champions!!! Some of you have been with us for over a year, which fills me with hope that we are doing something good.. You will see so many good people cheer you on - mums, dads, teachers, tutors, authors. I am so so delighted to serve you, old and new! 🧡

The truth is, grammar school success isn’t just about expensive tutors. It is about parents having the right plan and support. 💡 Join our free demo tonight at 7 pm to see how it works. Louise Holland, Ex Director of Teaching, Learning and Quality, will host the session. 👉 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85662302856 Meeting ID: 856 6230 2856Passcode: 679673

Parents of Year 3–5 children: if you’re thinking of hiring a tutor, this post is for you. I recently wrote an article that got me thinking hard. When a parent asked me whether a student tutor or an experienced tutor is better, I realised that my answer should be that neither will truly succeed unless you are deeply involved. Because what most people don’t realise is this: Tutoring doesn’t magically fix everything. Without your engagement, your consistency, your emotional support … even the best tutor can only do so much. Here are the truths I want to repeat. WHAT REALLY MATTERS You + Child + Tutor = the golden triangle. Remove one side, and things wobble. A tutor should do more than teach. They should empower. Teach thinking, not just answers. Real support comes from checking in regularly. Ask how the session went. What was hard? What felt good? Expect guidance, not perfection. It’s okay to feel anxious. It’s normal to have weeks when progress is slow. WHY SOME TUTORING JUST DOESN’T WORK The tutor comes, and then the parent goes back to business as usual. No consistency. Relying completely on someone else to “fix” things. Your child ends up passive, not active. Expectations that are too high or vague. What are you really aiming for? Confidence? Understanding? Skills? Here’s what to do instead - action steps you can start now. Ask your tutor to show you how they plan their sessions. Demand clarity. Be present. Even if it’s ten minutes - review, encourage, discuss. Set realistic goals. Not perfect scores, but small wins (reading more, using new words, finishing a test). Celebrate the effort. Not just the result. If you want, I have a free resource that helps you build from this — a guide called Home Prep for the 11+ – A Parent’s Blueprint. It’ll show you how to build strong foundations with you as the active partner. Click here to enter your details and download your free guide. Let’s stop expecting tutors to do it all. Let’s start expecting ourselves to show up. Because that’s where real change happens.

Hey parents — welcome back to a brand new school year 📝 Whether you’re easing in or sprinting ahead, I see you. It’s been a big week for many, and I know September brings its own energy (and pressure!). For those of you just starting the 11+ journey with children in Year 3, Year 4 or Year 5, I’ve created something especially for you. 🎁 Home Prep for the 11+: The Parent’s Blueprint It includes ✔️ The syllabus overview in plain English ✔️ Checklists and weekly planning templates ✔️ Practical tools to build vocabulary and comprehension across all subjects ✔️ A mindset-first approach to avoid overwhelm (for you and your child) This is the kind of guide I wish I had when I started. It’s grounded, simple, and focused on what actually works. 👉 You can grab your copy here:https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/gCjFmBo1pAb2l8il7ZIM ✨ If you want to see how we put it into action and explore our Year 4 and Year 5 programmes, I’ll be talking through it briefly in Tuesday’s demo at 7 pm. Details below. Zoom link - click here Meeting ID: 856 6230 2856 Passcode: 679673 Warm wishes, Sabah

Let’s talk about something that can really make a difference right now. Target schools. If your child is in Year 5, you’re probably thinking about which schools to apply to. But are you clear on what your target schools actually are? It helps to have a list. About 5 to 7 schools you’re genuinely considering. Not because someone else said they were good. Not because they came up first on Google. But because they feel right for your child. For your family. There is a calm that comes when you know what you’re working towards. The pressure drops a little. You can plan better. You can talk to your child with more clarity. And your child feels that too. What goes into choosing those schools? That’s the bit I find fascinating. Is it the vibe when you visited? The style of teaching? Distance from home? Or just a gut feeling you can’t quite explain? You don’t have to share names. But I’d love to know what helped you build your list. Or what you’re still figuring out.