Less than 4 weeks to go to #ALevel #results day. Are you waiting for your future to be secured through #UCAS?

It’s distressing opening that envelope on A level results day to find you haven’t attained the grades you need to confirm your place on the #university course of your dreams. If you find yourself in this position on Thursday 13^th August, try not to despair. There’s a chance you might still be accepted if your grades have only slipped a little and if not, as long as your grades are reasonable and you are prepared to be proactive and flexible, you should secure an alternative.

Here are our top tips to make the day as stress free as possible and to ensure the best possible outcome, whatever you’re faced with.

1. Be available at exam results time. If you’ve only just missed out on your university offer grades, check your status in Track as your place may have been confirmed anyway. Congratulations!
2. If your status is unchanged, there’s no need to panic yet. If not confirmed or rejected by mid-morning, pick up the phone to the university admissions team, as they may not have made a decision on your application as yet. Be calm and ask when you might hear and let them know you’re still really keen to study with them.
3. If the answer is no but your grades have only been missed by one or two marks, so your school may be recommending a re-mark, call the university to explain. Be calm and polite. Places are very competitive so unless your school or adviser feels you have a strong case to ask the university to re-consider, it’s probably not worth the call.
4. If your first choice university answer is no, consider your back-up offer carefully. Before accepting, ask yourself if this is a course you really want to study at a university you wish to attend. A minimum of three years study on the wrong course in a location you don’t enjoy will seem like a very long time.
5. If you find yourself without a confirmed place at either of your course options, act quickly to find an alternative.  It can be difficult to be motivated and enthusiastic at a time when you are experiencing disappointment, but the key to success is to get involved in the Clearing process as early as possible.

UCAS Clearing allows those who have not secured a place on their chosen course to research places on alternative courses. It can also be used by those who did not accept any offers received during the UCAS application process or applied too late for their application to be processed via UCAS.

1. If you are eligible for Clearing, Track will say ‘you’re in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’. If it is taking a while, it may be your university choices are taking a while to decide on places.
2. Look at the official Clearing vacancy list online via UCAS or via The Telegraph by clicking here http://clearing.telegraph.co.uk/
3. Seek advice from your school or an education consultant. Their familiarity with the Clearing system will give you a head-start in using it effectively, as well as assist you to quickly find courses of interest. Vacancies get snapped up so it can be useful to have expertise to support you, in being effective and speedy to move forward with anything that interests you.
4. Keep an open mind when viewing the course vacancy lists. You do not need to stick to your original course of study and may find alternative courses that did not occur to you previously.
5. Keep an eye on the Clearing information on a regular basis. Courses that were full can sometimes have vacancies later, so always be up-to-date with the latest information.
6. Contact universities with courses of interest as soon as possible. Have your exam results, your UCAS personal ID and Clearing number to hand. You will find your Clearing number will appear automatically in Track
7. Once you have found some places on courses which interest you through the UCAS website, call your chosen universities. They will put you in touch with the admissions tutor and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the course and to tell them a bit about yourself and why this course interests you. Prepare a few questions in advance such as will they provide accommodation and make sure that you have practised selling yourself over the phone. Try the lift test. If you had one minute in the lift to tell them why they should offer you a place, what would you say?
8. It might be useful to have a copy of your personal statement to hand, just incase there are things in it that might be useful to highlight, in response to questions you are asked by the admissions tutor.
9. Ideally you should visit the university campus before making a final decision, but be prepared to verbally accept or decline an offer on the spot. With this in mind, it is a good idea to telephone the universities in order of your preference for the courses they are offering.
10. To accept an offer which has been made to you over the phone, you need to enter the course details on Track via the ‘Add a Clearing Choice’ button. If the university then formally accepts you, confirmation will appear in the ‘Choices’ of Track and UCAS will follow this up with an official confirmation letter in the post.
11. If you are not formally accepted by the university the ‘Add a Clearing Choice’ button in Track will be re-activated and you can add another course form the Clearing list.

Good Luck!

Some useful website links for step by step advice during Clearing.

Clearing explained by UCAS click here https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply-and-track/results/clearing-service-2015

Clearing places search tool click here http://search.ucas.com/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/clearing/11018239/Results-Day-2015-a-step-by-step-guide-to-Clearing.html

OR Give us a call and our friendly professional team of education consultants will be very happy to help you.

Call +44 (0)1865 522066

Email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

Visit our website http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/applying-to-uk-university/ 

Choosing the right #British #boarding school - Ten Top Tips for #international or #expat parents.

• Consider your parental aspirations for their future, in tandem with your child’s individual talents, personality and needs. They must feel ‘at home’ in the right type of environment to enable them to meet your aspirations.

• Get to grips with the British curriculum and decide what format and teaching styles will best suit your child as they transfer from their school outside the UK.  Understanding the age and school years for school transition, for example prep to senior school at age 11 or 13, will make the entry and settling in process less tricky.

• Look for an extensive 7 day a week programme, ideally with lessons on a Saturday morning. Weekends can be lonely if there’s not enough to keep busy.

• Be wary of schools offering flexi and weekly boarding, if total boarding numbers are small. A high percentage of full boarders is crucial.

• Extend your search area outside the South East. Considering flight routes from regional airports instead of just Heathrow and Gatwick, opens up a whole host of great full boarding schools across the UK. With generally speaking less competition for places, chances are you might have more choice of schools, especially if you are looking at short-notice.

• International schools raise children who are very culturally aware and who feel comfortable within a global community. Review the percentage of international pupils at your short-listed boarding schools. Will your child feel more comfortable in a UK school with a higher percentage of international pupils? Or are they more suited to a largely British school community, with only a sprinkling of international children.

• Ask about parental communication and reporting. Technology now allows for sophisticated web-based feedback and reporting systems for parents. Some schools even stream live video of lunchtime concerts or plays. This will ensure you still feel part of your child’s life at school, even if you live overseas.

• Meet the head and the houseparents when you visit. These key people will shape your child’s future, so you need to agree with their educational philosophy and feel you can build a good working relationship with them over the years your child is at boarding school.

• Food is important. In-house dining creates a homely pastoral feel, whilst for fussy eaters, central dining may offer more extensive choice.

• Be wary of in-country experts who give advice in return for a financial incentive from schools. Advice from an independent source is crucial.

Would you like advice on choosing the right British boarding school from our team of professional, friendly, independent education consultant experts?

Give Claire a call on (+44 )1865 522066

or send us an email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

For more details visit our website http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/choosing-a-school-age-5-7-11-13-or-16/

#University open days are a crucial part of choosing the right course, when it comes to making your #UCAS application

Exams are nearly over and Year 12 students are knuckling down to their year 13 courses and beginning to ask themselves 'What next after school?' 

For those planing on applying to university, tuition fees means students are committing themselves to significant investment in their future, through university study. As such, careful consideration must be made regarding the course of study, to gain the best possible return on this investment, when it comes to employment and a career.

June sees many universities holding Open Days, an important opportunity for sixth form students to review course options before submitting their UCAS application in the Autumn. 

A website is a good way to start research, but a visit enables you to take in the atmosphere and ask specific questions. Most universities allow you to to book to visit their Open Days online.

Prepare a check list of questions, so you leave the day feeling fully informed about both the course and what it would be like to study at the university itself.

Here are some suggested questions below:

1. For your chosen course, what is the weekly contact teaching time and how does the system of tutorials work?

1. How is the course assessed – how much is project work as opposed to exams?

1. How many places are offered on your chosen course each year?

1. How are applicants evaluated, e.g. are interviews part of this process?

1. Does the course include time in industry, work experience or opportunities overseas?

1. Do current students recommend the course?

1. What careers advice is available?

1. What percentage of last year’s graduates from this course gained employment and what types of jobs have they secured?

1. What clubs and societies are offered and are the facilities for sport, the Arts etc. likely to match your interests?

1. What is the policy for accommodation in the first year? If this is your first time away from home living in a hall of residence will make it easier to meet new friends.

1. Do you like the atmosphere? You will be living there for at least 3 years so need to feel at home in the environment you choose. Campus style universities or those that are located around a town have a different feel.

1. Are there good bus routes or secure areas for bicycles for travel to lectures? Think twice about taking a car. Parking can often be difficult and cars are very expensive to run.

Do you need some assistance with reviewing your university course options or with making a strong UCAS application?

Our team of friendly professional consultants are here to help. For an informal chat about how we might help you, call Claire Coker on +44 (0)1865 522066

or Email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

You will find more information by visiting our website via the link below

http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/applying-to-uk-university/

Congratulations prep school leavers! #commonentrance

Tomorrow will see a buzz of excitement among prep school leavers, with news of Common Entrance results for the majority of children leading to a confirmed place at their chosen senior school. Sighs of relief will quickly turn to excitement as the summer holidays approach and then gradually thoughts will turn towards making a new start, as they move on to their future school.

Here are 10 tips for parents to prepare your child over the summer, so they are ready to hit the ground running in the larger, more independent, hectic environment at senior school.

1. Keep their brain ticking over with reading books from the local library, visits to art galleries and museums, doing puzzles, playing scrabble, subscribing to online maths programmes etc.
2. Review joining information now. Return forms in plenty of time. There may be first-come-first-served timetabling choices to make, such as which extra language or musical instrument to take up, or booking in a mouthguard fitting.
3. Run through the pupil handbook together to establish daily routine and rules. Getting into trouble in the first few weeks will be a set-back in the settling in process.
4. Look over the extra-curricular programme, discussing which have most appeal. Planning school runs and other family commitments will be easier if you have an idea of when school commitments might be.
5. Request email and phone numbers are circulated amongst form or house groups. Make contact with other families to arrange joint activities over the summer. Starting a new school alongside familiar faces is far less daunting.
6. Gradually increase independence, for example catching the bus to the local shopping centre to meet friends for a couple of hours.
7. Be firm on time-keeping and give advice about keeping themselves and valuables safe. Encourage your child to act responsibly and solve problems themselves.
8. If boarding for the first time, practise housekeeping skills such as keeping a tidy bedroom, keeping track of possessions, changing a duvet cover and putting clothes into the laundry daily.
9. Buy new uniform as soon as is practical, bearing in mind summer growth spurts. Leaving this until the last week of the holiday means items are more likely to be out of stock and the shops will be insanely busy with those doing everything at the last-minute. Name everything clearly and securely, including techy gadgets, chargers, trainers and in particular sports kit, which often tends to disappear.
10. If starting a new sport such as lacrosse, hockey or rugby, book a pre-season summer course to get to grips with some of the skills before term starts. This will boost confidence and give them a head-start in September.

For the very few for whom results day brings disappointing news, firstly seek and listen to the advice of your prep school Head. They have strong relationships with senior schools and know your child well, so will be best placed to advise and support you in securing the right alternative school to the one you had your hopes pinned to.

If you would like an independent viewpoint, in tandem with that of your school, our team of friendly consultants are here with a listening ear and a big box of tissues, to advise and support you in reviewing your options.

For advice on choosing the right senior school please contact us to speak with one of our expert education consultants. 

Visit our website http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/prep-to-senior-school-choices-at-11-or-13/ 

Or Call 01865 522066 

Or Email Claire on consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

An A to Z of tips and questions for #parents, when choosing or visiting a potential #school.

Whatever age and stage of education your child has reached, planning their next school can be a confusing and sometimes even daunting process. Dodging the minefield of gossip at dinner parties can be tricky, not to mention handling passionate advice from family members who are keen to relate their own experiences. Below are a few tips from our education consultant team, gathered through years of experience supporting parents with their future school choices. Whatever your dilemma or concern, chances are we have heard it before and can offer an independent perspective on how to move forward in the best interests of your child as an individual.

Academic level of the school MUST match that of your child. It should present them with challenge to aim high, but be realistic.

Boarding school pros and cons. It’s important to understand 21st Century boarding rather than thinking boarding is still as it may have once been when you were at school.

Curriculum strengths differ on a school by school basis. For example in areas such as Science, Sport, Music, Drama, Art. These need to match those of your child so they will feel engaged and inspired.

Dyslexia or other learning support. Does the school use teaching methods and styles to suit the individual child’s needs?

Extra-curricular opportunities which will match the talents and interests of your child. Inspiring your child to try new things is an important part of an all-round education.

Full-boarding should have a 7 day a week programme, particularly if you live overseas.

Guardianship policy. Does this give you the reassurance that someone is looking out for your child while you are overseas?

Head’s philosophy of education and strong leadership is important. Do the school ethos and values match yours?

Information technology should be noticeable on a tour around the school. Is it gathering dust or is it being used creatively to compliment work in the classroom?

Keep your options open with the range of schools you short-list. On the other hand, try not to visit too many or you will get confused.

Location in relation to home must make school runs practical if day school is your preference. Does the school have lessons and sport on a Saturday and how will this integrate with your family life at home? If your child is boarding, would they prefer a rural countryside campus or perhaps a school located in a town or city? Do you need to be close to airports or train links?

Meet the Head when you visit and ideally try to go on a normal school day when you can see the school in action rather, than when it is on show, perhaps on an Open day.

Nurturing self confidence and self-esteem vs. a more competitive, driven environment. Your child’s personality must suit the environment for them to thrive.

Option blocks for subject choices at GCSE and in the sixth form. Are some subjects compulsory?

Parent portal on the website. Does this provide easy access to information about your child and what is happening at school day-to-day, to enable you to  monitor their progress whilst at school, especially if you live overseas.

Qualifications offered for example 11+ CE, GCSE, IGCSE, A Levels, IB, EPQ. PreU

Reporting, evaluation of effort and progress. How does the school ensure parents are kept informed?

Single sex vs. Co-ed and which suits your child?

Teachers’ specialisms and classroom ‘feel’ and atmosphere. Does the school appear traditional or present a more in-formal approach to learning?

Uniform policy, colour and style. Is this worn in both the lower school and sixth form?

Visit the schools at least two years before the September of entry. Places can fill up quickly, so allow enough time to meet the criteria of what can sometimes be a lengthy and competitive admissions process.

Wifi and the use of ipads, laptops and smartphones. Technology is now a crucial part of education for the future.

‘EX’eat and weekend policy in boarding schools - how often will your child be permitted to come home and if you live overseas how often will they need to stay with their guardian?

Your gut feeling about which is the right school is the one that matters. Try to put aside dinner party banter, family input and tradition or league tables. None of these consider schools from the individual perspective of your child.

‘Zeek’ advice from your current school Head, Housemaster or tutor. They know you and your child well so can suggest schools which match your academic aspirations, as well as the skills and interests of your child.

Do you need advice with choosing the right school? Our team of education consultants can help.

Visit our website for more information by clicking the link below.

http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/choosing-a-school-age-5-7-11-13-or-16/

Here is what our clients say about us:

“I have been singing your praises to anyone who would listen and will happily spread the word. I wanted you to know that through all the oscillation, deliberation and concern, my husband and I have gone back to your crystal clear words of wisdom. It helped so much coming from someone with intelligence and experience on this confounding subject and has helped us take this giant leap of faith. Thank you. I believe we are finally on right path for our daughter.”

Call Claire on 01865 522066 or email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

The A to Z of #parents' #education decisions, along the timeline of UK #school life

Throughout the school life of a child, their parents are faced with a multitude of decisions, challenges and un-expected outcomes. Our team of professional consultants has experience across all areas of education. 

Here is an A to Z of how we can help

A is for A LEVELS VS IB AND FINDING THE RIGHT ACADEMIC OPTION

B for BOARDING SCHOOL CHOICES AND WHY BOARD AT ALL?

C is for CV, CAREER PLANNING AND UCAS CLEARING IN AUGUST

D for DYSLEXIA SUPPORT

E for ELEVEN PLUS AND ADVICE AFTER EXPULSION

F is for FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD

G for GUARDIAN FAMILIES SUPPORTING PARENTS WHO LIVE OVERSEAS

H is for HOMEWORK PLANNING FOR EFFECTIVE HOME-STUDY

I is for INTERVIEW PRACTICE FOR TOP SENIOR SCHOOLS AT 13+ AND SIXTH FORM

J is for JUST GIVE US A CALL TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP

K is for KNOWLEDGEABLE TEAM OF FRIENDLY CONSULTANT EXPERTS

L is for LEARNING SUPPORT AND ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

M is for MEDICINE APPLICATIONS FOR TOP UK UNIVERSITY 

N - NO PROBLEM TOO BIG OR SMALL

O is for OPEN DAY VISITS AND ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

P is for PERSONAL STATEMENT WRITING FOR UCAS

Q is for QUESTIONS ABOUT PREP TO SENIOR SCHOOL TRANSITION AT 13+

R for REVISION COURSES AND RE-TAKES

S is for STUDY SKILLS

T for TUTORS

U is for UCAS APPLICATION AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT UNIVERSITY COURSE

V is for VISIT THIS BLOG EVERY WEEK FOR REGULAR EDUCATION TIPS 

W is for WORK EXPERIENCE PLANNING AND MONITORING

X is for ‘EXPATS’ CHOOSING THE RIGHT UK SCHOOL

Y is for WHY NOT CALL OR EMAIL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TO FIND OUT MORE?

Z is for ZEN-THE WAY TO ENLIGHTENMENT IN YOUR EDUCATION CHOICES AND DECISIONS.

DO YOU NEED ADVICE WITH YOUR EDUCATION AND SCHOOL CHOICES?

Our team of friendly professional consultants are here to help.

For an informal chat about how we might help you, call Claire Coker on +44 (0)1865 522066

or Email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

Top Ten Nutrition Tips for #Exam Success

With exams now well and truly under-way for GCSE and sixth form students, this week's blog has some tips from Jocelyn Peregrine, a nutritional therapist.

Eating and drinking properly can make a massive difference to exam performance and revision effectiveness.  The trick is to have the right food and drink readily at hand and the junk food banished from the house.  Then, to persuade the exam taker to actually consume it!

1. Drink Water

Aim for 1.5-2 litres of water a day, NOT fizzy drinks or energy drinks.  Being properly hydrated can increased performance by up to 20%.  If plain water is deemed too "boring", then try adding fresh lemon or lime juice, mint, cucumber or even ginger.  If fizzy is essential, then sparkling water is OK.

2. Keep sugar to a minimum

Students need a slow, even release of energy to keep their brains working at optimal levels.  Sugar provides a fast release of glucose into the blood stream that acts like rocket fuel - energy off the scale for about half and hour and then a slump, when the brain slows down and the body craves more sugar, distracting from studies.

Watch for hidden sugar in breakfast cereals, supposedly healthy nutri bars, fruit juices, white bread, white pasta etc.

3. Eat breakfast!

This is especially important for exam days when snacks won't be available in the exam room.  However, revision days still need this too. A protein rich breakfast is ideal as it should provide a slow release of energy for three or four hours e.g. Eggs on wholemeal toast, porridge or muesli with ground nuts and fresh fruit, wholemeal toast with nut butter, or yoghurt with fruit, nuts and seeds. 

4. Protein with every meal

Ensure students get some protein with each meal and snack, not only breakfast.  There's always the revision for the next exam that's going to need energy and brain power.  Remember rich protein sources  includes meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, chickpeas, kidney beans and other legumes, homous, nuts, seeds tofu and miso.

5.  Vegetables  - loads!

Vegetables and fruit provide the majority of the vitamins and minerals we all need in order for our bodies to work at their best.  This includes energy production, nervous systems, and brain power, to name a few.  Aim to eat the full rainbow of colours every day, preferably with at least 3 green leafy vegetables as part of a 7+ portions a day.  Ideally you want the ratio to be 2 veg to 1 fruit portion.  Try green smoothies, which are a great way to pack in loads of veg (and a bit of fruit) into a drink.

6. Snacks - yes, definitely!

Again, keep the energy up with a good snack that will keep the energy going, such as a piece of fruit with a small handful of nuts, hard boiled eggs, nut butter sandwich (wholemeal), homemade flapjacks, nuts and seeds, smoothies.

7.  Magnesium - the de-stressor

The mineral magnesium is nature's de-stressor and relaxant.  So, it would be great to have as much as possible to try to avoid the pre-exam meltdowns.  Best sources include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, legumes, avocados, bananas, yoghurt, dark chocolate.

Epsom salt baths (magnesium sulphate) is also a great way to absorb it.  Two hands full in a hot bath last thing before bed helps provide a good sleep.

8. Regular breaks

The brain works best in chunks of less than an hour, so a five minute break every hour or so is ideal.  Trick is to ensure it is only five minutes and doesn't become a prolonged computer game session!  Try to ensure once or twice a day students get some fresh air....getting outside, preferably exercising, can invigorate them with renewed energy and focus.  Exercise will increase circulation and release endorphins (brain's feel good chemicals).

9.  Deep Breathing

Essential at that moment of turning over the exam paper, but if done regularly throughout the day can help keep students release tension, stay calmer and provide a better supply of oxygen to the brain for clarity of thinking.  In brief, breathe in (filling your belly) for the count of 5, hold for 3, release for 5.

10. Sleep

Absolutely essential!  This is when the brain processes and assimilates all the work that has been learnt during the day.  Teenagers ideally need ten hours.....a tall order, I realise, especially if there is late night revision going on.  Encourage maximum possible and try to ensure bedrooms are electronics free at night.....that means, no phones, no tablets, no PCs and no TVs.  Not only does the distraction harm their sleep, so does the radiation.

Good luck to students and parents alike!

Jocelyn Peregrine

Nutritional Therapist

BSC ( Hons)  Dip (NT)  BANT  CNHC

www.jocelynperegrine.co.uk

07966 240064