Over my six years as an academic coach I've seen students making some helpful comparisons between themselves and others. However, more often they make unhelpful or misguided comparisons. In this article, I'm going to share with you: The three toxic comparisons that students should avoid making at all costs The two comparisons that will help […]

It's been a tough two years for the current year 11s and 13s, but last week we found out how their GCSE and A-Level grades will be awarded. That means we're into the last few months when they can demonstrate to their teachers what they can do, and therefore what grades they deserve. In this […]

Sometimes, young people will be set ‘surprise' tests, only being given 24 or 48 hours notice that they're going to happen. For the most conscientious students this can be a really stressful experience, and that stress will often be transferred onto their parents. In this article, I'm going to help you to feel less stressed […]

Is studying for your A-Level biology getting you down? There is so much content to learn, and even if you know your stuff it can often be tricky to get the marks in practice exam questions because the language the examiner is looking for is so specific. In this article, you'll find a summary of […]

In this article I'd like to introduce you to Zoe Holland, who has joined my team as an academic coach, bringing a wealth of teaching and parenting experiences to the role. All about Zoe Holland, Academic Coach Zoe Holland is a recent Head of Sixth Form and senior leader with 21 years’ experience in teaching […]

This is the 100th episode of The School Success Formula. I couldn't decide what to share in this episode so I asked members of The Extraordinaries Club and they asked me to talk about the things that I've learned from my guests over the last 100 episodes. I've learned huge amounts from them as they […]

Are you worried about your child's grades? Have you been nagging them to do more work, only to find them becoming more and more resistant to the point where they've told you to back off? If so, all is not lost. There are things that can help – both your relationship with them and their […]

Last week, when schools were closed and GCSE, AS and A-Level exams were cancelled many student's morale and motivation took a massive hit. We are still asking many questions about how they are going to be assessed and how the powers that be will enable them to get the grades they truly deserve. So, while […]

With the announcement that all schools are closing for X weeks, many secondary school students will be learning at home through online lessons. However, some schools still don't provide online lessons at all, and some only provide them part of the time. Many students struggle with working through worksheets and work set without any interaction […]

It's very nearly 2021 and you may well be thinking about new year's resolutions, or turning over a new leaf. Or, you might just be relieved that 2020 is nearly over! In this short and sweet post, I'm going to remind you of one very important fact that will determine whether your new year's resolutions […]