Advice for parents: Gabbitas experts answer your education questions

The experts at Gabbitas answer all your questions about educationAs a parent, have you ever wished you had an agony aunt to answer your burning questions? Well, independent education consultancy Gabbitas can do just that. So Absolutely Education posed four questions to the team. Here are their solutions.Question: How do we decide whether our child is best suited to a prep school that…

Profile: Hurst College, West Sussex

For its Autumn/Winter 2019 cover story, Absolutely Education visited Hurst College in West SussexTim Manly doesn’t look much like a revolutionary. In fact, in his checked shirt and book-lined library one might go so far as to say he looks exactly as he should, as the headmaster of an esteemed public school in rural West Sussex. But make no mistake, Manly is a man who has moved…

The benefits of choosing an all-through school from nursery to A-levels

When it comes to your child’s education, choosing the right school can seem like an overwhelming task. The next stage is always in the back of your mind: where will they go after nursery? Which Prep school would be best? And which Senior school can set them up for university success? But it does not have to be so complicated. An all-through independent school is a brilliant option for…

How to choose the best school for your child – the Absolutely Education guide, in association with SFS Group

We all want to give our children the best start in life and the Absolutely Education guide (in association with specialist school fees provider SFS Group) is your checklist for choosing the right independent schoolFinding the right independent school for your child is a complex process, with so many elements to consider – from costs to academic approach. We've joined forces with school fees…

Seven reasons outdoor learning is so important for school children

We all know that getting outside, running around, breathing fresh air, and getting dirty is good for children. But research tells us that discovering the natural world has benefits way beyond physical well-being. Taking learning outside the classroom can have a huge impact on children's mental health, as well as boosting their social skills, and academic success. Outdoor learning also provides…

Falcons School on building critical thinking skills

Falcons School, Putney Head Sara Williams-Ryan on why inspiring curiosity and critical thinking are the best ways to develop truly ambitious learnersAs the Head of Falcons School, Putney, I am determined that our students should be academically ambitious and take responsibility for their learning from the moment they join us. We know that this is the greatest accelerator of pupil progress,…

The Making of Me: Danny Mac discusses his school days

Absolutely Education interviews actor Danny Mac, as he reveals his journey into acting and why Strictly remains one of the scariest things he's ever doneWhere did you go to school and when?Bognor Regis Community College from 1999, and at 16 I moved on to Chichester College.What was it like?To be honest, Bognor Regis Community College (BRCC) was pretty terrible. It was very…

Broomwood Hall on the senior school transition

Broomwood Hall Upper School Head Louisa McCafferty discusses how parents can ensure the application and transition to senior school goes smoothlyMaking the choice and managing the entrance to senior school can seem complex for parents familiar with the UK system – even more so for families who are moving (or returning) to the UK. At Broomwood Hall, we recognise the issues that can make the…

Real World Ready: a Berkshire Prep School reimagines learning

Even before the pandemic, the world was changing in so many ways that will have a huge and exciting impact on the next generation. A shift in the way we live and work will see businesses become global, enabling people to transcend cultural and geographic borders; global movements have set in motion a long overdue shift in our view of the world and the last two years have highlighted the…

Why the right learning environment is so important for young children

If you're looking at nursery or pre-prep schools, you have probably signed up for several open days. Visiting a variety of schools will help you make an informed decision about the right learning environment for your child. Open day events provide you with the opportunity to meet the school’s leadership team, teachers and current students, while also getting a close-up view of the classrooms,…