Logo
BACK TO QUINTESSENTIALLY
BACK TO QUINTESSENTIALLY
Image A woman looking at books on a bookshelf, in a library.

Editorial

Since Quintessentially Education’s inception, we have been committed to imparting our extensive expertise in all things education – and now, we want to share it with you. So, this platform is your go-to source for the most recent trends and updates in education.

Sign up to newsletter

Education news & press

12 Feb 2025 News

Harrow School to open international branch in Abu Dhabi

Harrow School will open its first Middle East branch in Abu Dhabi next year, marking the emirate’s first boarding school. Located on Saadiyat Island, Harrow International School Abu Dhabi will cater to 1,800 pupils, with enrolment beginning in October 2025. Operated by UAE education provider Taaleem, the school aims to deliver a British curriculum with a strong focus on leadership and character development.

11 Feb 2025 News

UK eases apprenticeship rules to boost completion

To improve completion rates and address skill shortages, the UK government will now allow businesses to decide whether Maths and English qualifications are required for adult apprentices. Additionally, from August 2025, the minimum apprenticeship duration will be reduced from 12 months to eight months.

10 Feb 2025 News

Cuts made to U.S. Department of Education research institute

The U.S. Department of Education is significantly cutting the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), cancelling contracts which could limit access to decades of educational data. The move aligns with President Trump's stated goal of reducing or closing the Education Department, with his administration citing government efficiency and cost-cutting as key reasons.

09 Feb 2025 News

University Libraries in Leicestershire, UK open to public

Universities in Leicestershire have launched a scheme allowing local residents and students to access university libraries for free to borrow books and use study spaces. The initiative, involving the University of Leicester, De Montfort University and Loughborough University, aims to enhance community access to academic resources and support local education. 

07 Feb 2025 News

Yale-NUS College to close in August 2025

Yale-NUS College, a partnership between Yale University and the National University of Singapore (NUS) established in 2013, will close at the end of this academic year, with its programmes merging into the newly formed NUS College. 

04 Feb 2025 Press

Quintessentially Education Founder speaks to School House Magazine about his Eton school days

It was great to see our Founder, Sir Ben Elliot, in a feature with School House Magazine at Country & Town House speaking about his favourite school memories, his proudest moment, being a boarder at eight years old, and how his school life shaped him as a person, inspiring him to add Quintessentially Education to the group’s suite of services.  
Read the full interview here. 

30 Jan 2025 News

Report finds decline in school readiness for pupils in England and Wales

A recent survey found that fewer than half of parents in England and Wales believe children should know how to use books correctly by age 4, and that only 76% believe children should be toilet trained before entering Reception. The findings come as teachers report increasing delays in motor skills and school readiness among young pupils.

28 Jan 2025 News

Increase in number of non-EU academics in the UK

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa), the number of non-EU international academics in the UK has almost doubled in the last ten years, with EU academics now making up just 15% of the workforce compared to 18% non-EU.

23 Jan 2025 News

Plans for Indian branch campuses for UK Universities

Queen’s University Belfast is planning to open its first offshore campus in Gift City, Gujarat, offering postgraduate programmes and aiming to recruit 800 students initially, pending approval. The University of Surrey is currently also working to establish a Gift City campus which will offer programmes in Business, International Finance and Computer Science. 

18 Jan 2025 News

Sharp rise in number of students in England receiving extra time for exams

According to Ofqual, the number of pupils in England receiving extra time in exams has quadrupled in a decade, with nearly 420,000 students now granted additional time. Figures show that 30% of students receive extra time, with 42% of private school pupils compared to 27% in state schools. The Department for Education is reviewing the disparity between sectors, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson calling for further scrutiny.

17 Jan 2025 News

UK High Court fast-tracks legal challenge against VAT on private school fees

The High Court has agreed to fast-track a legal challenge against the government’s 20% VAT on private school fees, with a hearing expected before Easter. The case, led by Lord Pannick, will highlight the impact on families, including those with children who have special educational needs. The government, defending the policy, maintains it will generate £1.8bn by 2029 to support state education.

13 Jan 2025 News

Universities in Los Angeles go remote due to wildfires

Wildfires in the Los Angeles region have caused significant damage, with thousands of homes and businesses destroyed. Colleges such as Pepperdine University and UCLA have switched to remote classes, while others like Pasadena City College and Caltech are preparing to reopen with safety measures, offering support to affected community members.

12 Jan 2025 News

UK Science Secretary supports supervised use of AI for homework

UK Science Secretary Peter Kyle has expressed support for supervised use of AI like ChatGPT for homework, enhancing learning and aiding neurodivergent children, while emphasizing the importance of teaching expertise. He aims for the UK to lead in AI innovation with strong safety standards and equitable access.

12 Jan 2025 News

IB open book and online exams to be introduced by 2030

The International Baccalaureate (IB) plans to introduce open book and online exams across all subjects for 16-18-year-olds by 2030. This shift, supported by major UK exam boards, could influence GCSEs and A levels, but concerns remain about equitable access to technology and schools’ preparedness for digital assessments. 

02 Dec 2024 News

115 UK universities make fossil fuel pledge

Over three-quarters of UK universities have pledged to divest from fossil fuel investments, removing £17.7bn in endowments from the industry, according to the student campaign group People & Planet. The campaign group will release its ethical and environmental university rankings later this month and then encourage the remaining UK universities to go fossil-free. 

To discuss any of these industry updates in greater detail, get in touch with our team today.

Contact us
A young man and woman are sitting at a table, working together on notebooks. The man is writing, while the woman smiles and looks on. They appear to be in a study or collaborative session, with books and stationery around them.
Education

How private tutors benefit university students
Undergraduate private tuition is on the rise – here’s everything you need to know.
Read more
Two children dressed in colorful winter clothes lie on their backs making snow angels. The child on the left wears a striped jacket, and the one on the right wears an orange and red outfit. Both smile joyfully against the snowy backdrop.
Education

All about après ski school
How to hit up the slopes without your children falling behind at school (hint: it involves a travelling tutor).
Read more
London’s best sixth form colleges
Education

London’s best sixth form colleges
Quintessentially Education’s comprehensive guide to post-16 study in the UK capital – plus, tips for ensuring a successful application.
Read more
https://quintessentially.com/assets/general/_1200x912_crop_center-center_none/Feature_2024-09-05-100302_kapm.webp
Exclusive

Why does September feel like the start of a new year for adults too?

September's 'back-to-school' buzz isn't just for students—adults feel it too. Discover how the academic calendar's influence and seasonal changes inspire many to reset personal and professional goals, with expert insights from Quintessentially.

Read more
https://quintessentially.com/assets/general/_1200x912_crop_center-center_none/Feature_2024-09-04-095218_fcyb.webp
Exclusive

Expert advice for a smooth start to the new academic year

Prepare your child for a successful school year with expert tips from Quintessentially Education's super tutor Aron Penczu and homeschool specialist Anita McCullough.

Read more
Back to school: key test dates this autumn 
Education

Back to school: key test dates this autumn 
With many exams looming for students aged 10–18, it’s important to take note of key dates and application deadlines to best prepare – here are our…
Read more

Education's picks

Girl student sat at a desk smiling at her MacBook with one hand in the air
Exclusive

How to get ahead this term

Don't let students fall behind this term – here are some tips to best balance academics with fun and wellbeing to stay ahead in school.

Read more
London’s best sixth form colleges
Education

London’s best sixth form colleges

Quintessentially Education’s comprehensive guide to post-16 study in the UK capital – plus, tips for ensuring a successful application.

Read more
Why one-to-one tuition is the secret to scholarly success
Exclusive

Why one-to-one tuition is the secret to scholarly success

Working with a tutor can reduce stress and increase exam performance – here’s how.

Read more
Is a travelling tutor the key to unlocking school-life balance this summer?
Education

Is a travelling tutor the key to unlocking school-life balance this summer?
Students can lose up to 40% of their learning over the holidays – here’s how our education experts are fighting back.
Read more
https://quintessentially.com/assets/general/_1200x912_crop_center-center_none/Feature_2024-04-04-121045_pivm.webp
Exclusive

Why one-to-one tuition is the secret to scholarly success

Working with a tutor can reduce stress and increase exam performance – here’s how.

Read more
Children with science equipment in a classroom experimenting
Education

2025 summer camp recommendations
Make the most of the school holidays with this in-depth guide from our in-house education experts.
Read more
https://quintessentially.com/assets/general/_1200x912_crop_center-center_none/Education-header-new_2024-01-24-092547_lhhe.webp
Exclusive

The ABCs of education advising: a call for industry transparency

Families must be fully informed when choosing to work with an education agent or consultant. Here’s why – and how – we adopt an ethical approach to education advising.

Read more
https://quintessentially.com/assets/general/_1200x912_crop_center-center_none/Education-feature-1.webp
Exclusive

How to get ahead this term

Don't let students fall behind this term – here are some tips to best balance academics with fun and wellbeing to stay ahead in school.

Read more
The power of early exam prep
Education

The power of early exam prep
Set your children up for success during the summer 2024 exam season by beginning preparations early.
Read more
https://quintessentially.com/assets/general/_1200x912_crop_center-center_none/desktop-resized_2023-12-07-113532_tvyg.webp
Exclusive

Après ski or après school?

Don't let children fall behind in school over the holidays – consider employing a tutor to assist with lessons to keep them up-to-date.

Read more
https://quintessentially.com/assets/general/_1200x912_crop_center-center_none/Image-700x400.webp
Exclusive

11+ Entry: Are senior schools moving away from school-specific entrance assessments?

Instead of issuing their own exams, many schools introduce independent multipurpose assessments to ease stress on students.

Read more
https://quintessentially.com/assets/general/_1200x912_crop_center-center_none/feature.webp
Exclusive

Rethinking Education: top London independent school moves away from traditional GCSEs

Top London independent school, Latymer Upper School, paves the way for a new path instead of traditional GCSE exams.

Read more
The changing landscape for UCAS & Oxbridge admissions
Education

The changing landscape for UCAS & Oxbridge admissions
Uncover the latest changes to the UCAS and Oxbridge admission landscape for the 2023/24 cycle.
Read more
How to apply for the best nurseries in the UK
Education

How to apply for the best nurseries in the UK
Give your little ones the best possible start with these expert tips from Quintessentially Education’s early years consultants.
Read more
UK university applications: how to prepare this summer
Education

UK university applications: how to prepare this summer
With the exam season drawing to a close, Quintessentially Education shares top tips for how to get ahead with UK university applications this summer.
Read more
Mindfulness for students
Education

Mindfulness for students
Quintessentially Education shares advice from Neuroscientist Laurentia Campbell on how to best relax during exam season.
Read more
Three young adults smiling and looking at computer screens
Education

SAT & ACT: When is test-optional actually optional?
Coinciding with the decision whether to apply for university in the US or UK, April is the best time to plan for ACT and SAT exams.
Read more
Person with stationary equipment drawing in a notebook on a desk surrounded by books and notes
Education

To write or not to write: how will AI and STEM impact literature studies?
To mark Shakespeare Week, Quintessentially Education considers the value of literacy – from Shakespeare to Chat GPT.
Read more
Student and tutor in casual clothing sat on an outdoor table in front of a building with a laptop and paper
Education

Easter revision tips from a private tutor
With the holidays fast approaching, one of Quintessentially Education’s super-tutors shares his advice.
Read more
New year, new term: education deadlines in January 2023
Education

New year, new term: education deadlines in January 2023
Stay on track this academic year with these tips from Quintessentially Education.
Read more
Teacher and student high fiving over desk
Education

ISEB common pre-test: a simplified guide
Quintessentially Education’s tips for preparing for this widely used assessment.
Read more
Oxbridge applications: a simplified guide
Education

Oxbridge applications: a simplified guide
Follow Quintessentially Education’s simple guide to understand how to best apply to Oxbridge this year.
Read more
Practical back-to-school tips
Education

Practical back-to-school tips
Shake off the post-holiday blues and prepare for the return to school with these practical tips.
Read more
Male teacher and students smiling, sitting at desk in a school completing work with a pen and paper.
Education

Summer exam study skills
Quintessentially Education shares their top tips on how students should approach their revision for upcoming exams.
Read more
How to choose a London nursery
Education

How to choose a London nursery
Our expert team details the importance of in-person visits, and other recommendations, when it comes to choosing the best London nursery for your…
Read more
How to prepare for the 11+
Education

How to prepare for the 11+
Discover important details for the best possible success of this crucial time in a child’s education.
Read more
A Guide To US Undergraduate Application Submission Options
Education

A Guide To US Undergraduate Application Submission Options
Choosing when to apply is an important part of the application process; we outline the parameters for each option.
Read more
The Benefits Of An Academic Mentor
Education

The Benefits Of An Academic Mentor
As we enter the new school year, you may want to consider an academic mentor for your child.
Read more
Deciding Between IB And A-Levels
Education

Deciding Between IB And A-Levels
There are benefits to each of these continuing education systems – our in-house experts detail what might be right for your child.
Read more
Children’s Easter Camps 2021
Education

Children’s Easter Camps 2021
If you’re seeking some extra activities for children this Easter break, explore these fun and varied camp options.
Read more
The Rise Of Bilingual Education
Education

The Rise Of Bilingual Education
Read more
Load more
Image

Stay in the know

Sign up to receive our termly edit of everything education, from test tips and tutor interviews to deadline reminders and application advice.

Loading Loading

By signing up to the newsletter you confirm you have read & agree to the Privacy Policy.

Learn how we can help you

Contact us

QUINTESSENTIALLY.COM © 2024 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Make an enquiry