Category: Exam Tips
Back After Half-Term: Rebuilding Routines Before the Busy Winter Weeks
The return after October half-term can feel surprisingly difficult. The clocks have changed, mornings are darker and many children come back to school knowing that assessments, GCSE mock examinations and end-of-term expectations are approaching. A hesitant first week does not mean that a child has lost motivation. It often means that their body clock, concentration […]
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How secondary school allocations actually work in Kent (including grammar school preferences and “first choice” myths):
Your first choice does not give you priority over someone else who listed the same school second or third. What matters is whether your child meets the school’s admission criteria. Kent (like the rest of England) uses an “equal preference system.” How the “Equal Preference System” Works You rank your schools on the Kent Secondary […]
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The Kent Test Is Over: What Should Families Do Next?
The Kent Test is finished. For many children and parents, this brings a mixture of relief, pride, tiredness and uncertainty. After a long preparation period, families often feel that they should be doing something: checking answers, discussing possible scores or planning for every possible outcome. In reality, the most useful first step is to pause. […]
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Top Tips for Staying Calm During the 11+ Exams
The 11+ exam can feel like a big moment for children and for parents too. But staying calm under pressure can make all the difference to performance on the day. At Maidstone Learning Centre, we coach our students not just on skills, but on mindset too. Here are our top tips to help your child […]
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Summer Learning: Keeping Skills Sharp During the Holidays
Summer holidays are a time to relax, recharge, and enjoy family time but they’re also a perfect opportunity to keep learning ticking over without the pressure of school. At Maidstone Learning Centre, we believe that small, fun activities during the holidays can help children return to school feeling confident and ready to learn. Here’s how […]
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Making Maths Fun: Creative Activities to Try at Home
Turning “I Hate Maths” into “This Is Kinda Fun…” Maths can be one of the most polarising subjects for children, they either love the challenge, or they dread it. For many, it’s not about ability. It’s about confidence, fear of mistakes, or simply not seeing how numbers fit into everyday life. At Maidstone Learning Centre, […]
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Helping Your Child Tackle Exam Nerves
Feeling a bit nervous before an exam is completely normal, even healthy. A little adrenaline can sharpen focus. But for some children, nerves can feel overwhelming and get in the way of showing what they truly know. At Maidstone Learning Centre, we believe emotional readiness is just as important as academic preparation. Here are some […]
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Mastering Maths Stories: How to Ace Worded Questions Like a Pro!
Happy resumption to all our members! We are pleased to share effective strategies for navigating mathematical word problems with confidence. How do I identify keywords? Identify the primary question by reading the text twice and underlining words such as “altogether” or “difference” to determine the necessary operation. This method ensures all essential information is captured […]
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Looking For a Kent Grammar School? 7 Things You Must Know About the New School-Specific Entrance Tests
Happy resumption! We are pleased to provide this essential administrative update regarding grammar school entrance exams Kent families must navigate for the upcoming academic year. 1. The Central Kent Test (PESE) remains the primary gateway The Kent Test (Procedure for Entry to Secondary Education) is the standardised assessment used by the majority of the 32 […]
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11 Plus Spatial Reasoning Prep: 5 Secrets Revealed to Help Your Child Master the Shapes
Happy resumption to all our hard-working families. Preparing for the Kent Test involves mastering several distinct skills. Spatial reasoning is often the most unfamiliar component for students. This guide provides direct strategies to improve performance in this critical area. How Can Your Child Excel in 11 Plus Spatial Reasoning Prep? Spatial reasoning requires the mental […]
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