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What is the Difference Between IGCSE and GCSE?
What are GCSEs and IGCSEs?The General Certificate in Secondary Education or GCSE is a subject-based academic qualification typically taken by UK students at the end of their compulsory education in Year 11 (age 16). They are normally studied over 2 or 3 years, starting in either Year 9 or 10 - depending on subject, exam board or school - and finish with a set of examinations at the end of the course.
Should my child take A Levels or the IB?
When it comes to deciding on the best educational path for students post GCSE, the choice between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a topic of debate for many families. Both qualifications offer unique approaches to learning and present opportunities for children to excel academically at school and beyond.
Upcoming Webinars
Here are details of our upcoming webinars. Do join us live to ask any questions you might have or register below to receive a recording after the event.
Webinar: Choosing the Right School for Your Child
In this webinar, Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook and Director of Asia, Jenny McGowan, provide an overview of what parents should consider when choosing an independent school for their child and what the admissions processes involve. They cover the various entry points from 7+ to 16+ as well as day and boarding schools.
How to Get All 9s in Your GCSEs: Expert Tips for Top Grades
Why Aiming for All 9s in Your GCSEs is Achievable Not many do it. But aiming for all 9s in your GCSEs is absolutely the right thing for the most ambitious students. The process of dedicating yourself extremely broadly to all aspects of school study over the course of the two GCSE years requires focus, energy and commitment.
Primary Enrichment Recommendations
The Importance of Primary Enrichment鈥楨nrichment鈥� can often seem like just another buzzword鈥攕omething parents may overlook while focusing on what feels like the core aspects of their child鈥檚 education.But the idea of enlivening or deepening children鈥檚 experience of learning (this is really what enrichment means) in the home environment is actually instinctive to parents, and something they do (or wish to do) whether they realise it or not.
School League Tables
Using School League Tables in the UK: What you need to know?When it comes to choosing a school for your child, one of the first places many parents turn to is school league tables. These tables, which rank schools based on their academic performance, can seem like an easy way to identify the 鈥渂est鈥� schools. However, while they provide useful data, it鈥檚 essential to understand how to interpret them and recognise their limitations.
How to Choose a British Independent School for Your Child
Over the years Keystone has successfully helped many families in their search for suitable independent schools for their children through our Schools Advisory Service. We have outlined the key points that you should consider when looking for a school for your child and where to find the information in this article.
Overview of the UK Independent Education System
The UK education system can be confusing, especially for international families whose children are being educated elsewhere. This blog aims to give an overview of the system and to define the key terms you might see when conducting research.Before reading the rest of the blog do take a look at our Educational Roadmap linked here, which will allow you to determine which UK school year your child is in. The age cut-off date is September 1st in the UK 鈥� e.g.
Webinar: A Level vs IB (Inc. GCSE vs. IGCSE)
Keystone鈥檚 Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Jenny McGowan, Keystone's Director of Asia, to discuss the similarities and differences between IGCSEs and GCSEs as well as A Levels and the IB. They also covered how students might choose subjects to study at the different levels.
How to write a standout personal statement for Oxbridge
Last year, only 16% of applicants successfully gained a place at Oxford or Cambridge. Making your application stand out requires more than just exceptional grades鈥攊t demands a personal statement that demonstrates not only your academic achievements but also your passion for your subject and your readiness for the rigours of Oxbridge鈥檚 academic environment. Crafting a standout personal statement for an Oxbridge application can be challenging.
How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement- updated for 2026 entry
How has the UCAS Personal Statement Changed?The UCAS personal statement has undergone significant changes for applicants seeking university entry in 2026. Instead of submitting a single 4000-character, one-page document, applicants will now complete a statement divided into three separate sections. UCAS refers to the new format as having a 鈥榮caffolded structure,鈥� where applicants will respond to a series of free-text questions.
Webinar: Top Tips for School Entrance Interviews
In this webinar Keystone鈥檚 Managing Director, Ed Richardson was joined by Director of Asia, Jenny McGowan, and Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook, to discuss school entrance interviews.
Webinar: A Guide to University Interviews
Keystone鈥檚 Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Jenny McGowan, Keystone鈥檚 Director of Asia, to discuss university interview skills for applicants to Cambridge, Oxford, and courses that typically require interviews, such as medicine and veterinary science. They covered the benefits of practice interviews, recommended reading before your interview, how to approach the interview process, and shared their top preparation tips.
A Complete Guide to Oxford University Interviews
Interviews are often considered to be the most intimidating and mysterious elements of the Oxford admissions process. This guide is designed to demystify the Oxford interview process so that you can approach your interview as confidently as possible.
A Complete Guide to Cambridge University Interviews
Interviewing for a Place to Study at Cambridge UniversityCambridge University, founded over 800 years ago, supposedly by scholars fleeing from irate townsfolk in Oxford, is one of the world's greatest universities and a historic seat of learning. Graced by the stunning architecture of its colleges, and filled with keen minds from around the world, Cambridge is an amazing place to study your chosen subject.
Webinar: The 7 Plus and 8 Plus
In this webinar Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by one of Keystone鈥檚 most experienced Professional Tutors, Steph Kitson-Smith, to discuss 7+ and 8+ entry processes and considerations. Ed and Steph looked to cover all key aspects of the 7+ and 8+ entry process, from registration timelines to assessments and interview formats. They advise on how and when to start preparing for assessments and interviews, and how to finalise your shortlist of schools.
Oxbridge 鈥� Which Schools Get the Most Offers?
The Spectator has published its annual table showing which schools received the most Oxbridge offers last year. Over the years, both Oxford and Cambridge have increased the proportion of acceptances from state schools, which now account for 72%, up from 52% in 2000. Of the 80 schools considered, 29 are independent, 29 are grammar or partially selective, 17 are Sixth Form Colleges, and 5 are comprehensives or academies.
Webinar : 11+ London Day Schools
In this webinar, Charlotte Wilson, one of Keystone's knowledgeable Client Managers, was joined by Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, to discuss 11+ entry with a focus on London day schools. Ed and Charlotte covered all key aspects of the 11+ entry process to London schools, including advising on how and when to start preparing for 11+ assessments and interviews, and how to finalise a shortlist of schools.
Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
Do I need to sit the TSA?The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is a form of assessment used to measure aptitude in critical thinking and problem-solving. The TSA is a requirement only for those looking to study certain courses at Oxford University: Philosophy, Politics and EconomicsEconomics and ManagementExperimental PsychologyHistory and EconomicsHuman SciencesPsychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.
A Guide to St Paul's Boys School Admissions
St Paul鈥檚 is an independent boy鈥檚 school set within 45 acres of open space in Barnes, South West London. The school was founded in 1509 by John Colet with the vision to provide an outstanding all-round education to prepare boys for a successful future. The school welcomes all academically eligible students, regardless of either economic or social circumstances.
A Guide to Wycombe Abbey Admissions
Wycombe Abbey was founded in 1896 by Dame Frances Dove to create a girls鈥� education that was every ounce as good as boys鈥�, through pursuit of excellence, development of talents, and an understanding of the needs of others. It has become one of the leading girls鈥� schools in the UK, renowned for its long-standing academic excellence and outstanding results.
A Guide to Winchester College Admissions
Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester (who also founded New College, Oxford), this is one of the oldest schools in the world. The College is situated in the beautiful city of Winchester, and its buildings and grounds are outstanding. Academic standards are extremely high with boys achieving exceptional results.
A Guide to the Oxford Physics Aptitude Test (PAT)
This guide is for anyone applying to sit Physics or a number of STEM courses at the University of Oxford. In the sections below you can find out if you need to sit the test and how you go about doing that. There is also some advice on how best to prepare for the test and how important the test will be to your application to study at Oxford.
A Guide to St Paul's Girls' School Admissions
Since St Paul鈥檚 Girls鈥� School (SPGS) first opened its doors in 1904, the school has provided an ambitious and progressive education. At all stages throughout its history, the school has combined the best elements of a classical education with a commitment to innovation and a forward-looking approach. Their academic attainment has been consistently astounding.
A Guide to the PhilAT (Philosophy Test) for Oxford University
What is the PhilAT (Philosophy Test)?The PhilAT is a 60-minute online test for those applying to study Philosophy and Theology at Oxford University. The parameters are simple - to test a candidate's philosophical reasoning skills 鈥� and there is zero expectation that applicants will have studied philosophy in any formal way. This is not a test of your philosophical knowledge.
Guide to Admissions: Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) at Cambridge
Do I need to sit an entrance test for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Cambridge? The admissions process for those wishing to study PBS at Cambridge has changed for 2025/6 entry. Candidates will no longer required to sit the PBSAA (Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Admissions Assessment) which is no longer in use. Some Cambridge Colleges will however require you to sit what is called an at-college assessment.
A Guide to Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)
What is the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)? The BMSAT is a 90-minute test of your scientific knowledge and its application. There will be 80 questions in total, 20 each for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. These will be multiple choice questions and marking of your responses will be automatic.
A Guide to Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT)
What is the AHCAAT? The AHCAAT (Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test) is a new online test - introduced in 2024 - for all candidates applying for Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Oxford University. For the first two years of its running, the test should be considered as a pilot. It will be used only to supply 鈥榚xtra information鈥� on a candidate's application.
How to Get an A* or A in A Level Spanish
Achieving an A or A star in A Level Spanish is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right approach and dedication, it's entirely attainable. This guide will equip you with essential strategies resources and tips to excel in all aspects of the exam.
