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Top 5 education brands helping kids learn smarter

Top 5 education brands helping kids learn smarter

Metroa day ago
Finding the right tools to support children's learning and education can feel overwhelming, but help is out there.
The rise of online tutoring and innovative educational platforms is making it easier – and more exciting – than ever to spark a child's curiosity.
Whether you're after personalised lessons for your little ones, interactive resources, or smart ways to help your kids thrive, Checklist's top five education brands are leading the way.
From tech-savvy tutors to creative learning hubs, here are standout names transforming the way children discover, explore, and succeed.
With over 35 years of experience, MPW has built a reputation as one of the UK's top independent sixth-form college groups, and its Easter Revision courses are no exception.
Running from 31st March to 25th April 2025, these intensive programmes are designed to boost students' confidence, sharpen exam technique and deepen subject understanding. Classes are small, with an average of six students and a maximum of nine, and are taught by highly qualified tutors, many of whom are experienced A-level examiners.
Whether it's brushing up on GCSEs or fine-tuning A-level knowledge, MPW's tailored, board-specific approach makes a real difference. With centres in London, Birmingham and Cambridge, there's expert support waiting just around the corner.
The info: Click here to book an Easter Revision course.
For teens looking to boost their confidence, skills and sense of adventure, the Army Cadets offers a powerful alternative to traditional extracurriculars.
Backed by research from the University of Northampton*, the Army Cadets are proven to improve attendance, behaviour and academic performance – all while reducing exclusions. But the real magic? It's open to everyone.
Whether sporty or not, musical or not, teens from any background can thrive here. From first aid to survival training, teamwork to travel, cadets get stuck into a broad mix of hands-on learning, earning qualifications like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and BTECs along the way.
Best of all, it's completely free – and packed with camaraderie, resilience and life-changing experiences.
The info: Click here to find out more.
*Denny, S., Hazenberg, R., & Paterson-Young, C. 2024. The Impact and Value of School-Based Cadet Forces in the UK. University of Northampton. Commissioned by MoD and the Combined Cadet Force Association – April 2024.
For parents seeking top-tier teaching tuition without the unaffordable price tag, MyEdSpace is opening doors previously closed to many families. This award-winning platform offers live, interactive lessons in Maths, English and Science for students from Year 5 to Year 13, all delivered by expert UK teachers.
Designed to support families priced out of traditional tutoring, MyEdSpace delivers quality education for around £5 an hour, complete with structured workbooks, exam-style homework, and step-by-step video solutions. It's quickly becoming the go-to choice for ambitious students nationwide.
Want to see how it works? Join a free webinar hosted by Co-founder Sean, where you'll get the inside scoop – plus an exclusive 35 per cent discount on courses for the upcoming school year.
The info: Click here to secure your spot.
Looking for a screen-time option you can feel good about? Moshi Play might just be your new parenting secret weapon.
The award-winning app, designed for children aged 3 to 8, is packed with games and activities that sneak in plenty of learning while your little one thinks they're just having fun.
Set in the beloved, BAFTA-winning Moshi universe, the app covers everything from early maths and puzzles to colouring, drawing and movement-based play. And because progress should be worth celebrating, kids earn stickers as they learn, unlocking charming, interactive sticker books they'll be proud to show off.
Safe, colourful and delightfully educational, Moshi Play is a smart choice for screen time that supports development and imagination.
The info: Click here to download on iOS or Android.
Make the new school year feel like a fresh start with Fast Pens' exclusive Back to School Bundle – now available with a brilliant 40 per cent discount just for parents!
This limited-time offer includes a printed Parker pen (perfect for everyday scribbles or serious study), a stylish branded notebook, and a sturdy custom ruler – all designed to help kids feel ready, equipped and excited.
Based in the UK, Fast Pens is known for its high-quality personalised stationery, next-day dispatch, and planet-friendly options like bamboo pens and recycled notebooks.
Whether you're prepping for school or picking up a few smart tools for yourself, there's no minimum order, no faff, and free UK delivery – just fast, flexible, feel-good stationery.
The info: Click here to shop the deal.
If you've enjoyed reading this article and are interested in more inspiration on everything from education and culture to business and family life, why not follow Checklist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or sign up for the newsletter? Checklist is dedicated to providing the best free online competitions too – discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today.
Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
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Students will want universities to ‘understand context' over grades
Students will want universities to ‘understand context' over grades

Western Telegraph

timea day ago

  • Western Telegraph

Students will want universities to ‘understand context' over grades

Jo Saxton, chief executive of the university admissions service, suggested that fewer students who are receiving their post-16 qualification results this summer met the entry requirements for A-level courses two years ago when grading was returned to pre-pandemic levels in England. Dr Saxton, who was chief regulator of England's exams regulator Ofqual from 2021 until 2023, has suggested that there could be 'higher' attainment across this year's A-level cohort as a result. This cohort are the first to sit their Level 3 qualifications where they had the pre-pandemic standard reinstated on their GCSEs Jo Saxton, Ucas Her comments come as students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their A-level and Level 3 BTec results on Thursday, with many finding out if they have secured a university place. Last year, more than a quarter (27.8%) of UK A-level entries were awarded an A or A* grade, up from 27.2% in 2023. It was the highest proportion of entries scoring top grades outside the pandemic-affected years of 2020-22. In 2019 – the last year that summer exams were taken before the pandemic – 25.4% of entries were awarded A or A* grades. The Covid-19 pandemic led to an increase in top A-level and GCSE grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams. Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of Buckingham, has suggested that a higher percentage of UK A-level entries awarded top grades – compared with before the pandemic – could become the 'new normal' this summer. During a webinar hosted by the Higher Education Policy Institute think tank, Dr Saxton said: 'This cohort are the first to sit their Level 3 qualifications where they had the pre-pandemic standard reinstated on their GCSEs. 'I think that's just such an important backdrop for this whole cycle, just remembering this is that cohort, that there was a significant national programme to deflate their grades.' I think they will really be looking to those universities to respect and understand the context in which they've come through Jo Saxton, Ucas Dr Saxton, who was in charge at Ofqual when A-level and GCSE exams were reinstated in England following the pandemic, said she 'lost a lot of sleep' over the action to tackle grade inflation. But she suggested that teenagers told her that they wanted their exams back and they wanted their results to 'carry value'. Dr Saxton said: 'I think they will really be looking to those universities to respect and understand the context in which they've come through.' She said the return to pre-pandemic grading in 2023 meant 'fewer students than in recent years actually met the entry criteria that most schools and colleges would set for progression into A-level subjects'. Provisional exam entries data for England shows that A-level entries decreased by 0.4% from 825,355 last summer to 821,875 this summer, despite a 3.8% increase in the size of the 18-year-old population. Speaking just a few days before students receive their exam results, Dr Saxton added: 'It probably means that there's fractionally higher prior attainment across the cohort. This is me speculating as a former chief regulator.' Dr Saxton said clearing is no longer perceived as a 'bargain basement' for those who are not successful on A-level results day. Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers. Clearing maybe was perceived as a bargain basement - it was for the people who had been unsuccessful. But that is definitely not how current applicants perceive it Jo Saxton, chief executive of Ucas But prospective students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and also those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing. On Tuesday, the Ucas chief said: 'Clearing maybe was perceived as a bargain basement – it was for the people who had been unsuccessful. 'But that is definitely not how current applicants perceive it. 'For current applicants it's the mechanism by which they change their mind.' Nearly 22,700 courses with vacancies for undergraduate students living in England were available on the Ucas clearing site as of Wednesday last week – eight days before results day, a PA news agency analysis showed. A sample of 129 of the UK's largest higher education providers showed 17 of the 24 elite Russell Group universities had more than 3,600 courses with vacancies for English residents on clearing. Dr Saxton added: 'It is about students trusting their instincts and going back to their curated playlists, the favourites that they researched, that they've probably visited. 'They're not blindfolded throwing a dart at a dartboard.' More people in all parts of the country should get to benefit from higher education Jo Saxton, chief executive of Ucas Earlier this week, the Education Secretary said 'far too many young' white working-class British students do not get the exam results that they need to allow them to continue on to university. Bridget Phillipson told PA that the Post-16 White Paper and the Schools White Paper, which are both due in the autumn, will focus on turning around these 'thorny and generational challenges'. Dr Saxton said she would like the Government to look at regional disparities in access to and participation in higher education – such as the 'London advantage'. She said: 'More people in all parts of the country should get to benefit from higher education.'

Top 5 education brands helping kids learn smarter
Top 5 education brands helping kids learn smarter

Metro

timea day ago

  • Metro

Top 5 education brands helping kids learn smarter

Finding the right tools to support children's learning and education can feel overwhelming, but help is out there. The rise of online tutoring and innovative educational platforms is making it easier – and more exciting – than ever to spark a child's curiosity. Whether you're after personalised lessons for your little ones, interactive resources, or smart ways to help your kids thrive, Checklist's top five education brands are leading the way. From tech-savvy tutors to creative learning hubs, here are standout names transforming the way children discover, explore, and succeed. With over 35 years of experience, MPW has built a reputation as one of the UK's top independent sixth-form college groups, and its Easter Revision courses are no exception. Running from 31st March to 25th April 2025, these intensive programmes are designed to boost students' confidence, sharpen exam technique and deepen subject understanding. Classes are small, with an average of six students and a maximum of nine, and are taught by highly qualified tutors, many of whom are experienced A-level examiners. Whether it's brushing up on GCSEs or fine-tuning A-level knowledge, MPW's tailored, board-specific approach makes a real difference. With centres in London, Birmingham and Cambridge, there's expert support waiting just around the corner. The info: Click here to book an Easter Revision course. For teens looking to boost their confidence, skills and sense of adventure, the Army Cadets offers a powerful alternative to traditional extracurriculars. Backed by research from the University of Northampton*, the Army Cadets are proven to improve attendance, behaviour and academic performance – all while reducing exclusions. But the real magic? It's open to everyone. Whether sporty or not, musical or not, teens from any background can thrive here. From first aid to survival training, teamwork to travel, cadets get stuck into a broad mix of hands-on learning, earning qualifications like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and BTECs along the way. Best of all, it's completely free – and packed with camaraderie, resilience and life-changing experiences. The info: Click here to find out more. *Denny, S., Hazenberg, R., & Paterson-Young, C. 2024. The Impact and Value of School-Based Cadet Forces in the UK. University of Northampton. Commissioned by MoD and the Combined Cadet Force Association – April 2024. For parents seeking top-tier teaching tuition without the unaffordable price tag, MyEdSpace is opening doors previously closed to many families. This award-winning platform offers live, interactive lessons in Maths, English and Science for students from Year 5 to Year 13, all delivered by expert UK teachers. Designed to support families priced out of traditional tutoring, MyEdSpace delivers quality education for around £5 an hour, complete with structured workbooks, exam-style homework, and step-by-step video solutions. It's quickly becoming the go-to choice for ambitious students nationwide. Want to see how it works? Join a free webinar hosted by Co-founder Sean, where you'll get the inside scoop – plus an exclusive 35 per cent discount on courses for the upcoming school year. The info: Click here to secure your spot. Looking for a screen-time option you can feel good about? Moshi Play might just be your new parenting secret weapon. The award-winning app, designed for children aged 3 to 8, is packed with games and activities that sneak in plenty of learning while your little one thinks they're just having fun. Set in the beloved, BAFTA-winning Moshi universe, the app covers everything from early maths and puzzles to colouring, drawing and movement-based play. And because progress should be worth celebrating, kids earn stickers as they learn, unlocking charming, interactive sticker books they'll be proud to show off. Safe, colourful and delightfully educational, Moshi Play is a smart choice for screen time that supports development and imagination. The info: Click here to download on iOS or Android. Make the new school year feel like a fresh start with Fast Pens' exclusive Back to School Bundle – now available with a brilliant 40 per cent discount just for parents! This limited-time offer includes a printed Parker pen (perfect for everyday scribbles or serious study), a stylish branded notebook, and a sturdy custom ruler – all designed to help kids feel ready, equipped and excited. Based in the UK, Fast Pens is known for its high-quality personalised stationery, next-day dispatch, and planet-friendly options like bamboo pens and recycled notebooks. Whether you're prepping for school or picking up a few smart tools for yourself, there's no minimum order, no faff, and free UK delivery – just fast, flexible, feel-good stationery. The info: Click here to shop the deal. If you've enjoyed reading this article and are interested in more inspiration on everything from education and culture to business and family life, why not follow Checklist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or sign up for the newsletter? Checklist is dedicated to providing the best free online competitions too – discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today. Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.

Young girls find bra-buying excruciating enough without ‘help' from trans M&S workers
Young girls find bra-buying excruciating enough without ‘help' from trans M&S workers

Telegraph

time06-08-2025

  • Telegraph

Young girls find bra-buying excruciating enough without ‘help' from trans M&S workers

Taking one's daughter for her first bra fitting is so excruciating that when that time came for my third daughter, I outsourced this rite of passage to her older sister. Show me a girl who is not self-conscious about her body at that age and I will show you a liar. It doesn't matter how open you have been as a parent, it is all, as the kids say, 'awks'. Usually, the bustling no-nonsense ladies of John Lewis or M&S take over and thank god for that. For the terminally shy, online purchases come to the rescue. In such a situation, I have asked for help while my eldest curled up in embarrassment beside me. The idea that anyone would approach us at all is extraordinary, but a big unit in the shape of a 6ft 2in transgender woman, aka a biological man? Just no. Yet is exactly what happened recently to a mother and daughter in M&S. The mother, who complained, said her daughter 'freaked out'. M&S have apologised. But really what are they playing at? Of course, trans people can be employed in the store. But sticking them in the lingerie section? What could possibly go wrong? This is a company, after all, that apologised for and withdrew an ad that said: ' First bras for fearless young things.' Note the dehumanising use of the word 'things' – it is as if the words girls must be erased to satisfy the need of some poor boys who identify as the opposite sex. M&S have yet more form on this. For years it has proclaimed itself as an 'inclusive retailer' allowing men who identify as women into its changing rooms. They claim their changing rooms are secure and private. But why should women even have to think about this? Why this insane tussle over our rights to privacy and safety given this is what most of the public want and more to the point, what most of its female customers want? The drive from corporates, brand consultants and strung-out ad execs high on their own supply of loopy-loo ideas of diversity is producing a culture that is strangely dated and irrelevant. What on earth, for instance, was that super-queer Jaguar ad, which featured a range of interesting-looking androgynous models – but no actual car – about? Do potential Jag owners want to 'create exuberant', 'delete ordinary' and 'live vivid'? Do they even understand what this nonsense means? We are not in Kansas any more. The gender cult has peaked. This has come about through a number of cases, tribunals and reviews culminating in the Supreme Court Equality Act ruling, which clarified the law by explaining that gender identity does not trump biology. Just as importantly though, as more light has been shone on this subject (often by women objecting to having our boundaries violated), public attitudes have shifted hugely in the last five years. The most recent YouGov survey shows that the public across all age groups does not want men in women's spaces, understands that there is a clash with women's rights at times and does not support the use of puberty blockers. I also suspect that many people, when questioned about the rights of transwomen to be in female spaces, clearly did not understand that most were in fact, fully intact men who have not transitioned beyond some poorly applied slap. We are currently living through a moment in which several of our politicians and much of our culture is not up to speed on this – another worrying sign of just out of touch they are. Gender-critical views are not some aberration beloved only by middle-aged hags: they have, in fact, become the majority view. The more informed people have become on this subject, the more they have rejected cult thinking. The outlier position is now to welcome biological men into women's refuges (would-be Green leader Zack Polanski) or into women's prisons (Nigel Farage, who ended up doing a U-turn on that view 24 hours later). The case for medicalisation and sterilisation of children we can leave to the likes of deranged fanatics like Jolyon Maugham and Dr Helen Webberley. Sadly, the cultural establishment also joins those holding out against reality, with writers, academics, novelists, artists and TV types being the most blinkered of all. It turns out that they are mostly gutless authoritarians. The Edinburgh International Book Festival will not platform any of our excellent gender critical writers, such as Jenny Lindsay (author of Hounded, about the witch-hunt of women by trans activists) or the contributors to the best-selling set of essays The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht: Voices from the Front-Line of Scotland's Battle for Women's Rights. The festival is operating with basically a No Debate policy. Its star turn is, of course, Nicola Sturgeon – who was brought down partly by her gender lunacy. The festival organisers prefer to stay in their comfort zone untroubled, it would appear, by law or public opinion. These folk are far too genteel to espouse book burning but they don't need to. Their cultural negligence and denial suffices. In their bubble of faux radicalism, their views (any bloke can be a woman!) have no consequences in the real world. Oh but they do. They have consequences in small ways – men offering teenage girls 'help' with bras – and in big ways, when women lose careers and credibility for stating the truth. Just last month, at London's Pride rally, we again saw demonstrations on our streets, where signs saying 'Kill Terfs' and threats of violence to women were paraded. Make no mistake, these people are sore losers in every way. This is why we remain keen to protect our spaces and our daughters.

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