I’m absolutely delighted to share some very exciting news: A Star Tuition Group has been named Best Personalised Academic Tuition Provider in Greater Manchester in the SME News Business Elite Awards 2026. After almost 30 years working in education and 18 years building A Star Tuition Group, receiving recognition for personalised academic tuition feels particularly special to me. Why? Because although the way we deliver tuition has changed considerably over the years, the prin

When reviewing the 11+ maths topics, it is clear that three areas carry the most weight and frequently catch students off guard. This guide is designed to highlight these essential foundations, ensuring your child focuses their efforts efficiently. This focused approach is essential for achieving success in competitive entrance tests, such as those set by Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School (BRGS). Many parents feel overwhelmed, unsure if they are covering the right ground or

A Star Tuition Group Wins Two Prestigious Awards at the Northern Enterprise Awards We are thrilled to announce that A Star Tuition Group has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the Northern Enterprise Awards – 2024: 11+ & GCSE Tuition Service of the Year – Greater Manchester Innovation Award for Bespoke Educational Support These awards are a recognition of our dedication to providing high-quality, tailored tuition to students age 8 to adults. They highlight our co

In the realm of education, navigating the tide of opinions and advice can often feel like sailing through uncharted waters. As a parent seeking the best for their child’s academic journey, it’s not uncommon to encounter scepticism when considering online learning. Despite reaching out to A Star Tuition Group, impressed by our track record of outstanding results, some parents may find themselves hesitant, swayed by the prevailing notion that online learning might not suit thei

Separating Fact from Fiction Navigating the landscape of the 11+ entrance exam can be daunting for both parents and students alike. With numerous myths circulating about what it takes to succeed, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. As a highly experienced guide in helping students pass the 11+ exam for over 16 years, I’m here to debunk some of the most common myths and provide clarity on frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in! FAQ 1: What Subjects Are in the 11+? A

As a parent, ensuring your child receives the best education is a top priority. Given the pressure that schools are under right now, extra support outside the classroom is often necessary. Choosing the right tutor can make a significant difference in your child’s academic journey, but with a plethora of options available, how do you narrow down the search to find the perfect match for your child’s needs? Here are some essential factors to consider: Qualifications and Experi

Exams can be a source of stress and anxiety for many students, but with the right strategies, you can turn the pressure into an opportunity for success. In this blog, we will explore effective exam preparation techniques that not only help you retain information better but also keep your nerves at bay. Whether you’re facing 11+ entrance exams, SATs, GCSEs, A levels or any other academic assessments, these tips will guide you on your journey to acing your exams with confidence

Unlocking the secrets of success Every student dreams of achieving academic excellence, but only a few consistently rise to the top. Have you ever wondered what sets these high achievers apart? The answer lies in their study habits and strategies. In this blog, we will delve into the study habits of the most successful students and uncover the keys to their achievements. Whether you’re hoping to ace the competitive 11+ entrance exam, you’re a high school student aiming for

You’ve worked hard all year; now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with GCSE Math papers. Although exams can be stressful, there are some things you can do to prepare and make sure you’re ready for success. Here are 8 tips to help you ace those Maths papers! How many GCSE maths papers are there? Firstly, did you know that GCSE maths is usually composed of three papers: one non-calculator paper and two calculator papers? And GCSE maths papers are split into two tiers

If your child has just been told that they didn’t get their place in the high school of their choice, then don’t be disheartened – there is still hope. You can take action and appeal the decision. There are tried and tested ways to go about this process, so it’s essential to arm yourself with knowledge and understand exactly what an appeals form needs to include. Luckily, we have a comprehensive guide to school admissions appeals that outlines the key steps to help you write

We are beyond excited to share that our award winning tuition at A Star Tuition Group has been recognised for ‘Best KS3 & KS4 Tuition service in Greater Manchester’ at the SME UK Enterprise Awards. We are proud to have come out top of the class despite stiff competition from across the region. A Star Tuition Group has gained several high-end industry awards over the last few years, including the ‘Best Tuition Provider in Manchester’ at the Prestige Business Awards in 202 and

As the days get darker and cooler, it’s natural for our children to spend more time indoors. Before they get hooked on episodes of their favourite show, there are plenty of winter home study ideas to get some extra lesson time that feels like fun. Bringing the classroom into the home helps your child get ahead in key subjects, and winter activities can also be fun for all the family to get involved in. As the season changes, you can follow the natural flow of the school curri

GCSE English is a vital subject for students who want to attend college or university or pursue a career in the arts. The skills learned in English language and literature lessons are the building blocks for future study and in the workplace, yet many students find it difficult to pass these challenging exams. If you are one of these students, don’t worry – help is available! Our online GCSE English tuition can help you improve your grades and get the best possible exam outc

We often get asked by parents if their child needs online tutoring, especially for those considering completing the 11-plus exam or moving on to further education. With the rise of free online learning resources and a plethora of exam revision resources, the expense of a private online tutor might not seem necessary. The alarming fact is that studies are finding that over a third of our children are failing to reach the government’s expected standard in reading and writing. I

Most students hoping to qualify for their preferred grammar school will likely prepare for their CEM test (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring) or GL (Granada Learning) years in advance. It’s always an exciting and nervous time for a student; naturally, exam anxiety can be high. Understanding the criteria for the 11 plus can help to focus extra study time and revision, increasing their chances of passing with flying colours! In the last five years, there has been a 2.4% increa

The ‘Summer Slide’ may sound like fun from a child’s point of view, conjuring up images of splashing around in a water park on sunny days. An understandable assumption – but in reality it’s actually a term used to describe the learning loss that can occur over the summer months while formal learning goes on hold for the school holidays. Indeed, research indicates that children may lose knowledge that has taken them an average of one month to acquire. In some subjects that l

A Star Tuition Group is delighted to shout about our students’ BRGS exam success from the rooftops! To achieve our best results ever, with 80% of our pupils passing the entrance examination, in this incredibly demanding year, has to be justification for blowing our own trumpet! We think our students’ achievements are especially well deserved in the light of the additional challenges they faced in 2020 with months of lockdown, meaning lengthy separation from family members and

It’s become an A Star Tuition Group tradition to recognise the success of some of our highest achieving pupils in our very own awards (ASTGA) at the end of each year. This year, we have had to pull out all of the stops to ensure that our students continued to learn and thrive during the pandemic. We quickly created an “online learning community” and took our lessons from the classroom to completely online During the long months of lockdown, while schools closed down, many chi

The return to school of all pupils in September was viewed by many as an essential step towards restoring normality in the educational life of the UK’s children, and life in general, after months of lockdown as a result of the pandemic. Yet, with ongoing outbreaks around the country, just how smoothly has this process taken place for the staff and pupils who have to contend with the daily challenges Covid has brought to the school environment? A Challenging Return Many heads

The awarding of this year’s GCSE results in the midst of the pandemic which had already impacted drastically on students’ learning and preparation, not only led to a huge furore but has sparked a debate around whether GCSEs should be scrapped altogether. Avoiding the same uncertainty with results in 2021 is clearly a top priority and educators have called for the introduction of measures to ensure next year’s candidates are tested in the fairest way possible. Suggestions incl