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Education

Latest Education News


St Leonards Head Issues Stark Warning Over VAT Policy
Simon Brian, Head, St Leonards School, St Andrews Calls for Repeal Following Front-Page Coverage in The Scotsman St Leonards School has issued a statement today following last week’s front-page coverage in The Scotsman, in which Head, Mr Simon Brian, speaks out against the UK Government’s decision to impose VAT on independent school fees. Describing the policy as a “live experiment” being conducted on children’s education, Mr Brian has called on national leaders to urgently r
4 days ago2 min read


To defer or not to defer? Why professional advice is key
Navigating the decision of whether to defer your child's school start? This guide, written by a former teacher, offers essential advice on seeking professional insights and considering your child's individual needs and social dynamics. Learn how to make an informed choice that prioritises your child's long-term success and well-being.
Nov 133 min read


The Influence of School Entry Age (Youngest vs. Oldest) on a Child's Future
In Scotland, the school entry cutoff date of February 28th means a child can start Primary 1 as young as four and a half years old. Recent changes in local council policy allow children who are not yet five by August to defer entry for a year and remain in funded nursery education. Furthermore, children who turn five before August can apply to delay their school start. This means a primary class could now encompass a significant age range, with some children starting as
Nov 133 min read


Two Heads Are Better Than One
Rod Grant & Cameron Wyllie, known for their bold views on Scottish education, team up in the "Two Heads Are Better Than One" podcast. Get ready for passionate discussions on the real issues facing schools today!
Nov 51 min read


Key Dates For P1 Registration and Out of Catchment School Request
Primary 1 Registration in Edinburgh: Find key dates, required documents, and how to register your child for primary school. Includes information on catchment areas, out-of-catchment requests, and important deadlines. From November 1st, register online at edinburgh.gov.uk/p1registration.
Nov 42 min read


Helping Your Child Prepare For Private School Entrance Exams
Author: Lydia’s Tuition Helping Your Child Prepare For Private School Entrance Exams When choosing an educational setting for your child, you may be considering private schooling. Here in Edinburgh private schools are known as Independent Schools. Many schools in Edinburgh require students to sit an entrance exam to determine whether they will be offered a place. It’s a daunting prospect for children and parents alike but entrance exams needn’t be nerve-wracking. It’s simp
Nov 36 min read


Edinburgh's Independent School Entrance Assessments: What to expect
Discover what to expect for assessment into independent Primary (ages 4-5) and secondary schools (ages 11-12) in Edinburgh.
Nov 26 min read


School enrolment to P1- considering delaying a year?
Local authorities in Scotland, especially Edinburgh, are now permitting deferrals for all children entering Primary 1 this August. This long
Nov 23 min read


Getting the most out of parents’ evening: 5 expert tips for primary school parents
Author: LS Tuition With parents’ evenings taking place in primary schools across Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland around now, here are our private tutor’s top tips on negotiating those all-important pupil progress meetings with teachers. Parents’ evening is one of the most valuable events in the school year, giving parent carers the chance to connect with their child’s teacher, understand their progress, and learn how they’re managing in school day to day. But parents’ even
Oct 165 min read


Dragon Song School is Available For Hire For Schools & Nurseries
Looking for a fun and educational program for your nursery or school? Dragon Song School combines creative play and storytelling to foster a love of reading and learning.
Oct 71 min read


How Audiobooks Support Literacy
Help your child thrive at school! Discover how audiobooks build literacy, provide emotional support, and ease the transition into a new school environment. Learn how audiobooks can make all the difference.
Sep 51 min read


Edinburgh School Holiday Dates
Find the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 school term and holiday dates for Edinburgh local authority schools. Includes term dates, mid-term breaks, Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. Please note that some schools may have different dates, so always check the school's website for confirmation.
Aug 302 min read


Back to School with LS Tuition
Give your child the gift of confidence this school year with LS Tuition! We offer tailored, holistic tutoring in Edinburgh that fosters a love of learning. From primary to secondary, we support diverse needs, including dyslexia and school avoidance. Book a free enquiry call today and discover how we can help your child thrive!
Aug 195 min read


Teaching French Made Easy
Author: Tania The Creative Puppetry for French Toolkit The Creative Puppetry for French toolkit is an inclusive, play-based resource...
Aug 181 min read


Scottish School Grades: What Does a 'D' Really Mean?
A common question arises: what does a 'D' grade actually signify in the context of Scottish National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher...
Aug 72 min read


Bridge the Summer Gap: Fun & Engaging Learning at LS Summer School
Introducing: LS Summer School Our experience in Tutoring and working with families across the country has supported us in understanding...
Jun 301 min read


Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award
Newtongrange Primary School Gold Award Pupils at one Midlothian school have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful...
Jun 262 min read


5 Top Tips for a Summer of Reading Success: Keeping Kids' Minds Sharp During the Holidays
Make the most of summer holidays with these top tips for keeping kids engaged in reading! Learn how to establish a reading routine, find the perfect books (including second-hand gems in Edinburgh!), and motivate even the most reluctant readers. Ensure your child's intellectual growth continues throughout the summer break.
Jun 262 min read


Teaching French made easy with the Creative Puppetry for French Toolkit by Le Petit Monde Stories
The Creative Puppetry for French toolkit is an inclusive and play-based resource designed by Tania, teaching artist and director of Le...
Jun 151 min read


30% Off! Leckie Workbooks: School Success Made Easy
Give your child a head start! Leckie's fun workbooks (P1-P7) reinforce school learning. Get 30% off now! [Link]
Jun 91 min read


4 Rainy Day - activities to help your child get ready to start school
Rainy day boredom buster! Fun, educational activities to boost your preschooler's reading, writing, arithmetic, and responsibility skills – all while having a blast. Learn how to turn playtime into learning with these engaging ideas.
May 262 min read


6 Quality Magazines to Motivate a Child or Teen
Discover the underrated world of children's magazines! Packed with entertainment, information, and subtle learning, they boost reading skills and ignite a love of knowledge through engaging visuals, interactive text, and fun games. Perfect for reluctant readers and curious minds alike.
May 142 min read


Holistic Education: Why It Matters in a World of Tests and Targets
Is your child thriving or just surviving in school? LS Tuition in Edinburgh offers holistic education, focusing on the whole child – academic, social-emotional, and cognitive development. We go beyond exam prep to build confidence, nurture a love of learning, and equip children with life skills. Discover personalised tutoring that helps your child succeed, not just in exams, but in life.
May 145 min read


In the Car - activities to help your pre-schooler get ready to start school.
These “ready for school” activities can be done in your everyday routine Here are some of the activities you can do together at home in...
May 63 min read


Is your pre-school child getting the right musical opportunities?
We asked Kim Vaughan, cellist, teacher & mother for her expert advice. Kim is a founding member of the multi award-winning Benyounes...
May 62 min read


4 Top Tips To Raising Readers
Help your child develop a lifelong love of reading! Tried and tested tips from Edinburgh's LS Tuition show you how to nurture your child's literacy skills through play, conversation, and a child-led approach. Boost their confidence and comprehension – learn more!
Apr 256 min read


How do children learn their times tables…and how should they?
Master times tables with our comprehensive guide! Learn the "why" behind multiplication, not just the "what," through three key phases: grouping, number lines/squares, and repeated addition/memorization. This proven methodology helps children build a strong foundation in math, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Perfect for parents and educators!
Apr 223 min read


5 ways to raise a linguist
Unlock your child's language potential! Newborns have incredible auditory abilities, but they fade quickly. Early exposure to a second language is crucial for bilingual fluency. Learn why starting early is key for your child's linguistic development.
Apr 222 min read


Spelling Advice for Primary Age Children
Q & A with Lydia Scaltsas - Primary Tutor & Former Teacher Q: I’m worried that my P1/2/3 child makes up spellings. Is this a problem?...
Apr 151 min read


Finding ‘Just Right’ Books for Your Child
Discover the Five Finger Rule – a simple method to help your child select appropriately levelled reading books! Ensure your child's reading
Apr 12 min read


Scottish School Year Group Names, Ages and Curriculum
Discover the structure of the Scottish school year, including age groups, curriculum details, and the exams students take, compared to Engli
Mar 314 min read


Why Inclusive, Holistic Tutoring Matters For Neurodivergent Learners
By LS Tuition As we mark World Autism Acceptance Month in April, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the importance of inclusive,...
Mar 176 min read


Learn French with Lapin: Bilingual Picture Books for Kids
Fun, engaging way for kids (3-8) to learn French! Lapin's bilingual adventures make language learning enjoyable. Audio & print versions ava
Feb 281 min read


Should Parent Help With Homework?
Parents spend an average of 6 hours weekly helping children with homework. This article provides essential do's and don'ts for effective ho
Feb 271 min read


15 Ways Jigsaw Puzzles Help Your Child's Development
Discover the 15 amazing benefits of jigsaw puzzles for kids! From boosting fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities to enhancing cog
Feb 176 min read


Growth Mindset: How parents can help foster a love of learning
Unlock your child's potential with a growth mindset! Learn how to foster resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning at home. D
Feb 174 min read


Everything You Need to Know About the IB: FAQs
Everything you need to know about the IB Diploma Programme: subjects, assessment, the DP Core (including Extended Essay and TOK), and entry
Feb 122 min read


Parents' Evening: Less Stress, More Success
Parents' evenings can be stressful, but they don't have to be! Learn how to prepare effectively, ask the right questions, and collaborate wi
Feb 113 min read


Full-Time Foundation & Diploma in Ceramics at Edinburgh Design School
Enrol in new full-time Foundation and Diploma courses in Art & Design Ceramics at Edinburgh Design School, starting August 2025. Learn from
Feb 71 min read


The Impact of Technology on Children
As the digital world continues to evolve, understanding its impact on our children has never been more important. That's why we’re excited t
Jan 301 min read


When school grounds are seen for their potential...
A visit to Davidson's Mains nursery and primary school highlights a visionary approach to outdoor learning, fostering biodiversity, and well
Jan 243 min read


Building Strong Foundations: The Role of Relationships, Independence, and Holistic Education in Tutoring
At LS Tuition, we prioritize meaningful relationships in education, fostering an environment of respect and empowerment. As Edinburgh's lead
Dec 30, 20244 min read


A Holistic Approach to Maths
Unlock the power of maths with LS Tuition in Edinburgh! We transform numbers into engaging experiences that foster logical thinking, problem
Nov 15, 20245 min read


What is holistic development and why is it the best approach for educating our children?
Lydia’s Tuition offers holistic teaching methods in a safe, welcoming environment. The focus is on developing the whole child through
Nov 10, 20246 min read


Early Maths Games Round up
Mathematics is a vital part of education that begins in the early years of a child’s life. Introducing math through play not only makes...
Oct 22, 20243 min read


Childhood v. Mobiles
Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar offers a solution to one of the paradoxes of modern parenting by Mr Olly Langton, Headmaster "We want...
Oct 10, 20244 min read


A Guide to Parents Evenings
What is the purpose of a parents evening? To review how your child is doing in school, noting strengths and areas where they need more...
Sep 30, 20242 min read


10 Fun Activities to Foster a Love of Reading
0 – 3 yrs Cut out Characters – Photocopy or draw the main character(s) from a favourite storybook. Cut it out and write its name on the...
Sep 27, 20243 min read


8 Ways To Inspire Your Child
LYDIA SCALTSAS , PRIVATE TUTOR AND FOUNDER OF LS TUITION Our parents often ask how they can best support their child at home. Here’s what...
Jul 30, 20242 min read


Combatting the Summer Slide
Why 20 Minutes of Daily Reading is Essential for Kids' Academic Growth The research says when we read 20 minutes a day, we are exposed to...
Jul 30, 20242 min read
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