School life articles

With competition for grammar school places fierce in south east London, we explain the facts about taking the 11+ in Bromley.

Kent is the largest grammar school area in the UK, with more than 30 selective schools to choose from. We have the facts about the 11+ test in this region.

Children living in the London Borough of Bexley can sit the 11+ test for entrance to one of the area's grammar schools. We explain the facts parents need to know about the Bexley test.

With six grammar schools and one bilateral, we have the facts you need to know about the 11+ test in the Medway area.

Want to directly influence your child's school experience? Jackie Cutchey explains why becoming a parent governor benefits you, your child and their school.

Finding out your child hasn’t got a place at your preferred primary school can be devastating. We explain how to appeal the decision with our step-by-step guide to what to do when.

Never heard of NFER levels? You're not alone. We get the lowdown on these optional tests for Key Stage 1 and 2 children.

For the first time ever, practical cookery lessons are compulsory in primary schools. We explain what your budding MasterChef might learn.

With poetry on the new national curriculum for children as young as five, poet Adisa the Verbaliser explains how to make poetry magical for your child.

You recycle cans, glass and scraps of paper religiously, but your child's daily lunch box packs the bin with a steady stream of plastic sandwich bags, clingfilm, bottles and more. Give packed lunches an eco-friendly makeover with some of these brilliant reusable lunch aids and bask in the satisfaction of no-waste lunch boxes.

One of the best children's museums in the world, Eureka! is packed with hundreds of hands-on exhibits designed to inspire children to learn through play. Our family testers were amazed at what's on offer and determined to be regular visitors in the future.

Summer is finally here! Make that wonderful, warm globe of loveliness in the sky into a fantastic learning aid with our hands-on activities, perfect for whiling away the hours on a hot afternoon.

A teacher can change a child's life – and attitude to learning – forever. We've found some of the most original (and delicious) ways to say thank you to the person who has enriched your child's school year, whatever your budget. Chocolate and biscuits, personalised bags, mugs and accessories, charity donations and more – all great tokens of your appreciation for the work of an inspirational teacher.

While some children love nothing more than sitting down with a blank sheet of paper and a pen, others are filled with dread at the thought of writing much more than their name at the top of their worksheet. Teacher and author Alison Wilcox shares her tips for encouraging the writing bug.

The UK's museums offer world-class learning experiences for children and families and our parent reviews highlight some of the best. At York Castle Museum your family can travel back in time to the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian England (remember to buy a pink sugar mouse to munch on as you explore!).

Bring learning to life with a visit to one of our parent-recommended museums. We love Children's Story Centre Discover, a haven for bookworms, story-tellers and adventurers in Stratford, north east London.

Once your children start using the Internet independently, how do you keep them safe while allowing them to make the most of and enjoy social media websites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter? Sorin Mustaca, Avira’s IT security expert, shares some practical strategies.

The Reception Baseline Assessment was introduced in September 2021. We explain what the assessment looks like and how the results are used in our parents' guide.

Bring classroom learning to life with a visit to one of our parent-recommended museums, or explore the website to explore from afar. For hands-on fun and a fascinating trip through our Tudor and Victorian past we love the Geffrye Museum of the Home in London.