Every sixth form college leader we meet has slightly different needs, but they might include the following: Looking to motivate students who might be struggling pastorally or academically. Looking to improve student leadership and future pathways opportunities.   

Personalised, human-led mentoring. We want to improve results and affect outcomes, via character. We want to visit every school in-person, with an inspiring team of mentors who will excite students and bring something different.  

Oppidan Education supports more than 100 UK state-funded MATs, UK independent prep and secondary, and international English-speaking schools. In the UK we've built standout partnerships with MATs like David Ross, Greenwood, Unity, E-ACT, Dixons and Education South West. Whatever the demographic or state-of-play for each setting, we've found students to be similar in their engagement with us and their hunger to build skills that will serve their futures.  

Beyond our work in 100+ UK independent and state-funded schools, we've now journeyed to Spain, South Korea, Ghana and Thailand to support schools in very different contexts. Whatever the demographic or state-of-play for each region, we've found students to be similar in their engagement with us and their hunger to build skills that will serve their futures.

Oppidan Education mentors are young people in their 20s and 30s, driven by social impact but with the flexibility to work freelance in schools around the world.  

Whether in small groups of 1:8 or in personalised 1:1 sessions, Oppidan's mentoring content hooks onto our core outcomes of readiness, oracy and character.

An ad hoc (or occasional) place happens when a child enters a school outside the traditional year groups for admission.

Much has been made in the news recently about the future for private schools.  

So, what’s happening?  

With exams looming ominously, we asked our team how they mentor students through the process.

Eton College has partnered with Star Academies, not just to build three Sixth Forms in Oldham, Dudley and Middlesborough, but to lead a ‘think and do tank’ to ‘propose solutions and influence national policy’, showcasing the power of independent-state partnership work. It’s a big moment in the history of both organisations and its ripple effect could be powerful for the wider education sector.  

In February 2024, Oppidan launched a first of its kind peer mentor training programme with ICS Ghana with students from both the Accra and Kumasi campuses.  

At Oppidan, we talk a lot with schools about character education. But what actually is character education?  According to Ofsted, there are 6 areas that schools should tackle in order to develop effective character education.  

Personal statements have been the shop window for UCAS applicants since the beginning of time. Big news: they’re disappearing.

How many girls does it take to change the continent of Africa? One. It takes just one talented STEM student armed with excellent A-Levels, ready for the world’s best universities, to change the continent of Africa.

Poetry is everywhere. It’s used to sell to us, to make us pay attention. It’s our favourite song lyrics and the quotes we carry with us for comfort. It can go viral – but sometimes, no one will ever read it at all.

At the end of September, Ofsted published an independent review of careers guidance in schools and further education and skills providers. 

Our founders’ associate, Adam Goodbody, sits down with Pierce & Groves to discuss Oppidan’s services and guidance for parents navigating crucial education stages such as the challenges of divorce.

What is the admissions process for 11+ entry? The entrance exam for 11+ entry, is early December. To ensure your child's participation, it's crucial to register before the deadline which changes each year but normally the middle of November.  No registrations will be accepted after this point, so plan accordingly. 

What is the admissions process for 7+ and 8+ entry? Parents looking to enroll their sons at St. Paul's Juniors can start the journey when their child enters Year One, with registrations beginning in October.

What are the deadlines for applying to Merchant Taylor’s? Merchant Taylor’s have the following deadlines for their entry and examinations at different age groups.