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Eton or Harrow: Crafting the Crown Jewels of Education for Your Noble Scion


In the illustrious tapestry of British education, where tradition meets academic excellence, a select few institutions stand as the crown jewels of elite boarding schools. For discerning parents seeking not just an education but an aristocratic upbringing for their heirs, the hallowed halls of Eton College and Harrow School beckon. In this exclusive exploration, The Tutoress unveils the secrets, traditions, and transformative experiences that await those who dare to dream of the pinnacle of British education.

Eton College: The Epitome of Elegance and Intellect

At Eton College, the aura of prestige and history permeates the manicured grounds. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton has long been a bastion of tradition and academic rigor. But what sets Eton apart is not just its storied past, but its commitment to shaping tomorrow's leaders.

The House System: Nurturing a Noble Brotherhood

Eton's unique house system is the heartbeat of its community, with each house fostering camaraderie, healthy competition, and a sense of belonging. From the historic College to the more modern Schoolhouse, each enclave becomes a home away from home, where lifelong friendships are forged, identities are strengthened and future world leaders are shaped.

Academic Excellence in a Regal Setting

The pursuit of academic excellence is non-negotiable at Eton, where distinguished faculty members guide students through a curriculum that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention, allowing young minds to flourish in an environment that values intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.


Harrow School: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow's Leaders

Nestled on a hill overlooking the rolling green expanses of Harrow-on-the-Hill, Harrow School stands as a testament to the enduring allure of British education. With its iconic Old Schools building and the unmistakable speech room, Harrow exudes an air of timeless sophistication.

The Speech Room: Echoes of Greatness

In the heart of Harrow lies the Speech Room, a historic space that has witnessed the oratory prowess of luminaries such as Sir Winston Churchill. Here, students not only refine their public speaking skills but absorb the echoes of greatness that resonate within its walls, instilling a sense of purpose and leadership.

Beyond the Classroom: The Holistic Harrow Experience

Harrow's commitment to holistic education extends beyond academics, with an array of extracurricular activities designed to nurture well-rounded individuals. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, students can explore and excel in their passions, from the arts to sports.

Choosing the Right Fit: Decoding the Boarding School Experience

When deciding which school to send your child to, the decision between Eton and Harrow is one that requires careful consideration. While both institutions share a commitment to excellence, their cultures, traditions, and offerings offer unique perspectives.

Eton: The Quintessential British Elegance

Eton's emphasis on tradition, coupled with a forward-looking approach to education, creates an atmosphere of quintessential British elegance. Among the works of literary giants can be found in Eton College Library's extensive collection, which provides a peaceful environment for intellectual exploration.

Harrow: A Tapestry of Tradition and Innovation

Harrow, on the other hand, weaves a tapestry of tradition and innovation. As part of its Global Leadership Program, students are challenged to engage in global issues and develop their sense of responsibility and leadership. The Harrow International Schools in Asia extend this legacy, creating a bridge between the hallowed grounds of Harrow and the evolving landscape of international education.

Conclusion: Crafting a Noble Legacy

Whether the choice of school is Eton's timeless elegance or Harrow's dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation, the journey through the halls of these elite boarding schools promises an unparalleled blend of academic rigour, personal growth, and a connection to a heritage that spans centuries.

In the pursuit of the crown jewels of education, Eton and Harrow stand not merely as institutions but as guardians of a tradition that has shaped the destinies of kings and leaders. For those who seek not just success but a regal upbringing for their heirs, the path to greatness begins here, amid the rich history and academic excellence that define the essence of British education at its finest.

Embracing Inclusive Traditions: 5 Super Fun Halloween Alternatives for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Families and Schools


As the leaves begin to change colours and the air turns crisper, the anticipation of Halloween festivities fills the atmosphere. While Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for many, it's essential to acknowledge that not everyone celebrates this holiday due to their religious or cultural beliefs. Christian, Jewish, and Muslim families, caregivers and schools , often seek alternative traditions that align with their values. Whilst alternative traditions to halloween celebrations aren’t that common, there are many that can be adapted and what we love most about them is that they enable families (and schools) to create wonderful memories for children of all ages and from all religious backgrounds. In this article, we'll explore five fun Halloween alternatives that promote inclusivity, cultural diversity and the building of incredible memories.

1. Fall Harvest Festivals: Celebrate the Bounty of the Season

One fantastic Halloween alternative that’s perfect for everyone is the Fall Harvest Festival. This event can be organised within families, communities or schools and is a wonderful way to celebrate the changing of seasons without the dark or spooky elements often associated with Halloween.

Key Activities:

  • Pumpkin decorating and carving.

  • Apple picking and making homemade apple cider.

  • Costume contests with themes that celebrate harvest and nature. (We’ll delve more into this later)

  • A community potluck featuring autumnal dishes.

2. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Honouring Ancestral Traditions

For a culturally rich and vibrant Halloween alternative, consider celebrating Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday that honours deceased loved ones in a colourful and festive manner. This tradition is a beautiful way to pay tribute to family and friends who have passed away. Whilst some Dia de los Muertos traditions are darker or spookier in nature, you could tweak things by encouraging children to dress up in autumnal clothing or brighter costumes.

Activity Ideas:

  • Building ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos and mementos of loved ones.

  • Drawing pictures of loved ones that have passed away.

  • Face painting with intricate designs. such as lilies, roses, orchids or tulips.

  • Enjoying traditional Mexican foods and music.

3. Light the Night: A Glow-in-the-Dark Celebration

For those looking to add a unique and luminous twist to their celebrations, a "Light the Night" event can be a fantastic Halloween alternative. The focus here is on creating a radiant and magical atmosphere using glow-in-the-dark elements.

Key Activities:

  • Glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunts.

  • Lantern or glow stick parades.

  • Stargazing with telescopes and astronomy lessons.

  • A bonfire with marshmallow roasting.

4. International Costume Parade: Celebrate Diversity

In the spirit of fostering cultural understanding and appreciation, you could host an International Costume Parade where children and adults can dress up in attire from various countries. This Halloween alternative is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity within your local community or school.

Key Activities:

  • Costume fashion show with participants representing different cultures.

  • Learning about the history and significance of various traditional clothing.

  • Sampling international cuisine and snacks.

  • Folk dances and music performances from around the world.

5. Acts of Kindness Day: Spreading Love and Compassion

Another meaningful Halloween alternative is dedicating a day to perform acts of kindness. This tradition is a reminder of the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need.

Key Activities:

  • Collecting and donating non-perishable goods to local food banks.

  • Making care packages for the elderly or deployed military members.

  • Participating in a community cleanup event.

Alternative Halloween Ideas For Christian Schools and Families:

Host a Noah’s Ark Day.

We love this idea because it enables children to dress up as their favourite animal. You could even take it a step futher and pair children up so that in true Noah’s Ark fashion, there are two of each animal/costume. It’s a great way to make fun memories and creates opportunities for picture-taking, collaboration between peers and inclusive activities such as animal-themed arts and crafts.

Host a ‘Bible Hero Night or Day’

Simply encourage children/pupils to dress up as their favourite biblical character during the school day or as part of an evening festivity. This enables children to learn more about biblical characters and feel more engaged with biblical stories. You can even take it a step further and encourage children to complete puzzles, arts and crafts activities or read books that are centred around their favourite biblical heroes. There’s so much you can do with this idea and once again, it gives children the opportunity to dress up and wear costumes during the autumnal season without partaking in Halloween festivities.

Celebrate A ‘Community Day’ or A ‘Fall Festival’

Have a ‘Community Day’ where children/students are encouraged to dress up as a community or key worker. Examples include police officers, teachers, doctors, postmen, binmen and so forth. Children love to dress up and this concept can be tied in with topics around careers, career planning and the importance of helping others. Once again, there are tons of ways to make this idea fun yet educational.

Alternatively, you could hold a Fall Festival where children dress up as characters or elements that relate to the fall season. This can include fruits, vegetables, parts of nature like pumpkins, trees, plants etc. It can even include some of the fun treats we enjoy during the autumn season such as hot chocolate or cups of tea!

In conclusion, it's essential to remember that there are many alternatives to Halloween that can be equally enjoyable and meaningful for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim families and schools. These alternative traditions allow you to celebrate the beauty of the season, honour cultural values, and promote inclusivity and kindness. By embracing these alternatives, you can create memorable and joy-filled experiences that are respectful of diverse beliefs and backgrounds.

Are There Any Grammar Schools in London? Recommended Schools and Tips For Parents

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Mixed Gender Schools

  • The Latymer School (Enfield)

  • Bexley Grammar (Bexley)

  • Chislehurst and Sidcup School (Bexley)

Girls’ Schools

  • Henrietta Barnett (Barnet)

  • QE Girls (Barnet)

  • St Michael’s (Barnet)

  • Townley Grammar (Bexley)

  • Newstead Wood School (Bromley)

  • Nonsuch High School For Girls (Surrey)

  • Wallington High School For Girls (Surrey)

  • Tiffin Girls’ (Kingston)

  • Woodford County (Redbridge)

Boys’ Schools

  • St Olave’s & St Saviour’s Grammar (Bromley)

  • Beths Grammar School (Bexley)

  • Tiffin School (Kingston Upon Thames)

  • Ilford County (Redbridge)

  • Sutton Grammar School (Sutton)

  • Wellington County Grammar (Sutton)

  • Wilson’s School (Sutton)


A quick list of popular grammar schools in neighbouring counties

Schools in Buckinghamshire

  • Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, The Royal Grammar School, The Royal Latin School, Wycombe High School

Schools in Berkshire

  • Herschel Grammar School, Langley Grammar, St Bernards’s Catholic Grammar School, Upton Court


Persuasive Writing Tips For The 11+ (Including Exam-Style Practice)

In this Facebook Live tutorial replay, I teach some additional strategies for improving your persuasive writing skills.

This tutorial covers:

  • Key phrases and words to use to impress teachers and examiners

  • An exam-style question and how to answer it

  • How to structure your answer

  • How to use the BURGER technique to be more persuasive and convincing

  • How to include statistics and factual evidence in your answer


persuasive writing tips for the 11 plus

persuasive writing tips for the 11 plus

Did you find this tutorial helpful?

If so, share one thing you learnt in the comments section below.

Best wishes,

The Tutoress Team.

Persuasive Writing Tips and Tricks For The 11+ Exams

Does your child struggle with persuasive writing?

persuasive writing tips for the 11 plus

Perhaps they have no idea what to write or how to come up with ideas or perhaps they just find the entire subject to be confusing and overwhelming.

Rest assured, they’re not alone.

Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of children with the persuasive writing skills and the majority find this area of writing to be really difficult.

In this Facebook Live tutorial, I share some of my best tips and strategies which should hopefully help your child to gain clarity on exactly how to approach persuasive questions.

Click the PLAY button below to watch a replay of the tutorial.


Quick Persuasive Writing Tips:

  • Use emotive language so that your words have an emotional impact on the reader and are more persuasive.

  • Acknowledge opposing views (the other person’s perspective) whilst making it clear why such views are wrong or ineffective.

  • Use connectives to ensure that your thoughts, ideas and points link together.

  • Back up your opinion with facts and evidence. Watch the tutorial above and some of the other Facebook Live tutorials so you can really understand how to do this.


persuasive writing tips for the 11 plus

Are there any specific persuasive writing questions that you’ve come across recently?

Share them in the comments section below.

Best wishes,

The Tutoress Team.