KS3 Programme Frequently Asked Questions

Our KS3 programme is designed for home-educated students aged 11–14 who are curious, motivated, and ready to build real-world skills. We’re looking for learners who enjoy challenge, creativity, and critical thinking.

• STEAM projects are hands-on, open-ended, real-world design challenges that integrate science, tech, engineering, arts, and maths.
• Tuition sessions focus on academic depth in English, Maths and Science, helping students build strong foundational knowledge and independent study skills.

Together, they create a complete learning ecosystem: knowledge → application → reflection → growth.

While it’s not mandatory, we strongly recommend doing both. The STEAM strand helps apply learning in powerful ways, but without the academic core, students may struggle to keep up. Likewise, tuition builds academic confidence, but project work brings it all to life.

We don’t rely on traditional grades or exams. Instead, we use:

• Design diaries and reflection journals
• Project deliverables that demonstrate real-world application
• Individual trackers to show academic content covered and mastered
• Tutor feedback focused on effort, problem-solving, and improvement over time

We have high standards for both.

• Consistent attendance is essential. Missed sessions impact group projects and student progress.
• Respectful behaviour and a willingness to work hard are expected.
• We’re here to support — but not to chase or rescue children from their own responsibilities.

You can read more of our Behaviour Policy here

Yes — but it varies. Homework might include:

• Research
• Writing
• Learning software
• Practising specific skills
• Catching up on missed content via Google Classroom

We expect families to protect time during the week for focused, independent learning. To see real progress, it’s essential that parents take an active role in supporting their child’s education beyond our sessions. This may include setting aside regular time for revision, additional practice, or even arranging further tuition if needed. Our programme is designed to complement – not replace – a strong home learning routine. Children thrive when families treat our work as part of a wider, consistent commitment to their development.

Our programme is best suited to children who are open to learning, willing to try and can engage in a small-group environment. It may not be the right fit for children who:

• Prefer to avoid challenge or give up easily when things get tough

• Rely heavily on constant 1-to-1 support

• Often miss sessions, making it hard to keep up with projects

• Are still developing the core literacy or numeracy skills expected for their age

We don’t expect perfection — just a positive mindset and a willingness to grow. We’re here to support potential, not pressure.

We act early. If a student is struggling, we:

• Speak with them privately to identify issues
• Alert parents and suggest practical steps
• Offer targeted help and a clear action plan

But support requires partnership. If there’s no home follow-through, progress will be limited.

Not in the traditional school sense. Instead, we provide:

• Continuous feedback
• Updated progress trackers
• Evidence from student work
• Parent meetings or check-ins when needed

We’ll always speak to the student first, then to the parent. If behaviour or effort doesn’t improve, we may ask the student to leave the programme. We owe it to the other students to protect the learning environment. You can read more of our Behaviour Policy here.

Each project lasts between 7–8 weeks and runs one day per week. Students can enrol for one project or multiple across the year. Tuition runs year-round in termly blocks.

Not at all. We teach all the tools and skills needed — from 3D design to teamwork. What matters is curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to try.

Yes — but in a balanced way.

• The tuition strand covers full KS3 content, taught with clarity and progression.
• The STEAM strand pushes students to apply knowledge creatively and critically.
• Together, they aim to help develop confident, capable learners.

That’s possible, and both strands work independently — but they were designed to complement one another.
STEAM helps students apply their knowledge. Tuition ensures they have that knowledge. Doing both gives the most balanced growth.