Our Students Either Attend or Aspire to Attend

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93%+

Achieved Grade 9 for Maths and Further/Ad. Maths

100%

of Struggling Students Improved by 3 Grades post GCSEMocks

10.1 years

Mean Teaching Experience of Shine Tutors

Shine’s Academic Impact

What Makes Shine Academy Different?

We care. We understand the challenge. We strive for excellence. 

Experienced, Committed Teachers
Our teachers are more than tutors, they are mentors who stay with students over time, providing stability, familiarity, and personalised guidance. With our “Shine Curriculum” as their roadmap, they deliver consistent, high-quality teaching that helps children thrive academically and develop a love of learning. Our tutors bring expensive experience with the 11+ and 13+ process, with a strong track record of placing students in London’s leading secondary schools. Our secondary teachers have years of expertise in delivering outstanding GCSE and A-Level results
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Challenging Yet Inclusive Curriculum
We know that schools don’t always stretch the most capable students, while others may need extra support to reach their potential. Our programmes challenge high performers and provide targeted help for those who need it, ensuring every child is encouraged, stretched appropriately, and fully prepared for top school performance and exam success. Our curriculum accelerates student progress, with many moving rapidly through sets in school – often advancing from bottom or middle to top set within a single term.
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Optimising Time and Energy
We understand that children juggle academic commitments alongside music, sports, and other activities. Our approach maximises learning while protecting energy and focus, ensuring that every session has real impact. Our deep understanding of the 11+ and 13+ process allows us to guide students efficiently towards top school success. Focusing on exactly what schools are looking for, our targeted strategies means your child can make measurable progress without feeling overwhelmed. Every lesson is carefully designed to focus on the areas that matter most for your child’s learning and results.
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Building Resilience and Confidence
Beyond grades, we help children develop resilience, confidence, and the ability to thrive under pressure. In a supportive environment, students are encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate progress. This combination of confidence and skill sets them up for exam success and for long-term achievement at school and beyond. Many of our students go on to perform well at maths challenges such as the PMC, JMC, IMC, SMC and BMO.
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Our Offerings

Year-Round Classes offered both In-person and Online

We offer flexible in-person and online courses year-round to support uninterrupted progress.

Term Time In-Person Classes

Small groups term time classes (capped at 8) with an experienced specialist teacher and designed for high impact learning. Offer a more personal experience with fewer distractions for the students.

Term Time Online Classes

Small term time classes (capped at 8) led by experienced teachers with topic-based lessons focused on accelerated learning. Online classes offer added flexibility and convenience for busy or families frequently out of London.

Holiday/Exam prep Classes

Most holiday courses are online, with selected exam preparation and writing courses offered in-person to optimise learning. Help students with maintaining momentum.

OUR PROGRAMMES

Explore Our Exciting
New Programs Today!

A highly curated weekly programme built on structure, pacing and depth. Designed for long-term academic advancement and competitive entrance exams.

Term-Time Programme

  • Small groups of 6 (capped at 8)
  • Weekly Classes During Term Time
  • Classes are 1.5–2 hours, depending on year group
  • In-person or Online options offered
  • Structured, high-impact curriculum
  • Extends beyond school curriculum
  • Consistent reinforcement of learning
  • Specialised, experienced tutors

Holiday Courses

  • Small groups
  • 5 day intensive courses
  • Daily Classes 2 - 3 Hours (Instead of 1.5 - 3)
  • Specialized, targeted courses (PMC, JMC, IMC, SMC)
  • Exam Prep Course 11+ Maths, English and Reasoning Sprints
  • Specialist course for SPGS Paper C
  • Courses focus on Maths, English and Reasoning
  • Science courses now being introduced
  • GCSE Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics Courses

OUR STORY

A Personal Journey That
Became a Proven System

Our Story

In September 2019, as our daughter began Year 5, we had what many parents will recognise as that moment – when you suddenly 

Despite attending one of London’s top preparatory schools, we noticed a growing gap between what was being taught in the classroom and what children were expected to produce in highly competitive 11+ exams. Maths and English papers were regularly stretching two to three years beyond the standard curriculum – and with competition for top schools increasing every year, parents were understandably looking for extra support.

So, like many good ideas, Shine began… around our dining table.

With a handful of children (mostly from our daughter’s school), a pile of notebooks, and more determination than experience, we started running small Maths sessions at home. Neither of us came from a traditional teaching background, and navigating the English education system was a steep learning curve. It was very much a passion project – fuelled by late nights, plenty of tea, and a lot of trial and error.

Fortunately, we brought different strengths to the table. Alice’s love of Maths, combined with Christine’s experience of the highly effective Shanghai method, helped us design a focused, high-impact curriculum. Our aim was simple: accelerate learning, build confidence, and help children actually enjoy Maths (yes, it is possible!).

In our very first year, our students achieved the strongest results the school had ever seen – including our own daughter. At that point, we realised this little “dining table project” might be onto something.

And no, the rest is not quite history… but it did grow rather quickly.

Through word of mouth and happy parents, Shine expanded from small groups to a thriving learning community, supporting children across Maths, English, Reasoning, and beyond. What started as a response to one family’s concern has become a trusted organisation helping hundreds of students feel confident, capable, and ready to succeed.

Today, our mission remains exactly the same: To give every child expert teaching, strong foundations, and the confidence to shine — all in a supportive, friendly environment where learning is taken seriously, but never without some fun.

Testimonials

Student and Parent
Testimonials

My daughter recognised lots of her Shine cohort at both the SPGS offer holders’ event and the Westminster offer holders’ event — it was wonderful to see how much success Shine has had again this year.

Parent from our Y6 Cohort student (2026 entry), Kensington Prep School — daughter received offers from all the top London day schools

My son received offers from St Paul’s, Latymer Upper, City, King’s and Alleyn’s. He was awarded the Herbert Rogers Scholarship at King’s and an academic scholarship at Alleyn’s. We’re incredibly proud.

Parent of Falkner House — Offers from SPJS, Latymer Upper, City, King’s & Alleyn’s; Herbert Rogers Scholarship (King’s) & Academic Scholarship (Alleyn’s)

My daughter loved the Shine SPGS Paper C/Critical Thinking Course. She found it challenging and thought-provoking and is still debating the ‘Think’ questions with her sister! Her favourite lesson was the Sherlock Holmes mystery. The Easter online course worked perfectly for our family. Thank you for such an engaging programme.

Parent from Francis Holland Junior — daughter received offers from all top London day schools

My daughter received offers from all seven schools she applied to while balancing exams, interviews and music and drama auditions. She is now choosing between SPGS and Godolphin & Latymer and was also awarded a substantial music scholarship at LEH. Shine gave her tremendous confidence and prepared her exceptionally well.

Parent of Student in Bute House — All 7 offers secured

My son was accepted to both King’s and St Paul’s. We are delighted and very thankful to Shine for everything you have offered him.

Parent of our Y6 Cohort student (2026 entry) from Sussex House - Accepted to King’s & St Paul’s

Your programme has done wonders for my child. Even beyond the 11+, she has completely changed her attitude towards maths and working hard to achieve a goal. Thank you for believing in her all the way through.

Parent of Student from St Albans High Prep - 11+ preparation

We would like to share that our son received offers from Westminster, SPJS and King’s for 7+. We are so proud of him - thank you for all your help on his journey.

Parent from Eaton House Belgravia - 7+ Offers from Westminster, SPJS & King’s

Our son was offered a place at every school he applied to for 11+. We are now deciding between St Paul’s and KCS, with Westminster still in the mix — a lucky but tough choice! Thank you to Alice and Richard for always encouraging him. He truly enjoyed his Shine lessons.

Parent of Student from Thomas’s Battersea — Offers from all Top London Day Schools

Our daughter received multiple offers including SPGS, Godolphin & Latymer, CLSG, and Francis Holland. We are thrilled and so grateful for all your help and support.

Parent of Pembridge Hall - Offers from SPGS, G&L, CLSG & Francis Holland

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FAQs

Have any questions?
Read popular answers below

Our tutors are subject specialists with years of experience supporting high-achieving students. We bring expertise and passion to every lesson.

How do I sign up for term-based programmes?

Please visit our Term-Based Programmes section here (Term Courses) to enquire about availability and enrolment.

All holiday courses can be viewed here (All Courses). Once selected and purchased, you will receive a confirmation email with full course details.

Yes, we do offer online courses. Any courses that are available online only or in person only will be clearly indicated in the course description.

One class per term may be rescheduled subject to availability. Full commitment and payment are required prior to commencement, and refunds are not issued for missed sessions. 

All lesson materials and stationery are provided. Students receive a Shine notebook and folder, which should be brought to each session. Replacements are available if required.

Lesson length varies by year group and programme type. Most sessions run between 1.5 and 3 hours, with a short break included.