Our Head’s 8 Top Tips for Success in Learning

At Devonshire House, a leading prep school in Hampstead, we are often asked by parents: “How can I maximise my child’s chances of educational success?”

Mr Keighley-Elstub, our Head of School, has spoken with thousands of families over the years and shares his 8 top tips for helping children thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

1. Encourage Age-Appropriate Responsibility

From Year 4 onwards, children should take personal responsibility for homework, tidying their rooms, feeding pets, and bringing the correct kit to school. Over-helping can limit independence and self-belief.

2. Pride in Smart Uniform

Looking smart fosters self-respect and creates the mindset that school is a place for learning and effort. There is a strong link between presentation and application in lessons.

3. Prioritise Sleep and Bedtime Routines

No gaming or social media in bedrooms. Instead, establish calm routines such as reading before lights out, with bedrooms as places of rest, not screens.

4. A Healthy, Balanced Diet

Each family’s idea of balance may vary, but too much sugar never helps with focus. Nutritious meals support learning, concentration, and well-being.

 

 

5. Outdoor Time and Exercise

As the saying goes, mens sana in corpore sano – a healthy mind in a healthy body. Outdoor time in nature provides unique benefits for eyesight, calm thinking, and emotional balance, beyond what screens or indoor sports alone can offer.

 

 

 

6. Daily Reading

Readers thrive in comprehension and vocabulary. Encourage seven-day-a-week reading: children enjoying stories under the duvet or family reading together. Variety and challenge are key.

 

7. Digital Discipline

Set clear rules for screen use. Uncontrolled gaming or endless scrolling can undermine attention spans and reduce children’s willingness to engage with longer, more demanding texts.

 

 

8. Conversations and Cultural Outings

Family discussions and trips to museums or galleries build critical thinking. Ask thoughtful questions at the dinner table: “Is it always wrong to lie?” or “What does personal freedom mean?” Prep-age children are capable of nuanced debate, which strengthens reasoning skills.

Building Confident Learners

At Devonshire House, we believe these habits form the foundations of confident, independent learners. As an independent school in North London, our aim is to work in partnership with parents to develop not only academic excellence, but also resilience, curiosity, and strong values. That’s why families looking for the best schools in Hampstead choose Devonshire House: because we believe education is about much more than exam results – it’s about preparing children for life.