Head’s 8 Top Tips for Success in Learning
Prep school parents often ask: “How can I maximise my child’s chances of educational success?”
Mr Keighley-Elstub, Head at Devonshire House School in Hampstead, London, 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
These habits form the foundations of confident, independent learners. Parents need to work in partnership with the school to develop not only academic excellence, but also resilience, curiosity, and strong values. ѿ is about much more than exam results – it’s about preparing children for life.
Henry Keighley-Elstub
Head, Devonshire House School
February 2026