The Superprof Blog

teenage female and male students in school uniform sitting and discussing

Advice for Students

UK PISA Results 2025: What the Results Say About UK Schools

PISA Results UK 2025: Rankings, Scores and What They Mean Every three years, the OECD gives the same test to 15-year-olds around the world. It measures how well students can apply what they have learned in reading, maths and science to real-world situations. The 2025 results are out. Here is what they say about the[…]

Written on 11 September 2026

9 minutes to read

11 plus

The 11 Plus English Paper: The Complete Exam Guide (2026)

11 Plus English: Exam Guide, Practice Papers and Preparation Tips The 11 Plus can be an important milestone in a child's education. For families hoping to secure a place at a grammar or selective school, this exam can play a significant role in determining their secondary-school options. One of the main components tested in 11[…]

Written on 27 August 2026

8 minutes to read

Academic tutoring

Best Universities in the UK: Top UK Universities Ranked (2026)

Best Universities in the United Kingdom - How to Choose the Right Fit Every year, the arrival of autumn in September marks two important milestones for students in the United Kingdom — a new academic year for current university students and the beginning of a new journey for prospective students. After completing your GCSEs and[…]

Written on 26 August 2026

7 minutes to read

A person in a grey jumper looks at the papers they're holding.

Advice for Students

UCAS Clearing 2026: Dates, Courses and How It Works

UCAS Clearing Guideline for 2026 Applicants Did you know that 62,070 students in the UK received admission to a local university via UCAS Clearing in 2025 after receiving their A-Level results? 1 UCAS Clearing is an alternative university admissions pathway for students where they can apply for university courses that still have spaces for that[…]

Written on 30 July 2026

9 minutes to read

School English

The Odyssey Quiz: How Well Do You Know Odysseus and His Adventures?

Can You Make It Back to Ithaca? Take Our Odyssey Test Few works of literature have travelled as widely as The Odyssey. Filled with monsters, shipwrecks, disguises, clever tricks and interfering gods, the poem has inspired new stories and interpretations for centuries. Its continuing influence can be seen in works as varied as James Joyce’s[…]

Written on 25 July 2026

5 minutes to read

Academia

Interior view of a chapel showcasing a prominent altar and neatly arranged benches for worshippers.

List of CBE Recipients: Notable Names & Why They Are Honoured

Explore the CBE List of Recipients Across Arts, Sports, Science & More CBE, which stands for Commanders of the British Empire, is an honour bestowed on people who've contributed to the betterment of their region and British society. Established in 1917, this recognition became the third-highest grade in the British honour system, just above the[…]

21 September 2026∙10 minutes to read

Gold, silver, and bronze medals with blue ribbons draped over a draped over a golden block.

Discover Famous MBE Recipients Across Music, Sport & TV

MBE Recipients: Noteworthy People With the MBE Honour The British Honours System recognises people who've made significant contributions to society and specific fields. It is hundreds of years old and has undergone several overhauls to make it more inclusive. The MBE honours people who've made a significant, lasting beneficial impact in their local region. Famous[…]

21 September 2026∙11 minutes to read

A medal shaped in a golden cross, hanging by a short red ribbon trimmed in gold, adorns the lapel of a suit jacket.

OBE Recipients: Famous People With An OBE

Who Has an OBE? A Curated List of Renowned Personalities with OBE Honours Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) recipients comprise a diverse group, from the world-famous to the British citizen performing ordinary work. The OBE is one of Britain's best-known awards, bestowed on people who've made exceptional contributions in their field.[…]

21 September 2026∙9 minutes to read

Close-up of a chivalry insignia, featuring a gold chain and pins, set against a red cushion, on display, highlighting their craftsmanship and artistic details.

Order of Chivalry: History, Types, Meaning, and Modern Examples

Britain's Orders of Chivalry and Knighthood: Garter, Thistle, and More Orders of chivalry and knighthood in the UK have existed for hundreds of years; they trace their history to around 1099, the time of the Christian military Crusades. Since then and still today, various orders exist that grant membership, honours, and rank to members based[…]

21 September 2026∙8 minutes to read

Arts and Hobbies

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Colourful balls of yarn with crochet hooks for beginner crochet projects

Fun Crochet Ideas for Your Next Project

Cute Crochet Ideas: 12 Easy Projects for Beginners Crochet projects range from the quick and easy to the huge and ambitious. If you're looking for crochet ideas for beginners, you should probably stick to the former. Luckily for you, we've put together some easy crochet ideas right here. Key Takeaways Beginner crochet projects can range[…]

8 September 2026∙6 minutes to read

Knitting needles, crochet hook and yarn arranged with handmade fabric

Which Is Easier and Faster: Knitting vs Crochet

Knit vs Crochet: Which Craft Should You Learn? Knitting and crochet both turn yarn into fabric. However, if you've seen the results of the two, you'll know that they're quite different. They use different equipment. Are you wondering which is easier, knitting or crocheting? We'll try to untangle the two, so you know what's what.[…]

8 September 2026∙7 minutes to read

Choose the Best Yarn for Crochet for Every Project

Best Yarn for Crochet: From the Best Yarn for Crochet Blanket Projects to Granny Squares There's never a single “best” option when choosing yarn for a crochet craft. Instead, you need to match the yarn to the project. Sure, you might love bright colours, but you need to make sure they work with the pattern[…]

8 September 2026∙7 minutes to read

Colourful crochet project with a crochet hook on a wooden surface

Must-Have Crochet Accessories for Beginner Crafters

Essential Crochet Supplies and Helpful Extras for Every Crafter You can start crocheting with very little. With yarn and a hook, plus some cheap crochet accessories, you can get started. As you improve, add a few crochet tools and you're really flying. Here's our guide to what you'll need. Key Takeaways You only need a[…]

8 September 2026∙7 minutes to read

Computer Skills

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A printed page of financial figures and charts

Financial Formulas: Excel for Budgeting

Essential Budget Spreadsheet Formulas for Effective Financial Management When it comes to personal finance, Excel is the perfect tool to help you get a handle on finances and accounting for your household or small business! It’s more cost-effective than some other budgeting options and gives you more control over how to set up your documents.[…]

23 July 2026∙4 minutes to read

A top down view of someone using Excel on a laptop with a coffee nearby

A Comprehensive Guide to All Excel Formulas

Comprehensive Guide to All Excel Formulas with Examples At the heart of Excel's success lie two very important features: formulas and functions. These are the building blocks that enable users to create massive, complex spreadsheets with intricate calculations. Formulas and functions save countless hours of manual work for Excel users and help people wrap their[…]

10 July 2026∙7 minutes to read

Laptop displaying technical blueprint drawings on screen with keyboard and workspace visible on a desk.

AutoCAD Commands Explained For Every Learner

Common AutoCAD Commands Every User Should Know AutoCAD is one of the most popular computer-aided design (CAD) software tools. It's popular in architecture, engineering, construction, and product design. To create accurate digital drawings, improve drafting efficiency, and develop professional technical design skills, you should master AutoCAD commands and shortcuts. Here's everything you need to know[…]

26 February 2026∙10 minutes to read

Two men sitting at a wooden table looking at a laptop screen displaying a 3D house model.

AutoCAD Drawing: Basic Drawing Skills For Beginners

Mastering AutoCAD Drawings: A Comprehensive Guide Creating accurate AutoCAD drawings starts with understanding the software’s setup, core commands, and drafting workflow. Whether you’re producing 2D technical plans or moving into 3D models, mastering the fundamentals of AutoCAD will help you create precise, professional designs. This guide walks you through setting up your workspace, choosing the[…]

26 February 2026∙7 minutes to read

Education

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a table with homework and study materials strewn about

The Great Debate: Is Homework Beneficial or Harmful for Students?

How Does Homework Affect Students? For students, parents, and teachers across the globe, homework has long been a source of struggle and debate. It’s traditionally seen as a foundational part of the schooling experience to reinforce classroom learning, but modern research suggests it could be more harmful than helpful, especially in certain circumstances. Learn about[…]

31 August 2026∙10 minutes to read

black and white photo of young Dutch schoolchildren completing homework together in 1955

The History of Homework: Origins and Progression

Who Invented Homework and Why? Homework is far from a modern invention. Although the way it’s used today is unique to our time, the same was true for centuries past. When was homework invented, and what did it look like for students learning in ancient times, in the early modern eras, and more recently? What[…]

31 August 2026∙9 minutes to read

a young student looking stressed sitting at a table at night trying to finish homework

Should Homework Be Banned? What UK Parents Need to Know

Why Homework Should Be Banned — And What Should Replace It Homework has long been accepted as an integral part of school life. While the intentions are good, new studies are finding that the downsides might vastly outweigh the benefits, causing unnecessary stress on students, as well as parents and teachers. Learn more about the[…]

31 August 2026∙14 minutes to read

student writing notes and organising with their homework

Why is Homework Good for Students?

What Are the Benefits of Homework? Homework has played a central role in children’s school experiences for decades (if not centuries). Many valid reasons are being brought to light lately in favour of banning homework, but is going to that extreme the right move? Discover the reasons why homework still has some benefits to offer[…]

31 August 2026∙13 minutes to read

Health and Fitness

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NFL Quiz: How Well Do You Know the National Football League?

NFL Trivia Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Teams, History and Rules Think you know American football? Test yourself with our ultimate NFL quiz questions and answers covering the wildest facts in NFL history. Whether you're a die-hard fan who never misses a Sunday or you're just brushing up before your next tailgate this season, this[…]

15 September 2026∙3 minutes to read

A group of people running and warming up before their calisthenics traning.

Callisthenics Exercises and Splits by Muscle Group

Callisthenics Exercises: A Practical Guide to Building Strength Many people often associate good fitness levels with gym attendance and various machines. Anyone who has ever tried callisthenics will tell you that it's not really the case. At its core, callisthenics is a strength training workout that advocates minimalism and self-regulation. It depends on your body[…]

4 September 2026∙7 minutes to read

a man doing a hand stand in nature, practising his calisthenics skills

Master Callisthenics Skills with a Safe Step-by-Step Plan

How to Develop Your Callisthenics Skills Strength training through callisthenics is one of the best ways to work out at home or at the park, and when it comes to finding a workout routine you can fit into your daily life, callisthenics is undoubtedly without peer. Callisthenics uses your own body weight to workout your[…]

4 September 2026∙7 minutes to read

Callisthenics Exercises List by Muscle Group

Best Callisthenics Workouts to Take You to The Next Level The main types of callisthenics workouts based on target muscle groups: Upper Body: Chest, back, shoulders, biceps, and triceps Core: Abs, obliques, and lower back Lower Body: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves Full Body: Compound movements that work multiple areas at once Callisthenics is one[…]

4 September 2026∙6 minutes to read

Languages

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Famous Irish People: Icons Who Shaped Ireland and the World

Most Famous Irish People: The Most Famous People From Ireland Past and Present Ireland has produced so many world-famous writers, musicians, actors, leaders and sports stars for centuries. We'll obviously never include them all in a single article. We've tried, and here are a few you might have heard of. Key Takeaways Famous Irish people[…]

2 September 2026∙10 minutes to read

A woman wearing a comfortable orange garment stands on a beach on a sunny day with her arms spread wide, her head thrown back and smiling wide.

Inspirational Life Quotes in English to Lift Your Spirits

Positive Life Quotes in English to Lift You Up Life is not a matter of milestones, but of moments.Rose Kennedy The journey of life comes with ups and downs, challenges, and moments of sublime joy. For all of human recorded history, poets, thinkers, and great leaders have lent their wisdom to inspire their followers. Here,[…]

24 August 2026∙8 minutes to read

Two hands create a heart silhouette, illuminated by a glowing sun in the background, representing love and connection.

Timeless Quotes About Love to Inspire and Reflect

The Best "I Love You" Quotes of All Time Love comes in many forms; this emotion has been a central theme in human expression throughout history. Poets’ passionate verses and heartfelt lines in films give us words to express the depth and breadth of human emotions. These quotes about love bring together some of the[…]

24 August 2026∙7 minutes to read

The silhouette of a person on a hilltop with arms stretched wide and the setting sun giving the image a golden glow.

Motivational Quotes in English to Inspire You

Inspirational Quotes in English to Keep You Motivated Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, established the concept of the collective unconscious, a term to describe innate symbols all humans recognise from birth. He believed the collective unconscious helped explain why similar mythological themes emerge across the globe. We might apply this logic to motivational and inspirational[…]

24 August 2026∙8 minutes to read

Music

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A person with long hair, wearing a white cardigan, holds a violin and bow while standing outdoors.

Pop Violin Songs to Learn: From Classics to Modern Hits

Pop Songs for the Violin to Learn and Play The violin is such a versatile instrument that it provides the melody to all music genres, including jazz and pop. You might already know and love the haunting violin solo in Kansas' Dust in the Wind or recognise the fiddling in Ed Sheeran's Galway Girl, based[…]

10 September 2026∙7 minutes to read

A close-up of a violin player holding his instrument in an orchestra, with sheet music stands inn front of the players.

Famous Violin Songs You Know and Love

The Best Violin Songs Everyone Should Know In any composition, from pop/rock to classical and folk, the violin tends to carry the melody rather than lead. It offers a delicious counterpoint, providing emotional depth to the pieces' themes. You may not even realise that you identify these tunes as 'violin songs' until you imagine how[…]

10 September 2026∙7 minutes to read

Which are the best violin songs for beginners?

Violin For Beginners: Easy Violin Songs To Learn

Easy Violin Songs for Beginners Straight out of its case, the violin is an enchanting instrument: all mellow, glowing wood and the promise of soaring melodies. Coaxing those sounds out of your instrument is another story, though. The best way to master the violin is to start at the very beginning. This collection of beginner[…]

10 September 2026∙7 minutes to read

Top British Female Singers: The Ultimate List by Decade & Genre

The Top List of Amazing British Female Singers Adele, Dua, Charli… all known by her first name only. Britain has been producing genre-defining female singers for decades: wartime sweethearts, punk provocateurs, soul powerhouses and Gen Z pop disruptors alike. English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish female singers from the UK top the Billboard Hot 100,[…]

29 August 2026∙22 minutes to read

Professional Development

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Group of surgeons operating in an operating room

Best Medical Specialties UK: Choosing the Right Career Path

Medical Specialities in the UK: How to Choose the Right One With dozens of medical specialities available to study in the UK, figuring out which path to study medicine can be quite stressful. After all, each speciality comes with unique training requirements, working patterns, level of patient contact and career opportunities, amongst many other things.[…]

28 August 2026∙8 minutes to read

Student taking chemistry notes and formula on a whiteboard

The Complete Guide To Studying Medicine In The UK (2027 Entry)

Medical Degree in the UK: How to Study Medicine, Entry Requirements and Career Path Becoming a doctor is a long road, but every aspiring doctor in the UK has to start somewhere. For most students, that means earning a medical degree and spending several years learning the practical skills needed to care for a variety[…]

20 August 2026∙10 minutes to read

Person in a white coat holding a red stethoscope

Best A Level Combinations for Medicine: Subject Choice Guide

Do You Need 3 or 4 A Levels for Medicine? What Are The Best A Levels? Choosing the right A Levels can help you get onto a desired university course, but it isn't necessarily a decision that will automatically shape your entire career. If you're interested in Medicine, think about choosing subjects that keep enough[…]

17 August 2026∙8 minutes to read

A person sits at a desk with two computers on it in a dimly lit room.

Edexcel A-Level Politics Past Papers and Revision Guide (2026)

Edexcel A-Level Politics Past Paper Questions by Topic Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.Pericles, Greek statesman Following the resignation of Keir Stemer after two years in office, the United Kingdom has a newly elected Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, the seventh Prime Minister[…]

23 July 2026∙8 minutes to read

Tutoring

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UK PISA Results 2025: What the Results Say About UK Schools

11 September 2026∙9 minutes to read

A person writes on a sheet of paper while another looks on.

CV Examples for Students With No Experience: Templates and Tips

CV and Personal Statement Examples For Jobs with No Experience Writing your first CV can feel really tough. Without any formal work history, you might feel stumped about what to include. Here, we'll cover what to include and tips for putting together something employers will like the look of. beenhereWhat should you put on a[…]

3 September 2026∙11 minutes to read

3D illustration of a digital AI interface.

AI Literacy Quiz: How AI-Savvy Are You?

AI Literacy Test: Can You Spot an AI Hallucination? AI can help you brainstorm, revise, research and learn, but using it well means more than just knowing how to write a good prompt. AI literacy means knowing how to use AI tools effectively, while also understanding their limits. That includes questioning what an AI tells[…]

1 September 2026∙4 minutes to read

How To Get GCSE Certificates: Fastest Ways To Get Lost GCSEs

How to Find Out GCSE Results From Years Ago: Get Your GCSE Certificates Losing or misplacing your GCSE certificates can feel stressful—especially when you need them for a job application, university enrolment, or visa paperwork. Fortunately, getting official proof of your GCSE results is usually straightforward once you know who to contact and what documents[…]

25 August 2026∙8 minutes to read

Super Guides

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2026 FIFA World Cup: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

2026 FIFA World Cup: No VAR Review Needed - Here Are All the Facts The FIFA World Cup is coming to North America this summer — and with England and Scotland both qualified, and a record-breaking 48 teams competing across three countries, there has never been a better time to be a football fan in[…]

31 March 2026∙21 minutes to read

Virtual Piano: Play Piano Online for Free

Online Piano Keyboard: Practice Chords, Scales & Melodies for Free Our virtual piano lets you play piano directly in your browser — no installation, no sign-up, and compatible with any device. You can click the piano keys with your mouse or finger, or use your computer keyboard. The online piano responds instantly, supports multi-key input,[…]

17 March 2026∙5 minutes to read

illustration of a person looking into a mirror writing the equation E=mc2

How to Take Notes: 9 Effective Techniques

A Guide on How to Take Effective Notes Note-taking is one of the first learning strategies we are taught in school. And it's no wonder! It is essential in your studies, but also in your work and in meetings. Taking notes improves memorisation and comprehension, as well as making it easier to review and organise[…]

3 September 2025∙13 minutes to read

illustration of a person lying on a bed with a book over their head

How to Sleep Well to Learn Better: 10 Simple Tips

Sleep Better: The Keys to Optimised Learning Restful sleep helps improve your learning. But how can you determine how much sleep you need? According to Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of Berkeley and author of Why We Sleep, the indicators of a good night's sleep are: not needing coffee in[…]

28 August 2025∙13 minutes to read

Quiz

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NFL Quiz: How Well Do You Know the National Football League?

15 September 2026∙3 minutes to read

Hubble Space Telescope image of the Andromeda Galaxy, displaying its bright core and spiral arms against a dark background.

Solar System Quiz – Test Your Knowledge Of The Planets

How Well Do You Know The Solar System? Take Our Planets Quiz There's no doubt that the Solar System and its planets are among the most fascinating topics in science. Although we are part of it, there are still many mysteries surrounding its origin and evolution! As you know, the Solar System consists of much[…]

9 September 2026∙4 minutes to read

AI Literacy Quiz: How AI-Savvy Are You?

1 September 2026∙4 minutes to read

teacher standing in front of a classroom

What Year Group Should I Teach? Find Out With Our Quiz

What Key Stage Should I Teach This School Year? Do you have a passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of learners? Take Superprof's quiz and discover your ideal teaching level! It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.Albert Einstein The school year is almost here,[…]

21 August 2026∙3 minutes to read

Frequently asked questions

What topics are covered on the Superprof blog? 🎓

Our blog covers a wide range of topics such as education, music, arts, driving, languages, health and fitness, and many more.

How often is the blog updated? 🗓️

We regularly update our blog with fresh content. Feel free to check it out frequently to discover new articles and ideas!

Who writes the articles on the Superprof blog? ✍️

Our articles are written by experienced educators, professionals, and passionate writers in their respective fields.

How can I access a specific topic on the blog? 👩‍💻

Use the categories listed on the blog page to navigate to the topic that interests you.

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You can freely share our articles. However, if you wish to quote our content, you must credit us and add a link to the relevant article.

I’m interested in writing for the Superprof UK blog, who should I contact? 🤓

If you're interested in becoming a regular contributor, please reach out to us at vanessa.m@superprof.com with your background and writing samples. We are always on the lookout for passionate writers to join our team!