Episode 89

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Published on:

16th Apr 2025

Exam stress! With Will Petty from Bonas MacFarlane

Louisa, our lovely listener, got in touch to ask us to record a podcast on how best to support children and young people who are preparing for exams and so here it is! 

We spoke with Will Petty from Bonas MacFarlane Education all about this. Will is so easy to listen to and had some fabulous stories and tips to help our young people manage exam stress.

Will has been with Bonas MacFarlane since 2009, advising countless families from around the world on gaining places at leading UK independent schools. His expertise has been sought after by prestigious firms including UBS, Coutts, and Sotheby’s. Will originally started as a tutor himself so has seen exam stress first hand with students and we felt very lucky that he agreed to share his extensive knowledge with us!

We talked with Will about:

  • Not adding to the pressure your children are already feeling!
  • Not going on holiday in the Easter holidays...(too late if you are there, but one for next year’s students!).
  • Making sure there are time off days (especially if you have a really studious child) and how to plan this and the dreaded revision timetable.
  • Not trying to be teacher and parent (be a parent as much as possible) and the benefits of a private tutor if budget permits.
  • Focussing as a parent on your child/ren’s wellbeing and not putting your own emotions and pressures on to them – being the safe space they need.
  • The importance of the last parent’s evening before the exams (and trying to make sure your child is as well).
  • How having treats is really important to ‘take the lid off the pressure cooker’.
  • Options for additional support.
  • Ignoring the little Timmys..!!
  • Wills top 3 tips for parenting during the exam periods.
  • All about Bonas Macfarlane and how they support students and families with tuition and more.

Bonas MacFarlane’s website: https://bonasmacfarlane.co.uk/en/

Instagram @bespokefamily / @bonasmacfarlane_

Facebook @bespokefamily

For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations   

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About the Podcast

Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between
Your go-to for advice on how to communicate with the children in your life. Brought to you by family consultancy Bespoke Family, enabling families to thrive
Newborn to Teen and Everything Inbetween - it does exactly what it says on the tin! Join childcare experts Becks and Claire for practical advice about how to communicate with children, at all ages.
There can be a lot of pressure to 'get it right' when it comes to children, which can be quite daunting! Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, TA or childcare worker, or just looking to gain a better understanding of the world through a child’s eyes, Becks and Claire have 25 years of childcare experience to share with you. Listen for reassurance and support to help you navigate tricky conversations, challenging behaviour, complex emotions, and the general day to day pressures of raising and working with children.
This is a judgement-free zone - you won't find a one-size-fits-all rule book here! The perfect parent doesn't exist, but in their family consultancy business Bespoke Family, Becks and Claire believe that a child centred approach which recognises and respects individuality is the best way to enable families to thrive. Join Becks and Claire for accessible, light-hearted and well researched advice and guidance on the various ways we can tackle the ups and downs of life with children (they've got a great sense of humour too, so if you love a laugh you're in great company!)
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This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative