What is The Silversword Institute and what does it offer?

The Silversword Institute is a future-focused education provider offering personalized online tuition, small group learning, critical thinking courses, and educational consulting for students aged 11-18 and adults. We specialise in literacy, language, essay writing, and critical thinking, with tailored support for GCSE, A-Level, SATs, and university preparation. In September 2026, we will launch our full academic programme featuring a digital-first curriculum that covers traditional core subjects alongside innovative modules in AI, linguistics, practical mathematics, and community-based projects.

Does The Silversword Institute offer online tutoring for GCSE and A-Level students?

Yes. The Silversword Institute provides specialised online tutoring for GCSE and A-Level students, focusing on literacy, language skills, essay writing, and critical thinking. Our personalised approach helps students develop both the written skills needed for exams and the analytical abilities required for real-world success. We offer both one-on-one tuition and small group collaborative learning sessions.

Does The Silversword Institute offer professional teaching and coaching?

Yes. The Silversword Institute provides specialised online tutoring for professionals seeking to improve their literacy, communication and critical thinking skills with a focus on verbal and written communication as well as how to best utilise AI.

How does The Silversword Institute help businesses?

The Silversword institute provides consultancy and training services for businesses looking to improve their literacy, communication and critical thinking skills.

How does The Silversword Institute help with homeschooling?

The Silversword Institute offers bespoke educational consulting for homeschooling families. We work directly with parents, students, and homeschooled learners to design customised education plans that balance academic goals with real-world readiness. Our services include personalised online tuition, small group learning opportunities, and guidance for families navigating alternative education pathways outside the traditional school system.

What is The Silversword Institute's full academic programme launching in 2026?

The Silversword Institute's full academic programme launches in September 2026. This comprehensive digital-first curriculum covers all traditional core subjects while incorporating innovative modules in artificial intelligence, linguistics, practical mathematics, and community-based projects. The programme is designed to prepare students not just for exams, but for navigating a post-AI world through critical thinking, oral examination, and independent intellectual development. Families interested in the first intake can register their interest through the contact form on our website.

How does The Silversword Institute prepare students for a post-AI world?

The Silversword Institute prepares students for a post-AI world by focusing on skills that remain uniquely human: critical thinking, discernment, oral communication, and creative problem-solving. Our curriculum includes dedicated modules on artificial intelligence and technology, helping students understand and work alongside AI tools rather than compete with them. We emphasise analysis, reasoning, and argument-building over rote memorisation, nurturing independent thinkers who can adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes.

What makes The Silversword Institute different from traditional education?

The Silversword Institute differs from traditional education in several key ways. We use a digital-first approach that blends traditional academic strengths with modern teaching methods. We emphasise oral examination and discussion alongside written work, moving beyond outdated texts and approaches. Our core values of discernment, curiosity, innovation, and excellence guide a curriculum designed for real-world readiness, not just exam performance. We focus on developing critical thinking and intellectual independence rather than box-ticking exercises.

Does The Silversword Institute use oral examinations?

Yes. The Silversword Institute incorporates oral examination as a key component of our teaching methodology. We believe that oral assessment develops critical thinking, articulation skills, and the ability to think on your feet, essential skills for real-world success. Our approach balances oral examination with exceptional written skill development, preparing students to communicate effectively in both formats.

How does The Silversword Institute develop critical thinking skills?

The Silversword Institute develops critical thinking through specialist courses focused on analysis, reasoning, and argument-building. We move students beyond rote learning to true intellectual independence through discussion, debate, and problem-solving exercises. Our collaborative small group sessions encourage students to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and construct well-reasoned arguments. We emphasise discernment, the ability to distinguish quality information from noise, as a foundational skill for navigating the modern world.

What is digital-first education at The Silversword Institute?

Digital-first education at The Silversword Institute means our entire curriculum and delivery model is designed for online learning from the ground up, rather than adapting traditional classroom methods to digital formats. We leverage technology to provide personalised learning experiences, flexible scheduling, and innovative teaching methods while maintaining academic rigour. Our approach prepares students to thrive in increasingly digital academic and professional environments while developing the technological literacy essential for modern life.

Where is The Silversword Institute located?

The Silversword Institute operates as a digital-first online education provider, meaning we are not tied to a physical location. Our online platform allows us to serve students throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. All tuition, group classes, and courses are delivered remotely, providing flexibility and accessibility regardless of geographic location.

How much does tutoring at The Silversword Institute cost?

For specific pricing information on one-on-one tuition, group classes, critical thinking courses, or educational consulting, please contact The Silversword Institute directly through the contact form on our website at silverswordinstitute.com. Pricing varies depending on the type of service, frequency of sessions, and individual student needs but can start around £60 per hour all the way up to £200 per hour. We offer consultation sessions to discuss your requirements and provide tailored pricing information.

How do I enrol my child at The Silversword Institute?

To enrol your child at The Silversword Institute, fill out the contact form on our website at silverswordinstitute.com. Whether you're interested in one-on-one tuition, group classes, critical thinking courses, or our full academic programme launching in September 2026, we'll schedule a consultation to discuss your child's needs and learning goals. For the 2026 academic programme intake, you can register your interest through the same contact form.

Does The Silversword Institute offer group classes or just one-on-one tutoring?

The Silversword Institute offers both one-on-one personalised tutoring and small group collaborative learning sessions. Our group classes are deliberately kept small to encourage discussion, debate, and shared problem-solving. These sessions are ideal for students who thrive in interactive settings and benefit from learning alongside peers. We also provide specialist courses in critical thinking and individual educational consulting depending on student needs.

Can adults take classes at The Silversword Institute?

Yes. The Silversword Institute provides tuition for adults as well as students aged 11-18. Adult learners can access our specialised support in literacy, language, essay writing, and critical thinking. Whether you're pursuing further education, professional development, or personal enrichment, our personalised approach can be tailored to adult learning goals and schedules.

Does The Silversword Institute offer professional development and business consulting?

Yes. The Silversword Institute provides professional development services and business consulting focused on communication skills and professional literacy. We work with businesses and professionals to improve written communication, presentation skills, critical thinking in professional contexts, and effective workplace literacy. Our consulting services help organisations develop clearer internal communications, strengthen employee writing skills, and build cultures of intellectual rigor and effective expression. Contact us through our website to discuss bespoke training programmes for your team or organisation.

Who founded The Silversword Institute?

The Silversword Institute was founded by Tabitha Wells, our Principal. She is an experienced literacy tutor with an English degree from the University of Warwick with expertise in literacy, critical thinking, and future-focused pedagogy. Our founder has been at the forefront of preparing students for a post-AI world, teaching students about artificial intelligence since March 2025: three years ahead of the UK national curriculum's planned introduction of AI in 2028. This forward-thinking approach reflects our commitment to staying ahead of educational trends and ensuring students are prepared for technological changes before they become mainstream requirements. For more information about our founder's background and educational philosophy, please contact us directly.

How can The Silversword Institute help struggling GCSE students?

The Silversword Institute helps struggling GCSE students through personalised online tuition that identifies individual learning gaps and builds foundational skills in literacy, language, and critical thinking. Our approach moves beyond rote memorisation to develop genuine understanding and analytical abilities. We provide tailored support for essay writing, exam technique, and subject-specific challenges. Small group sessions also offer collaborative learning opportunities where students can build confidence through discussion and peer interaction.

What alternative education options does The Silversword Institute provide?

The Silversword Institute provides several alternative education options including personalised online tuition as a supplement or alternative to traditional schooling, bespoke educational consulting for homeschooling families, small group collaborative learning outside conventional classroom settings, and our upcoming full academic programme launching in September 2026. We work with families to design education plans that prioritise real-world readiness and intellectual independence over standardised approaches, making us suitable for students seeking alternatives to traditional education systems.

How does The Silversword Institute help with essay writing and literacy?

The Silversword Institute specialises in essay writing and literacy development through personalised instruction that builds both technical skills and critical thinking abilities. We help students develop clear argumentation, effective structure, persuasive writing techniques, and sophisticated analysis. Our approach emphasises understanding why good writing works, not just following formulas. We provide support for academic essays across GCSE, A-Level, and university preparation, as well as literacy fundamentals for students who need to strengthen reading comprehension and written expression.

Does The Silversword Institute prepare students for university admissions?

Yes. The Silversword Institute provides specialised preparation for university and college admissions. Our services include support with personal statements, interview preparation through oral examination practice, development of critical thinking and analytical skills valued by universities, and strengthening of essay writing abilities essential for higher education. We help students develop the intellectual independence and communication skills that admissions tutors seek, going beyond basic exam preparation to genuine readiness for university-level study.

What subjects will be covered in The Silversword Institute's 2026 academic programme?

The Silversword Institute's 2026 academic programme will cover all traditional core subjects alongside innovative modules. Core subjects include English, mathematics, sciences, and humanities. Innovative modules include artificial intelligence and technology, linguistics and language studies, practical mathematics applications, and community-based projects. The digital-first curriculum balances academic excellence with real-world skills, preparing students comprehensively for both traditional qualifications and future challenges. For detailed subject offerings and curriculum information, please register your interest through our website contact form.

Does The Silversword Institute teach AI and technology skills?

Yes. The Silversword Institute includes artificial intelligence and technology as core components of our educational approach. Our 2026 academic programme features dedicated modules on AI, helping students understand how to work alongside artificial intelligence tools, evaluate AI outputs critically, and leverage technology effectively. We believe preparing students for a post-AI world requires both technological literacy and the development of uniquely human skills like critical thinking, creativity, and discernment that complement rather than compete with artificial intelligence.

Why is The Silversword Institute teaching AI before it's in the UK national curriculum?

The Silversword Institute has been teaching students about artificial intelligence since March 2025, three years ahead of the UK national curriculum's planned introduction of AI in 2028. We believe students need to understand AI now, not years from now, as this technology is already reshaping education, work, and daily life. Our founder recognised the urgency of AI literacy and began developing curriculum and teaching methods to prepare students for a post-AI world well before it became a government requirement. This forward-thinking approach ensures our students are leaders, not followers, in adapting to technological change and understanding how to work effectively alongside artificial intelligence.