Academic Coaching for Parents with Dr Anna York-Weaving

Have you ever felt there’s simply no time to stop and reflect, especially when you’re balancing the demands of teaching, parenting or supporting your child through the ups and downs of school? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Lucy Kelly, Associate Professor at the University of Bristol and Principal Investigator of the Reimagining the Diary project. We explore how reflective writing, even just a...

In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I’m joined by Kate Jones, international educator, author and expert on evidence-informed teaching, for a practical conversation on how to study smarter and prepare effectively for exams. We explore how research-backed strategies like retrieval practice, dual coding and elaboration can transform revision and strengthen long-term learning. Kate also...

How can insights from neuroscience transform not only how students learn, but how they engage with some of the biggest challenges facing our world today? In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I am joined by Professor Paul Howard-Jones, a leading expert at the intersection of brain science, education and climate change education. Based at the University of Bristol, Paul’s work explores...

Does your child seem more anxious, overwhelmed or avoidant as exams approach? In this episode, I unpack what exam stress really looks like, and why revision season is often the peak point for overwhelm. Because it’s not just about workload. It’s about uncertainty, comparison and the mental toll of trying to “get it all done.” You’ll learn why students overestimate what they can achieve in a day, w...

Have you ever heard your child say, “I just can’t remember any of this,” and felt unsure what to do next? In this episode, I unpack why so many students struggle with memory and what we, as parents and educators, can do to help. Because memory isn’t just about trying harder. It’s a skill that can be strengthened with the right strategies and support. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How memory...

In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I’m joined by Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel, a cognitive psychologist and senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Glasgow. Known for her work on memory, retrieval practice and the spacing effect, Dr Kuepper-Tetzel is passionate about making cognitive science accessible and applicable for learners of all ages. Together, we explore the scien...

Have you ever heard your child say “I hate school!", and felt unsure how to respond? In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I discuss what that phrase really means. It’s a sentence that can trigger concern, frustration or even guilt. But behind those words is usually something deeper, whether it’s anxiety, disconnection or academic burnout. In this episode, I help you decode what your...

In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I’m joined by Dr. Dominique Thompson, a GP, TEDx speaker and leading expert in young people’s mental health and wellbeing. With over 20 years of clinical experience, most recently as Director of Service at the University of Bristol Students’ Health Service, Dominique brings a wealth of insight into the challenges young people face today. She share...

In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I’m joined by Professor Roberto Filippi , a leading expert in psychology and education at University College London. As director of the Multilanguage & Cognition Lab and co-founder of Bilingualism Matters London , Professor Filippi shares his latest research on multilingualism, cognitive development and academic achievement. We explore his rec...

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the way students learn, how teachers teach and how parents support their children’s education. But what does this really mean for the future of learning? Should we be embracing AI, or do we need to be mindful of how we integrate it into education? In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I’m joined by Dr. Philip Hua , an AI and finance expert ,...

Is your child exhausted, unmotivated or overwhelmed by schoolwork? It might not just be stress, it could be academic burnout. In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I dive into what academic burnout really is, how it differs from everyday school stress and the hidden signs parents often miss. You'll learn: ✅ The key symptoms of burnout in students (it’s not just tiredness!) ✅ Why old...

💡  Did you know that your child’s love language could be the key to unlocking their academic success?  💡 Welcome back to  Academic Coaching for Parents ! In this special Valentine’s-themed episode, we’re diving into how  love languages - the way your child gives and receives love can  transform their motivation, confidence, and learning experience . Whether your child th...

Are you struggling to help your child establish a productive daily school routine? Do homework battles, late-night cramming and endless distractions feel like a constant source of stress? In this solo episode, I break down  the ideal school day routine, from morning to night, to help students  maximise their learning, stay organised and maintain a healthy life balance . In this episode,...

Mock exam results can be a wake-up call, whether they confirm your child’s hard work or highlight areas that need urgent attention. But what do these results really mean? And more importantly, how can you support your child in making real progress before their final exams? In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I break down exactly how to interpret mock results and use them as a steppi...

Welcome back to Academic Coaching for Parents ! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rebecca Gordon , Associate Professor of Cognitive Psychology at University College London (UCL) and part of the University of London Centre for Educational Neuroscience . As Head of Research Impact and Engagement and Director of the Motor Executive Cognitive Interaction Research Group , Dr. Gordon is a leading exper...

Welcome to Season 2 of Academic Coaching for Parents ! In this episode, I am diving into one of the most powerful yet often misunderstood tools for student success— goal setting . You’ve probably heard that setting goals is important, but did you know that scientific research backs up its effectiveness ? Today, I will explore: ✅ Why goal setting works – Insights from neuroscience and psychology...

Welcome to  Academic Coaching for Parents ! In this festive episode, I explore how to support your child in balancing academic preparation with the joy and relaxation of the Christmas holidays. Whether they’re gearing up for mocks, exams or simply staying ahead for the next term, this episode will help you strike the perfect work-life balance. Discover actionable tips on: 🎄 Creating a flexib...

In this exciting episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I delve into the inspiring journey of Dr Nadia McLurcan, an F2 doctor whose unconventional path into medicine is as fascinating as it is motivating. From her beginnings with a degree in Biological Natural Sciences at Cambridge University to thriving in roles such as a management consultant, industry analyst and civil servant in Public Hea...

In this insightful episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I dive into the critical role that sleep plays in children’s learning, mental health and overall well-being. My guest, Dr. Liz Halstead, a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor at UCL, brings her extensive expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, child development and mental health to help parents understand the...

In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , Dr Anna York-Weaving dives into the fascinating world of learning styles and uncovers how understanding your child’s unique learning preferences can boost their academic success.  Whether your child learns best through listening, seeing or practical work, Dr Anna York-Weaving breaks down practical strategies for each learning style—auditory,...

In today’s episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I dive into a topic that’s on the minds of many parents and students alike “ Is 17 too young to choose a degree?” I’m joined by a special guest, Dr. Anne-Fleur Brand, a veterinarian currently pursuing her PhD in toxicology. Dr. Brand’s fascinating academic journey took her from veterinary medicine to education and now into scientific research....

In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , host Dr. Anna York-Weaving dives into one of the most common challenges parents face: how to motivate their children to study. Whether your child seems uninterested, distracted, or overwhelmed by schoolwork, this episode provides practical strategies to help them build lasting academic motivation. I explore the difference between extrinsic and int...

In this inspiring episode of *Academic Coaching for Parents*, I welcome Dr. Geeta Bellis, a successful dentist and former head girl, to share her remarkable academic journey and insights into the world of dentistry.  Join us as we explore Dr. Bellis's experiences navigating the challenges of a competitive academic landscape and dentistry university applications. She discusses her role as head...

In this episode of Academic Coaching for Parents , I explore a growing challenge that many parents and educators face: the decline in reading among children in today’s fast-paced, digital world. With screens, social media, and TV shows dominating their attention, many kids are reading less than ever before. But why is this happening, and more importantly, how can we as parents and educators revers...

Welcome to another insightful episode of Academic Coaching for Parents ! In today’s episode, we have a truly special guest, Richard York-Weaving, an outstanding mathematician with 100% record in his A-level maths exams as well as a Cambridge Maths Graduate. On top of that, he’s a FIDE Chess Master who has channeled his academic prowess and chess expertise into a successful career in the finance in...