Review: Common Entrance Key Stage 3 English Textbook

I bought the CE English textbook to use with my tutees as I was looking for a comprehensive, thorough coverage of the subject but written in a way that was both engaging and interesting. The way the book is organised into relevant and varied topics – from conflict to technology and everything in between, is unique to the market. 

Galore Park have brought the English curriculum bang up to date and they’re not afraid to include topics which will challenge perceptions and give students a broad view of language and literature. 

I loved that the first text was an extract from ‘George’ by Alex Gino. Straight away I knew this wasn’t going to be your average textbook. Tackling the difficulties faced by a transgender teen and then following that up with a focus on the challenges of growing up from a modern and historical standpoint (with a brilliantly chosen extract from Great Expectations) shows how much time and effort has been put into this book. 

The variety of tasks on offer, along with the helpful grammar foci sprinkled throughout the book makes it easy to use and the tasks are easy to digest. As a full time tutor, I needed something that was appealing, visually engaging and easy to follow. The CE English textbook more than met my expectations.

This book is ideal for anyone preparing for CE, but also students who might need a boost in KS3. It’s sure to engage the most reluctant readers as there is a blend of fiction and non-fiction and nothing too onerous or dry to read. There are also some great homework tasks which really encourage independent research that my tutees have already got stuck into.

There is something for everyone in this book and if you’re looking for one English textbook to support every step of your child’s journey towards CE, this is the one for you.

Learn more about our CE English textbook, download a free sample and order online here. This textbook is also available as an eBook here.

Sarah is an experienced English teacher and before becoming a full time tutor, she was Head of English at a leading prep school. As well as tutoring English to students from 7+ up to GCSE, she is also working on her first children's book. When not teaching and writing, Sarah can mainly be found reading children's books and currently has the world's biggest to-be-read pile! Learn more about Aster Tuition here.