Uplevel Academy, founded by highly successful local tutor Kellie McCord, is helping children discover a genuine love of learning through an innovative methodology that builds confidence, curiosity and academic success.
Today, Uplevel Academy supports learners from 7+ through to university, offering engaging small-group programmes, summer programmes and specialist courses throughout the year. The Academy welcomes school pupils, home-educated learners and international students, supporting all major UK examination boards including AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, WJEC, CCEA, National 5 and IGCSE qualifications.
Kellie McCord founded Uplevel Academy with one simple belief: everyone, anywhere, can learn.
"We're fun and quirky (but not unruly) game-changers who challenge conventional education," says Kellie. "We're passionate about language and its power to shape our world, and we welcome every learner, whatever their background, educational pathway or starting point."
A love of learning
Founded to give families greater choice in education, Uplevel Academy combines academic excellence with an approach that nurtures the whole child.
"Our passion for learning is about far more than examinations," explains Kellie. "We help children develop self-belief, resilience and resourcefulness so they become confident learners who genuinely enjoy learning."
"Parents often tell us that learning becomes far less of a struggle because their children begin engaging with it willingly. Through our programmes, courses, resources and learning community, we're helping children develop the confidence to embrace challenges rather than fear them."
A methodology built on rapport, not rote learning
What sets Uplevel Academy apart is not simply what is taught, but how.
Rather than relying on rote learning or one-size-fits-all worksheets, Kellie's methodology is discussion-led, relationship-based and designed around genuinely getting to know every learner.
Children are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, think critically and develop the confidence to express themselves, creating a collaborative learning environment where every child can flourish.
"Our programmes are rigorous and challenging, but they're also full of curiosity, exploration and encouragement," says Kellie. "When children feel understood and valued, they become much more willing to challenge themselves."
This personalised methodology has helped students gain places at some of the country's most respected independent and grammar schools, including Westminster School, Whitgift School, Latymer Upper School, Godolphin and Latymer School, Sevenoaks School, Lady Eleanor Holles School, Cranleigh School, Hampton School, King's College School, Surbiton High School, Sutton High School, Tiffin School and Nonsuch High School for Girls.
The Academy also supports students preparing for 7+, 11+, GCSE, IGCSE, National 5, A Level and university entry, including personal statement guidance and interview preparation.
Yet Kellie is quick to point out that exceptional results do not require an elitist approach.
"Our aim has always been to offer elite education without being elitist," she says. "Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive."
Thinking about your child's next step?
Whether your child is preparing for 7+, 11+, GCSE, IGCSE, National 5, A Level or university, or you're looking for engaging support for a home-educated learner, Uplevel Academy offers small-group programmes designed to build confidence alongside academic success.
Read what local families have to say about Uplevel Academy, or explore our upcoming programmes and courses.
Relationships that last
One of the strongest indicators of Uplevel Academy's success is the lasting relationships it builds with families.
"We're incredibly proud that many families recommend us to siblings, cousins and friends," says Kellie. "In some cases, we've supported almost the entire family."
Many learners also return throughout different stages of their education.
"We've welcomed students preparing for the 11+, supported them again during GCSEs, helped them secure university places through personal statement and interview preparation, and even continued supporting them as they began their professional careers. Watching those journeys unfold is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do."
Supporting the whole child
For Kellie, academic success cannot be separated from emotional wellbeing.
"Today's children and young people face enormous pressures," she says. "Exam stress, anxiety and low mood can all affect learning, which is why we believe confidence and wellbeing deserve just as much attention as academic progress."
Uplevel Academy supports children preparing for important examinations, transitioning into new schools, rebuilding confidence after setbacks and home-educated learners seeking an engaging, discussion-led educational community.
"We pride ourselves on being confidence-builders, inspiring educators and understanding listeners. When children feel secure and supported, they're far more likely to flourish."
Diversity is at the heart of what we do
For Kellie, diversity is not a footnote to Uplevel Academy's methodology — it is the foundation of it.
"Diversity is at the heart of what we do," she says. "Every learner is unique, and no child should ever feel like they have to fit a mould in order to succeed."
This commitment extends to genuine, informed support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and neurodivergent learners. Kellie holds a Qualified Dyslexic Therapist certification, a Neuroscience Level 2 qualification from the University of Nottingham, and Distinction-level diplomas in both CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and Mindfulness — training that shapes how she designs every session.
"Our approach to SEND is rooted in inclusivity," Kellie explains. "All children are unique, but no child wants to feel 'different.' We build on each learner's strengths, set workable goals that stretch them beyond their targets, and make sure every child feels celebrated for their own way of learning."
This means lessons are adapted not just academically, but in how a child experiences confidence, anxiety and self-belief — bringing together academic expertise with genuine therapeutic understanding.
"If you have any questions about your child's specific needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch," adds Kellie. "Every family deserves a tutor who truly understands their child."
A global methodology
Drawing upon teaching experience across the United Kingdom, Finland, India, China, Hong Kong, Japan and the United States, Kellie combines proven educational practices from around the world to create engaging programmes that encourage curiosity, resilience, creativity and independent thinking.
"Every education system has something valuable to teach us," she explains. "By bringing together the very best ideas from different countries, we're able to create learning experiences that are both academically rigorous and genuinely enjoyable."
Inspiring confident communicators
Kellie is a member of Toastmasters International, achieving second place at Division level in the International Speech Contest with her speech Life Long Learners, before going on to achieve second place at District level in the Evaluation Competition.
These communication skills now form an important part of Uplevel Academy's methodology, helping every programme remain engaging, interactive and memorable while giving learners greater confidence in speaking, writing and expressing their ideas.
Kellie has also contributed to BBC Learning English, helping deliver authentic English learning to an international audience.
Learning beyond the classroom
Alongside its flagship small-group programmes, Uplevel Academy offers summer programmes, specialist courses throughout the year, downloadable resources and the Behind the Mark Scheme parent community, giving families ongoing support well beyond the classroom.
Whether preparing for entrance examinations, public examinations or university applications, every programme is designed to develop confident, resilient and independent learners with a genuine love of learning.
Ready to help your child fall in love with learning?
Whether your child is preparing for 7+, 11+, GCSE, IGCSE, National 5, A Level or university, or you're looking for a supportive educational community for a home-educated learner or a child with SEND, Uplevel Academy is here to help.
Through engaging small-group programmes, summer programmes, specialist courses throughout the year and the Behind the Mark Scheme parent community, every learner is encouraged to grow in confidence, think independently and achieve their full potential.
Book an introductory conversation today to discover which programme is the best fit for your child and see how Uplevel Academy's unique methodology can help them thrive.
Uplevel Academy summer programme
Read Local Mums' reviews of Uplevel Academy
Contact:
Kellie McCord
Founder
Uplevel Academy
Tel: 07507 216159
Email: kellie@uplevel-academy.com
Kellie on Linkedin
www.uplevel-academy.co.uk
www.skool.com/behind-the-mark-scheme
Helping children become confident learners for life.
