For many students, the idea of studying without a classroom feels daunting. No timetable, no in-person teacher, and no classmates sitting beside you. But with the right approach, learning at home can become an advantage rather than a hurdle.

That’s the focus of our upcoming Learning to Learn webinar on Tuesday 7th October at 11am. Hosted by Elaine van den Akker, with expert tutors Ellis Harris-Kijak (FMAAT) and Louise Woodhouse (FICB PM Dip), this session will share practical strategies to help you study smarter, not harder.

Why “Learning to Learn” Matters

When people think about studying bookkeeping, they often picture exam content: ledgers, VAT returns, payroll, or management accounts. But the truth is that success depends just as much on how you study as it does on what you study.

Many adult learners haven’t studied for years. Some feel nervous about returning to textbooks after time away from education. Others worry about balancing work, family, and learning. These concerns are valid, but they can be managed with the right mindset and techniques.

Learning how to learn is a skill in itself - and one that pays off not just in your studies, but throughout your career.

Understanding Your Learning Style

Every student is different. Some absorb information by reading and taking detailed notes. Others prefer watching or listening, while many need to apply concepts practically before they stick.

During the webinar, tutors will explain how to identify your own learning preferences and adapt your study habits accordingly. For example:

Visual learners might benefit from colour-coded notes or diagrams.

Auditory learners may find it useful to read material aloud or use podcasts and recordings.

Kinaesthetic learners often do best with practice questions and hands-on exercises.

At Ideal Schools, we encourage students to experiment with different methods early on. That way, you discover quickly what helps you retain information - and what wastes your time.

Building Study Habits That Last

Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of distance learning. You decide when and where to study. But that freedom can also make it easy to lose focus.

Our tutors recommend creating a routine that fits into your life rather than trying to completely restructure your schedule. For example:

Short sessions work best. Aim for 20–30 minutes of focused study at a time, followed by a short break.

Little and often beats cramming. Studying three times a week for an hour each is more effective than one big block of four hours.

Set realistic targets. Instead of “I’ll finish a full unit this week,” try “I’ll complete and review two chapters.”

With this approach, you’re more likely to stay consistent, which is the biggest predictor of success.

Staying Motivated When Studying Alone

Motivation is one of the most common concerns raised by new students. Without the accountability of a classroom, it’s easy to put off studying until tomorrow.

Here are a few strategies that help Ideal Schools learners keep momentum:

Track your progress. Seeing what you’ve already achieved is motivating. A checklist or progress tracker makes your effort visible.

Celebrate small wins. Completed an assignment? Tick it off and reward yourself. Confidence builds gradually.

Connect with others. Our student community on Facebook is a lively space where learners share challenges and successes. It makes the journey feel less isolated.

Remember your 'why'. Write down your reason for studying - career change, self-employment, financial security - and revisit it when motivation dips.

This is also where Ideal Schools’ tutor support comes in. Having an experienced tutor available to answer questions or provide encouragement makes all the difference.

Overcoming Common Hurdles

Every student hits obstacles. The difference between success and giving up is how you respond to them.

Time pressures

Work, family, and unexpected events can interrupt even the best routines. That’s why we provide up to 12 months of tutor support as standard, with longer packages available. You don’t have to finish in a rush.

Exam nerves

Feeling nervous before assessments is normal. Our tutors offer mock exams, feedback, and tips on exam technique, so you can sit down confident and prepared.

Technical challenges

Accounting software like Sage, BrightPay, or Xero is an important part of modern bookkeeping. Some students worry about using new systems, but we guide you step by step, giving you practice before you ever face it in the real world.

Self-doubt

It’s common to think “I can’t do this” when you hit a tricky concept. That’s why personal tutor support matters. You’re not just reading through a manual - you’re working with professionals who’ve taught and practised bookkeeping themselves.

What Makes Ideal Schools Different

Not all online training providers are the same. Many rely on automated marking or leave students to figure things out on their own. At Ideal Schools, every assignment is reviewed by a real tutor. That means personalised feedback, advice, and encouragement.

This approach is why our students achieve such high pass rates and why so many win awards, including multiple ICB Student of the Year winners.

With more than 40 years of experience and nine ICB Tutor of the Year awards, our team combines industry expertise with genuine care for students.

Whether you’re studying ICB courses, pursuing AAT qualifications, or topping up skills with CPD, you’re learning with people who understand what it takes to succeed.

Real Stories, Real Success

We often hear from students who never thought they’d be able to study again after years away from education. With the right support and structure, they have not only completed their courses but have built new careers.

For example, in our Student Spotlight, Tracy Bland shared how she retrained while balancing family life. With encouragement and guidance, she turned her decision to study bookkeeping into a successful practice of her own.

Her story is just one of many that show what’s possible when you combine the right training with determination.

Preparing for Your Future

Learning how to learn is not just about passing exams. It’s about building skills that last a lifetime. The ability to adapt, manage your time, and stay motivated will serve you in every part of your career.

As one of our tutors puts it in the webinar: “It’s not about how smart you are. It’s about how smart you study.”

When you invest in yourself with the right course and support, you’re not only gaining a qualification - you’re proving to yourself that you can achieve more than you thought possible.

Join the Learning to Learn Webinar

The Learning to Learn webinar will give you practical tools to study smarter, learn more efficiently, and keep moving forward with confidence.

Date: Tuesday 7th October

Time: 11am

Hosts: Elaine van den Akker, Ellis Harris-Kijak (FMAAT), Louise Woodhouse (FICB PM Dip)

This is your chance to understand how you learn best and set yourself up for success in your studies and beyond.

Sign up today and take the first step toward learning smarter, not harder.