Academic Programmes
Designed to enhance school achievement and university readiness, our programmes train upper secondary students in critical reading, precise writing, and independent thought. Explore our 1-to-1 pathways, seasonal group intensives, and ongoing academic membership below.
1-to-1 Academic Programmes
Designed for upper secondary students and incoming undergraduates who want focused, individualized instruction in degree-level reasoning, critical reading, and analytical writing. All 1-to-1 work begins with The Thinking Diagnostic.
The Thinking Diagnostic | €120
75-minute individual session + comprehensive written feedback report
A rigorous baseline evaluation of how a student reads, analyzes, and constructs arguments. Includes an individual session and a detailed written report identifying specific areas for development.
Required as the prerequisite for all 1-to-1 multi-session packages, or available as a standalone evaluation.
Targeted Follow-on Packages
Following the Diagnostic, students select a specialized multi-session package based on their report's recommendations. Sessions are delivered on a biweekly schedule to allow for learning and development between meetings.
We offer a €50 discount on any follow-on 1-to-1 package when you enroll within 14 days of receiving your Diagnostic Report.
The Exam Essay Intensive
Price: €270 / €220
Three 1-on-1 sessions for students who know their subject material but lose marks under time pressure. Focuses on breaking down prompts quickly, structuring essay outlines, and executing clear, persuasive arguments under exam conditions.
The Critical Reader
Price: €360/ €310
Four 1-on-1 sessions for students who understand surface-level meaning but struggle to evaluate unstated assumptions, implicit bias, and complex logic. Builds the advanced reading habits expected in university seminars and research-intensive disciplines.
The Argument Builder
Price: €540/ €490
Six additional 1-on-1 sessions for students whose essays tend to summarize facts rather than construct an independent analytical thesis. Focuses on building, sustaining, and defending a compelling argument, directly addressing the most common weakness identified by university lecturers
The University Ready Package
Price: €900/ €850
Our flagship individual pathway covering the full toolkit required for higher education in ten 1-on-1 sessions: advanced academic reading, seminar debate tactics, independent research habits, degree-level essay architecture, and intellectual confidence.
Ongoing Academic Membership
The Discern Academic Circle | €50 / month (Founding Member Rate)
A selective monthly membership for ambitious upper secondary students preparing for Russell Group, Ivy League, and top European universities, as well as alumni of Discern 1-to-1 programs. Running throughout the academic year (September–June).
Monthly University-Style Seminar: A live, moderated discussion deconstructing a current issue drawn from philosophy, politics, history, law, or emerging technology.
Monthly Essay Feedback: Individualized written feedback on one school essay or writing piece per month, evaluated for argument strength, logical flow, and conceptual clarity.
Small Academic Community: Engagement with a select peer group dedicated to deep intellectual discussion.
Priority Access: Early registration and discounted rates on all seasonal holiday intensives and masterclasses.
Seasonal Group Programmes (Cyprus)
Run during school holiday windows in Larnaca and Nicosia, our group programs deliver high-density intellectual work in interactive cohorts.
The University Mindset Masterclass | €70
One-day in-person workshop (Half-day immersion)
An introductory masterclass introducing upper secondary students to the cognitive habits demanded by higher education. We cover critical reading, argument construction under uncertainty, and leveraging Generative AI productively without sacrificing personal critical thinking.
Cohort size capped at 18 students.
The University Transition Intensive | €800 (Founding Cohort)
Six-day small-group program (Delivered across a two-week holiday window)
Our flagship group experience. Simulates a true university tutorial environment where students debate contemporary global challenges, write analytical briefs, and receive direct feedback. Focuses on deep critical reasoning, independent research habits, and the ethical use of AI tools to prevent academic burnout and thrive from day one.
Cohort size strictly capped at 10 students for genuine seminar discussion.
For Schools and Counsellors
Discern works directly with university and upper secondary counsellors and advisers to support students. The focus is always thinking skills development which complements rather than duplicates the work of application strategy and subject tutoring.
If you would like to discuss how Discern could support your students, I would be glad to meet. Please get in touch directly.