What ACTUALLY Is Executive Function — and Why Does It Matter for Your Child’s Success?
When most parents think about tutoring, they picture extra help in maths, English, or science. And while subject tutoring has its place, we often see something deeper at work in students who are struggling: challenges with executive function.
What exactly is executive function?
Executive function is a set of mental skills that help us manage our time, organise tasks, control impulses, and plan for the future. Psychologists often describe it as the brain’s “management system.”
According to research from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, executive function is made up of three key areas:
Working memory – the ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind.
Cognitive flexibility – the ability to shift attention and adapt to new situations.
Inhibitory control – the ability to resist impulses and stay focused.
These skills are critical for learning, but they’re also essential life skills. They underpin everything from completing homework on time to revising effectively for exams — and even managing the stress that comes with a busy school year.
Why does executive function matter for students?
Studies have shown that strong executive function skills are linked to better academic outcomes, higher wellbeing, and even long-term career success. One large-scale study published in Developmental Neuropsychology found that executive function in early adolescence was a stronger predictor of academic achievement than IQ.
In practical terms, executive function affects questions parents often ask us:
Why does my child forget to hand in homework even when they’ve done it?
Why do they leave revision until the last minute?
Why can’t they seem to stay organised, even though they’re bright?
The answer is rarely about intelligence or motivation — it’s about executive function.
How Manor Tutoring approaches this differently
Traditional tutoring focuses on filling subject knowledge gaps. At Manor Tutoring, we take a different approach. Our academic coaching model combines subject expertise with direct support for executive function.
That means our coaches don’t just teach algebra or essay writing — they also work with students on:
Building routines for organisation and planning.
Developing strategies to manage distractions.
Breaking down long-term assignments into manageable steps.
Learning how to start tasks (often the hardest part).
Building confidence through consistent, structured support.
This dual focus helps students succeed not only in their current subjects, but also in developing the habits and resilience they’ll need for the rest of their education — and beyond.
A final thought
Executive function is the foundation that supports both academic performance and wellbeing. Without it, even the brightest student can feel overwhelmed. With it, they can learn more effectively, manage stress, and achieve their potential.
That’s why at Manor Tutoring, we believe in going beyond traditional tutoring. By combining academic support with coaching in executive function, we help students not just survive school, but thrive in it. Get in touch today to start your academic coaching journey!
