11+ and Grammar School Tuition
Calm online 11+ preparation for English, Maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Skinat Tuition helps children prepare for 11+, grammar school and selected entrance assessments with structured online lessons delivered by qualified UK teachers. We focus on clear skills, steady practice, exam familiarity and confidence, so your child can approach preparation with less pressure and more understanding.
Who We Support
- Families applying to grammar schools
- Families preparing for independent school entrance exams
- Learners who benefit from early preparation
- Children who need both support and academic stretch
- Pupils who struggle with exam confidence
Our aim is simple: to help children approach 11+ and entrance assessments with clarity, confidence and the skills needed to feel prepared.
Book free lesson How it works View 11+ pricingGL, CEM-Style & School-Specific Preparation
Some children prepare for GL Assessment style papers, some prepare for CEM-style question types, and others sit school-specific or independent school assessments.
GL Assessment
Used by many grammar schools and independent schools. We help children build the academic skills and question familiarity behind this route where suitable.
CEM-Style & School-Specific
Some schools use CEM-style question types, or their own school-specific and independent entrance assessments. Lessons are matched to the relevant subjects and question types where suitable.
Admissions and test arrangements vary by area and school, so parents should always check current entry requirements, registration deadlines and test format directly with the relevant school or admissions body. Skinat's role is to provide calm academic preparation, structured practice and clear parent updates.
Calm, Structured 11+ Preparation
Skinat provides calm, structured 11+ tuition for children preparing for grammar school, GL, CEM-style, independent school or school-specific entrance assessments where relevant. Lessons can cover English, Maths, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, comprehension, vocabulary, problem solving and timed practice. Parents receive clear updates so they can see what has been covered and what their child should practise next.
Why Families Choose Skinat for 11+ Preparation
11+ preparation can feel confusing for parents because test formats, admissions arrangements and school requirements vary by area. Skinat keeps the academic side clear and manageable.
Our teachers help children understand the skills behind the questions rather than simply rushing through practice papers. This means lessons can support vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, arithmetic, problem solving, reasoning patterns, exam technique and confidence in a calmer way.
The aim is simple: your child should know what they are practising, why it matters and how to improve step by step.
What Our 11+ Tuition Can Cover
Our 11+ support can be tailored around your child's starting point, local route and confidence level. Depending on the child and assessment route, lessons may include:
- 11+ English and comprehension
- Vocabulary development and word meaning
- Grammar, punctuation and sentence accuracy
- Creative or extended writing where relevant
- 11+ Maths, arithmetic and problem solving
- Verbal reasoning strategies
- Non-verbal reasoning and pattern recognition
- Spatial reasoning where relevant
- GL-style question practice
- CEM-style question practice where appropriate
- School-specific entrance preparation where available
- Timed practice introduced gradually when suitable
- Review of mistakes and next-step targets
Every child starts from a different place. Skinat focuses on building secure skills before increasing pace or pressure.
What We Teach for the 11+
11+ Maths
11+ Maths tuition can help children strengthen arithmetic, number fluency, problem solving and multi-step reasoning. Lessons can revisit gaps from primary Maths while also introducing the types of questions children may meet in entrance assessments.
Topics we cover:
- Arithmetic and number fluency
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ratio and problem solving
- Shape, measure and data
- Word problems and multi-step reasoning
- Logical problem-solving strategies
The focus is on understanding first, then speed and accuracy.
11+ English
English is often one of the biggest areas of difference between children preparing for 11+ and entrance assessments. We support children with reading comprehension, vocabulary, inference, grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence accuracy and writing confidence.
Reading & Comprehension
- Reading comprehension and inference
- Vocabulary development
Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling
- Grammar and punctuation
- Spelling and sentence accuracy
Writing
- Extended and creative writing where relevant
Lessons help children slow down, read questions carefully, explain answers clearly and avoid common mistakes.
11+ Verbal Reasoning
Reasoning can be unfamiliar for many children because it isn't always taught as a normal school subject. We help children recognise patterns, spot relationships, use elimination strategies and approach unfamiliar questions calmly.
Verbal reasoning may include:
- Word relationships
- Vocabulary-based reasoning
- Codes
- Sequences and logic
- Elimination strategies
Lessons introduce these skills gradually so children do not feel overwhelmed.
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning is often unfamiliar too, since it isn't a standard school subject. We help children recognise patterns and approach unfamiliar visual questions calmly and systematically.
Non-verbal reasoning may include:
- Patterns and sequences
- Matrices
- Shapes and rotations
- Visual problem solving
We build these skills step by step so children feel confident, not overwhelmed.
How 11+ Lessons Work
We keep every step clear — from understanding your child's needs to introducing timed practice only when they're ready.
Understanding Your Child's Route
We start by understanding your child's route, age, school stage and current confidence level.
Identifying Strengths and Gaps
We identify strengths, gaps and the type of preparation needed before lessons begin.
Matching the Right Support
Your child is matched with suitable small group or one-to-one support based on their needs.
Clear Teaching and Practice
Lessons focus on clear teaching, guided practice, feedback and next steps.
Parent Updates
Parents receive updates so they know what has been covered and what to focus on next.
Timed Practice and Exam Technique
Timed practice and exam technique are introduced gradually, when appropriate for your child.
Our Teaching Philosophy
This gives families structure without turning every lesson into a high-pressure test. We focus on calm teaching, guided practice and steady confidence-building.
Want to Learn More?
Book a free consultation and we'll discuss the right approach for your child's year group, exam board and starting level.
Book your free first lessonSmall Group or One-to-One 11+ Tuition
Some children enjoy learning in a small group because it gives them structure, routine and peer motivation. Others need one-to-one support because their gaps, confidence or target schools require a more personalised pathway.
Small Group 11+ Tuition
Structure & Peer Motivation
Small group 11+ tuition can work well for children who are ready for focused weekly practice.
Best for:
- Children who enjoy learning alongside peers
- Those who benefit from routine and structure
- Steady, focused weekly practice
One-to-One 11+ Tuition
Personalised & Targeted
One-to-one 11+ tuition is better for children who need targeted support, faster progress in specific areas or a calmer pace.
Best for:
- Children with specific gaps or confidence needs
- Families targeting a particular school route
- A more personalised, individual pace
When Should 11+ Preparation Begin?
There is no single right answer — it depends on your child's starting point, chosen schools, and confidence level. We support both routes.
Year 4
Early Preparation · Ages 8–9
Starting in Year 4 gives children the most time to build understanding gradually, without cramming or pressure in Year 5.
Best for:
- Building strong academic foundations
- Strengthening confidence before exam content begins
- Introducing reasoning gradually
- Avoiding the pressure spike of Year 5
- Children who benefit from consistent, unhurried practice
Year 5
Focused Preparation · Ages 9–10
Starting in Year 5 is the most common route. With strong KS2 foundations, children can move into focused exam preparation.
Best for:
- Students with strong KS2 foundations already in place
- Those needing exam familiarity and question type training
- Timed practice and accuracy work
- Intensive, structured revision in the final months
- Children who respond well to focused, goal-oriented tuition
We support both routes and will advise on the best approach based on your child's current level, chosen schools and available time.
Support That Fits Every Child
Helping Anxious and Under-Confident Children
Some children are bright but anxious, easily rushed, or unsure where to begin. Skinat's calm teaching style helps children feel supported while still building the skills needed for entrance assessment preparation. We help by:
- Using calm, reassuring teaching throughout
- Breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps
- Avoiding unnecessary pressure during sessions
- Providing plenty of encouragement and positive reinforcement
- Building confidence gradually before introducing timed practice
- Practising each question type repeatedly until children feel secure
As confidence grows, children approach assessments with a calmer, more positive mindset.
Book your free first lessonSEND-Friendly Support for Every Learner
For learners who benefit from extra structure, repetition, scaffolding or patient explanation, our SEND-friendly academic approach may be suitable where online tuition is appropriate — including EAL learners building English confidence. We help by:
- Breaking complex questions into smaller parts
- Using visual and verbal modelling
- Adjusting pace to suit processing needs
- Reducing cognitive load at each step
- Building vocabulary gradually for EAL learners
- Teaching clear reasoning strategies step by step
- Providing consistent reassurance throughout
We ensure children understand the concepts before focusing on exam speed.
Book your free first lessonStretching High-Achieving Children
Many pupils aiming for grammar schools already work above age-related expectations. We challenge these learners with content that prepares them for the highest scoring ranges.
- Complex reasoning and problem-solving challenges
- Advanced comprehension with demanding inference questions
- Higher-level vocabulary tasks
- Multi-step Maths problems requiring strategic thinking
- Very challenging NVR patterns and sequences
- Timed papers and near-exam conditions
This approach prepares high achievers for the highest scoring ranges — giving them the edge they need to feel confident and excel on exam day.
We work together with families to identify the right schools, understand what the exam requires, and build a preparation plan that is both ambitious and achievable.
Helpful ResourcesPractice, Papers and Parent Partnership
Using Practice Papers and Mock Assessments
As children become confident with content, we introduce timed practice to build exam stamina and accuracy.
- Practice papers under exam conditions
- Timed sections with pacing guidance
- Explanation of common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Marking and detailed feedback on every paper
- Strategies for improving accuracy under pressure
We introduce timing gradually — never too early — to avoid creating anxiety before children are ready.
Parent Updates and Practice Between Lessons
Parents need to know whether tuition is actually helping. Skinat provides clear updates so you understand what your child has worked on, what is improving and what should be practised next.
- Clear updates after every lesson
- Short practice tasks where useful
- Question reviews and topic suggestions between lessons
- Steady habits without overloading children
- Preparation that feels organised, not overwhelming
The aim is not to overload children, but to build steady habits and make preparation feel organised.
Choosing the Right Schools
We help families navigate the grammar and independent school landscape — understanding which schools suit their child and what each exam requires.
- →GL vs CEM exam format guidance
- →School-specific preparation strategies
- →Realistic target-setting and school selection
- →Advice on registration timelines and deadlines
- →Support for both grammar and independent routes
We tailor the entire preparation plan to your chosen schools and exam formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Make 11+ Preparation Clearer?
Book a free first lesson with Skinat Tuition and speak to us about your child's age, target route, confidence and current learning needs.
Call +44 7877 331 206 · Email info@skinattuition.co.uk