11+ and Grammar School Preparation
Structured, personalised online tuition for children preparing for grammar school entrance exams.
We teach Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning using a calm, confidence-building approach that helps children perform at their best without stress.
All lessons are delivered by qualified UK teachers and tailored to the requirements of your local grammar schools or chosen independent schools.
We work with
- Families applying to grammar schools
- Families preparing for independent school entrance exams
- Children in Years 4 and 5 who benefit from early preparation
- Children who need both support and stretch
- Pupils who struggle with exam confidence
Our aim is simple: to help children approach the exam with clarity, confidence and the skills needed to perform at their best.
Get Support NowWhat the 11+ Exams Involve
Although grammar schools use different formats, the 11+ usually assesses four main areas:
Some areas are covered in the primary curriculum; others are not. Many schools also use adaptive or computer-based tests, depending on the region.
We prepare for both major boards:
GL Assessment
Used widely across the UK. GL tests are typically paper-based and assess:
- Comprehension
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Maths and reasoning
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
CEM (Durham University)
Used to reduce predictability. CEM tests are typically:
- More vocabulary-heavy
- Faster-paced
- Mixed-format
- Less reliant on familiar question types
We adapt lessons to the specific exam your child will take, ensuring teaching is targeted, not generic.
What We Teach for the 11+
11+ Maths
11+ Maths goes beyond the standard primary curriculum and requires strong reasoning and problem-solving ability. We show pupils how to think flexibly, spot shortcuts, and approach unfamiliar questions calmly.
We teach children to:
- Work confidently with large numbers
- Understand multi-step word problems
- Use algebraic thinking
- Apply fractions, decimals and percentages
- Interpret graphs, tables and charts
- Work with area, perimeter, time and measure
- Improve accuracy and speed without losing clarity
We focus on understanding first, then build speed and accuracy progressively.
11+ English
11+ English requires strong comprehension and a high level of written accuracy. We support students across all three assessment areas.
Reading & Comprehension
- Understanding key information
- Making inferences
- Analysing vocabulary
- Identifying tone and style
- Interpreting figurative language
- Working with longer, more complex texts
Writing
- Creative and descriptive writing
- Editing and improving work
- Planning clear paragraphs
- Using varied vocabulary
- Writing under timed conditions
SPaG
- Sentence types and clauses
- Punctuation accuracy
- Advanced spelling patterns
This helps children score well on both comprehension and writing-based entrance assessments.
11+ Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning tests language patterns, logic and problem-solving. Many question types are not taught in primary schools — which is why dedicated tuition matters.
We teach children to:
- Identify word relationships
- Spot patterns in sequences
- Apply logic to coded sentences
- Understand analogies
- Work through vocabulary-based puzzles
- Use elimination strategies
- Manage time effectively
Lessons include modelling, guided practice and repeated exposure to question types until they feel familiar and manageable.
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning assesses visual logic, patterns and abstract thinking. We support learners by teaching systematic strategies that work under time pressure.
We teach children to:
- Interpret shapes and diagrams
- Identify differences and similarities
- Understand rotations and reflections
- Analyse spatial patterns
- Use visual memory strategies
- Work systematically under time pressure
Many children initially struggle with NVR because it is unfamiliar. With clear teaching and structure, they quickly improve — often dramatically.
How Our 11+ Lessons Run
Every lesson is calm and structured. We focus on understanding first, then build speed and accuracy — never the other way around.
Review of Earlier Content
We begin every session revisiting what was covered before, reinforcing knowledge and addressing lingering gaps before moving forward.
Teaching a New Question Type or Topic
New question types and topics are introduced clearly and methodically, with context on how they are tested and why they matter for the exam.
Modelled Examples with Clear Explanations
The teacher works through examples with the child, explaining the thinking process out loud before expecting independent attempts.
Guided Practice, then Independent Work
Children practise with teacher support, then attempt questions independently at the right difficulty level for their stage of preparation.
Independent Practice at the Right Difficulty
Questions are chosen to stretch without overwhelming — building the stamina and self-belief needed for the actual exam environment.
Summary of What to Revise
Every session ends with a clear note of what to practise before the next lesson, keeping revision focused and manageable.
Our Teaching Philosophy
Lessons are paced calmly so children do not feel overwhelmed. We focus on understanding first, then speed and accuracy — never the other way around.
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 NowWhen 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
The 11+ can feel stressful. Some children worry about disappointing their parents or fear the timed elements of the exam. We help anxious learners 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 exams with a calmer, more positive mindset.
Get StartedSupporting SEND and EAL Students Through the 11+
Many children with SEND or EAL profiles can succeed in the 11+ with the right support. 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.
View DetailsStretching 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 not just to pass, but to 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.
Parental Communication and Tracking Progress
We work together with families to support the full 11+ journey. Parents always know how their child is progressing.
- Lesson updates after every session
- Periodic progress reviews with clear summaries
- Termly written reports aligned to exam preparation stages
- Clear, honest advice on revision focus areas
- Honest guidance about strengths and weaknesses
- Recommendations for next steps at each stage
Our transparency ensures families feel supported and confident throughout the entire process.
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
Begin Your Child's 11+ Preparation
If you want your child to feel confident, calm and prepared for the 11+, we are here to support you. Book a free consultation and we will create a personalised 11+ plan based on your chosen schools, exam format and your child's starting level.