11+ and Grammar School Preparation (Years 4–5)
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.
Supporting Children Through the 11+ Journey
The 11+ is a demanding and competitive exam. Children are often expected to work at a pace above the standard primary curriculum, with more advanced comprehension, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Many families find the process stressful, especially without clear guidance on what to revise and when.
Skinat Tuition provides structured, exam-focused lessons that build confidence, strengthen essential skills, and introduce children to the types of questions they will face in the 11+ exam. Our teaching is calm, supportive and focused on steady progress rather than pressure.
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.
What the 11+ Exams Involve
Although grammar schools use different formats, the 11+ usually assesses four main areas:
- Maths
- English
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
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 children for both major 11+ exam 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)
Often used to reduce predictability of questions. 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 11+ Maths
11+ Maths goes beyond the standard primary curriculum and requires strong reasoning and problem-solving ability.
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 show pupils how to think flexibly, spot shortcuts, and approach unfamiliar questions calmly.
What We Teach for 11+ English
11+ English requires strong comprehension and a high level of written accuracy. We support students in:
Reading and 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
- Improving sentence structure
- Writing under timed conditions
SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)
- Sentence types
- Clauses and phrases
- Punctuation accuracy
- Advanced spelling patterns
This helps children score well on both comprehension and writing-based entrance assessments.
What We Teach for 11+ Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning tests language patterns, logic and problem-solving. Many question types are not taught in primary schools.
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.
What We Teach for 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning assesses visual logic, patterns and abstract thinking. We support learners by teaching how 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.
How Our 11+ Lessons Run
Every lesson includes:
- A review of earlier content
- Teaching of a new question type or topic
- Modelled examples with clear explanations
- Guided practice
- Independent practice at the right difficulty
- A summary of what to revise
Lessons are paced calmly so children do not feel overwhelmed. We focus on understanding first, then speed and accuracy.
When Should 11+ Preparation Begin?
There is no single right answer. However:
Year 4 (Early Preparation)
Best for:
- Building foundations
- Strengthening confidence
- Introducing reasoning gradually
- Avoiding Year 5 pressure
Year 5 (Focused Preparation)
Best for:
- Students with strong KS2 foundations
- Those needing exam familiarity
- Timed practice
- Intensive, structured revision
We support both routes.
Helping Anxious or Under-Confident Learners
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
- Breaking tasks into smaller steps
- Avoiding pressure
- Providing plenty of encouragement
- Building confidence gradually
- Practising each question type repeatedly until secure
As confidence grows, children approach exams with a calmer, more positive mindset.
Stretching High-Achieving Learners
Many pupils aiming for grammar schools already work above age-related expectations. We challenge these learners with:
- Complex reasoning
- Advanced comprehension
- Higher-level vocabulary tasks
- Multi-step Maths problems
- Very challenging NVR patterns
- Timed papers and near-exam conditions
This prepares them for the highest scoring ranges.
Supporting 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 steps
- Using visual and verbal modelling
- Adjusting pace
- Reducing cognitive load
- Building vocabulary gradually
- Teaching clear reasoning strategies
- Providing consistent reassurance
We ensure children understand the concepts before focusing on exam speed.
Using Practice Papers and Mock Assessments
As children become confident with content, we introduce:
- Practice papers
- Timed sections
- Explanation of common mistakes
- Marking and detailed feedback
- Strategies for improving accuracy
We introduce timing gradually — never too early — to avoid creating anxiety.
Parental Communication and Tracking Progress
Parents receive:
- Lesson updates
- Periodic progress reviews
- Termly written reports
- Clear advice on revision
- Honest guidance about strengths and weaknesses
- Recommendations for next steps
We work together with families to support the full 11+ journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 11+ only about intelligence?
No. Success depends on practice, confidence, exposure to question types and strong teaching.
Do you teach both GL and CEM?
Yes. Lessons are tailored to your region’s format.
Do you help children who are behind?
Yes. Many students improve significantly with structured, calm teaching.
Do you help children who are very advanced?
Yes. We stretch high-attaining students with challenging materials.
How many lessons per week are needed?
Most families choose one or two sessions depending on their goals.
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.
