SATs and the 11+ are two of the most important milestones in a child’s primary education.

The Key Stage 2 SATs assess pupils’ attainment in Reading, Mathematics, and Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS) at the end of Year 6. The 11+ is a selective entrance examination used by many grammar schools and selective independent schools to identify pupils who demonstrate strong academic ability and potential.

Although both assessments take place during Year 6, successful preparation rarely begins in Year 6 itself.

Many education professionals recommend beginning preparation from Year 4. Starting early allows children to strengthen their mathematical understanding, develop advanced reading and writing skills, expand their vocabulary, improve problem-solving abilities, and build confidence gradually without the pressure of last-minute revision.

One of the biggest differences between SATs and the 11+ is that many 11+ examinations assess skills that are not taught explicitly as part of the National Curriculum. Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning are commonly included by many grammar schools, yet these subjects are generally not taught in mainstream primary classrooms. As a result, many pupils encounter these question types for the first time only when they begin preparing for the examination.

Even in Mathematics and English, the level of challenge in many 11+ examinations often extends beyond the standard classroom experience. Pupils are expected to apply knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, solve complex multi-step problems, demonstrate sophisticated comprehension skills, and produce high-quality written responses under timed conditions. Developing these higher-order thinking skills requires consistent practice over an extended period.

Another important consideration is timing. Most 11+ examinations take place in September of Year 6, meaning that much of the preparation must be completed by the end of Year 5. Families who begin preparing earlier have more time to develop secure subject knowledge, refine examination techniques, complete mock assessments, and build confidence before the examination period begins.

At Skinat Tuition, our qualified UK teachers provide personalised online tuition designed to help every child achieve their full academic potential. We combine expert teaching with structured exam preparation, ensuring that pupils not only master the curriculum but also develop the confidence, resilience and examination skills needed to perform at their very best.

We provide specialist preparation for:

✔ SATs Mathematics
✔ SATs Reading
✔ Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS)
✔ 11+ Mathematics
✔ 11+ English
✔ Verbal Reasoning
✔ Non-Verbal Reasoning
✔ Creative Writing
✔ Reading Comprehension
✔ Mock Assessments and Exam Technique

Whether your child needs to close learning gaps, achieve Greater Depth in SATs, or secure a place at a grammar or selective independent school, we create a personalised learning plan tailored to their individual strengths, areas for development, and long-term aspirations.

At Skinat Tuition, we believe that early preparation, expert teaching and personalised support provide every child with the opportunity to succeed.

Education Generates Freedom.