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Helping Students Succeed in the 11+
The 11+ examination is one of the most important academic milestones for primary school students. Our tutoring programme is designed to build confidence, strong academic foundations, and effective exam technique, helping pupils secure places at leading grammar and independent schools.
We support students preparing for selective schools across North London and surrounding areas, combining structured teaching with personalised guidance.
What is the 11+?
The 11+ assesses a child’s academic ability, reasoning skills, and readiness for selective secondary education. While each school has its own admissions process, exams typically include:
Mathematics
English (Comprehension & Creative Writing)
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Problem Solving & Logical Thinking
Success requires more than knowledge — it requires strategy, confidence, and exam experience.
Schools We Prepare Students For
We provide focused preparation for highly competitive grammar and independent schools including:
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet
The Henrietta Barnett School
Merchant Taylors' School
St Helen's School, Northwood
Haberdashers' Boys' School
Haberdashers' Girls' School
Each school has unique exam styles and expectations — our programme reflects these differences to ensure targeted preparation.
Our Teaching Approach
We believe outstanding results come from understanding how each child learns best.
Our lessons focus on:
✅ Building deep understanding rather than memorisation
✅ Developing strong mathematical reasoning
✅ Expanding vocabulary and comprehension skills
✅ Structured creative writing techniques
✅ Logical reasoning mastery
✅ Time management and exam strategy
Students are taught not just what to learn, but how to think.
How We Teach
Our structured programme includes:
Diagnostic Assessment
We begin with an initial assessment to identify strengths, gaps, and target schools.
Personalised Learning Plans
Every student follows a tailored pathway aligned with their goals and exam timeline.
Small Group or 1-to-1 Tuition
Individual attention
Active participation
Immediate feedback
Exam Technique Training
Students learn how to:
Approach unfamiliar questions confidently
Work efficiently under timed conditions
Avoid common exam mistakes
How to Revise for the 11+
Effective revision is essential. We guide students and parents through proven strategies:
1. Consistent Practice
Short, regular study sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
2. Master the Fundamentals
Strong arithmetic, reading comprehension, and vocabulary form the foundation of success.
3. Timed Practice Papers
We gradually introduce timed exams to build speed and confidence.
4. Error Analysis
Students learn from mistakes — a key factor separating strong candidates.
5. Reading Widely
Regular reading improves comprehension, vocabulary, and creative writing naturally.
Beyond Exam Preparation
Our goal is not only entrance exam success but long-term academic confidence. Students develop:
Independent study habits
Critical thinking skills
Academic resilience
Confidence in challenging environments
These skills benefit pupils throughout secondary school and beyond.
When Should Students Start?
Most families begin preparation between Year 3 and Year 5, depending on target schools and current ability. Early preparation allows learning to remain enjoyable and stress-free.
Book a Consultation
We offer an initial consultation to discuss your child’s goals, target schools, and preparation plan.
Contact Us Today To Begin Your 11+ Journey
11+ Subjects We Teach
Success in the 11+ requires strength across several academic areas. Our teaching programme develops core skills progressively, ensuring students gain both subject knowledge and exam confidence.
Mathematics
Mathematics in the 11+ goes beyond the standard primary curriculum. Students must demonstrate strong numerical fluency alongside problem-solving ability.
Key Topics Covered
Arithmetic and number operations
Fractions, decimals, and percentages
Ratios and proportional reasoning
Worded problem solving
Algebraic thinking
Geometry and measurement
Data handling and interpretation
We teach students how to break down complex problems, recognise question patterns, and apply efficient solving strategies under timed conditions.
English
English assessment evaluates comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing creativity.
Reading & Comprehension
Students learn to:
Analyse texts carefully
Infer meaning and author intention
Support answers with evidence
Manage longer passages confidently
Creative Writing
We develop:
Story structure and planning techniques
Descriptive vocabulary
Sentence variety and accuracy
Engaging openings and strong endings
Our aim is to help students produce writing that stands out to selective schools.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning tests logical thinking using language and patterns.
Skills Developed
Vocabulary development
Word relationships and analogies
Codes and sequences
Logical deduction
Speed and accuracy techniques
We explicitly teach question types so students recognise patterns quickly and work efficiently.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning assesses spatial awareness and visual problem solving.
Topics Include
Shape sequences
Rotations and reflections
Pattern recognition
Matrices and visual logic
Spatial reasoning
Many students find this unfamiliar initially; structured practice dramatically improves confidence.
Creative & Analytical Thinking
Selective schools increasingly look for pupils who can think independently.
Our lessons encourage:
Logical reasoning
Problem-solving resilience
Clear explanation of thinking
Confidence tackling unfamiliar challenges