If your child is applying for a grammar school or selective private school, they will likely need to pass an 11 plus exam to secure a place. Many parents look to private tutoring to help increase their child’s chances.
Every child is different and learns at a different pace. Beginning 11 plus tutoring too early may cause burnout and loss of momentum. On the other hand, starting too late – particularly in the weeks leading up to the exam – may cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. It will not give your child an appropriate amount of time to internalise the content and learn good exam techniques.
What age should I get a tutor for my child?
It's never too early to start 11 plus tutoring. Tuition is an excellent way to help your child achieve their academic potential.
Any goals that you work on with your child's tutor can develop as they get older. If your child is in early Key Stage 2 (e.g. Years 3–4), your tutor can help them develop a solid understanding of the core curriculum. This creates a great foundation for any exams your child will take – including the 11 plus, Year 6 SATs and beyond.
As your child moves into Year 5, tutoring can adapt to focus on exam technique and targeted exam prep. This might include learning verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills and practising time management.
At Atom, we believe in supporting children to achieve their potential – not just to pass an exam. Tutoring at any age can give your child the confidence they need to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Watch our free parent webinar below to learn about the fundamentals of 11 plus preparation.
How much 11 plus practice should we do each week?
Grammar school and independent school admissions can be competitive. Your child will have greater success if they have built their subject understanding and reasoning ability over a long period of time. ‘Little and often’ is the most effective way to build most skills, and 11 plus exam preparation is no different.
Practice papers are a great way to see how your child performs under test conditions. However, bear in mind that practice papers will not help your child build subject mastery. It’s important that your child develops their knowledge of English, maths and reasoning first. Once they're comfortable with the content, they can start to use practice papers to improve speed and exam technique.
Set regular practice sessions – e.g. 20–30 minutes a few days a week
Learn different English and maths topics throughout the week to keep practice balanced
Begin studying verbal and non-verbal reasoning at the end of Year 4
Encourage your child to read regularly and widely
Boost your child’s progress with Atom Tuition
Find the perfect private tutor for your child with Atom Tuition. Our team of dedicated client managers will talk to you about your child and their specific goals. We’ll then carefully select the right tutor to help your child prepare for the 11 plus and build academic confidence.
You’ll get:
A uniquely personalised and data-driven online tuition service
An experienced tutor who has a proven track record for 11 plus success with GL Assessment, ISEB and more
Weekly reporting and termly assessments, with 24/7 access to your child’s progress data
Discounted access to our award-winning online learning platform Atom Nucleus for continuous learning between sessions
100% satisfaction guaranteed; if you feel that your introductory lesson isn’t a positive experience, we’ll give you a free replacement with another tutor or a full refund
Book a call today
Unlock your child's potential with Atom Tuition. Book a call today to discuss the right package for your child's needs.
