North-west London is one of the most competitive areas in the UK for 11+ entry, with families in Harrow, Barnet, Brent and Hertfordshire applying to local grammar schools and selective independent schools. Many parents start looking for an 11+ tutor early. This guide helps you plan without overwhelming your child.
Know which tests your child will sit
Different schools use different tests and dates, and formats can change. Before choosing a tutor, check each school’s admissions page for the current format — for example English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning — and the registration deadline. Registration often closes months before the exam, so put the dates in your calendar early.
A realistic timeline
- Year 4: focus on strong foundations: reading widely, times tables, mental arithmetic and vocabulary. Formal tutoring is optional at this stage.
- Autumn–Spring of Year 5: introduce reasoning question types and build accuracy. Weekly tutoring often starts here.
- Summer of Year 5: timed practice and mock tests. This is when exam technique and speed matter most.
- September of Year 6: exams for many schools; keep practice light in the final weeks.
Choosing an 11+ tutor
- Ask which schools their students applied to and how they prepared for those specific tests.
- Ask how they measure progress, for example with regular timed papers and a record of scores.
- Look for balance: a good tutor builds confidence as well as speed.
- Check safeguarding: an up-to-date DBS check and references for in-person lessons.
- Book early. Popular local tutors fill their schedules well in advance.
One-to-one, group or online?
One-to-one tutoring gives the most personal attention; small groups can be motivating and cheaper; online sessions save travel time on busy roads such as the North Circular. Many families mix a weekly tutor with structured practice at home.
Protecting your child’s wellbeing
- Keep weekends partly free for rest, sport and family time.
- Praise effort and improvement, not just scores.
- Remind your child that many good secondary schools are available whatever the result.
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Frequently asked questions
When should 11+ tutoring start?
Many families begin structured preparation in Year 5. Before that, reading, vocabulary and strong maths foundations matter most.
Is a tutor necessary for the 11+?
Not always. Some children prepare well with structured practice at home. A tutor helps with planning, exam technique and accountability.
How can I reduce 11+ stress?
Keep practice regular but limited, protect rest days, and focus on effort and improvement rather than scores.
Looking for a tutor?
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