8 Best 11 Plus Tutors in the UK
For many parents, it’s difficult to decide which 11 Plus tutors should contact to help their child prepare for the entrance exams. Knowing that availing of tutoring services would require them to shell out money and pay for tuition, parents would want to be assured of the success of their child in admission to grammar school, independent school, or the school of their choice.
With this list, we provide a snapshot of some of the leading 11 Plus tutors and services available in the UK. Each offers a unique approach to preparing a child for this challenging exam, making it important to choose a tutor or service that best aligns with the needs and learning style of a student.
Hopefully after reading this guide, many parents and children may have the best chance in choosing fully qualified tutors and teachers to help with the exam preparation. Let’s browse through our list, which the team has prepared to help parents easily decide.
Tutor House
Based in London, Tutor House is renowned for its tailored approach to 11 Plus tutoring. They provide one-on-one sessions with experienced teachers who are well-versed in the nuances of the entrance exams.
Tutor House offers both in-person and online lessons, ensuring flexibility to suit the schedule of a child and one’s parent. It focuses on building foundational skills and exam techniques, with a strong emphasis on personalised learning plans that address the individual needs of a child.
Tuition for Tutor House typically ranges from £45 to £80 per hour, depending on the tutor’s experience and the format of the sessions.
The Tutors’ Association
The Tutors’ Association, located across various regions, is an umbrella organisation that connects children with qualified 11 Plus tutors. They are known for their rigorous standards and comprehensive vetting process, ensuring that only the best tutors are part of their network.
The association offers a range of services, from one-to-one tuition to small group sessions, and provides resources to both tutors and children.
Pricing for tutors within their network varies widely, generally falling between £30 and £75 per hour. The exact cost depends on the tutor’s experience and location. The association ensures high standards and a match between tutors and students.
Eleven Plus Exams
Operating nationwide, Eleven Plus Exams is a prominent service providing expert tutoring for the 11 Plus. They offer both online and in-person tuition, with a focus on interactive and engaging tutoring methods. Eleven Plus tutors are experienced in preparing children for various exam conditions, boards, and types, helping to improve both academic and exam techniques.
Said Eleven Plus tutors are also qualified to give lessons in various subjects such as non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning, Math, and English, which are all essential to better prepare for the 11 Plus test.
Speaking of 11 Plus preparations, Eleven Plus Exams also offers practice papers, mock tests, and resources on various subjects to supplement their lessons. Of course, all these resources will come free in class so parents won’t need to purchase them elsewhere.
However, the tuition fees here are quite high since they are priced by the hour instead of per lesson. Parents would have to pay a tuition fee of typically around £40 to £70 per hour.
Kumon
Kumon, with centres spread across the UK, provides a structured approach to 11 Plus preparation. Their unique method combines self-learning with professional guidance, allowing a child to progress at their own pace.
Kumon centres focus on enhancing problem-solving skills and academic confidence, and their tutors are trained to teach a child in both maths and English, which are crucial for the 11 Plus exams.
The tuition here usually ranges from £45 to £70 per month for weekly sessions. Kumon’s method focuses on self-learning and regular practice, with individual assessments to help a parent better track their child’s performance.
Explore Learning
Explore Learning offers specialised 11 Plus tutoring at their centres located throughout the UK. Their programmes are designed to build core skills and confidence through engaging activities and personalised instruction.
Tutors at Explore Learning work closely with students to address specific areas of improvement, ensuring an approach that can be tailored to the needs of each child and test what else they may need help with.
The tuition fees are approximately £60 to £80 per month, which includes regular sessions and access to free additional resources.
Maths Doctor
Maths Doctor is a UK-based tutoring service that excels in preparing a child for the 11 Plus exam with a particular focus on mathematics. Their expert tutors provide targeted support to help a child master key concepts and develop effective problem-solving strategies.
Maths Doctor offers both one-on-one and group sessions, either online or at their centres, providing flexibility and tailored support. The tuition fee a parent must pay is generally between £40 and £65 per hour.
Bright Young Things
Bright Young Things, with branches in London and other major cities, is known for its bespoke tutoring services for the 11 Plus exam. Their experienced tutors cater to the specific requirements of the exam, helping build confidence and achieve the best results.
Bright Young Things also provides a range of additional resources and courses to enhance their tutoring services.
The tuition fees range from £50 to £90 per hour, depending on the tutor’s qualifications and the location of the sessions. If you’re a parent who’s looking for flexible tuition plans, then Bright Young Things may be a good option as they provide tailored tuition schemes.
The 11 Plus Guide
The 11 Plus Guide is an online platform offering a directory of qualified tutors across the UK. Although they are mostly known for being online centre, they still provide a hands-on approach by connecting a child with expert tutors who are familiar with the specific requirements of the 11 Plus exam.
Their services include both face-to-face and online tutoring options, ensuring that each child will receive expert guidance tailored to one’s needs.
The tuition for their services varies, typically ranging from £30 to £70 per hour.
Summary
When preparing for the 11 Plus exam, many parents have a difficult time selecting the right tutor or teacher to help their child. Whether you end up choosing an online or in-person tutor, hopefully, this guide will help many parents make the best decision and take the right course of action for their child.
With the many tutors stated in this list, we’re sure you’ll find one with all the right qualifications. Rest assured, the money you will be shelling out for tuition will be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a tutor to pass the 11+?
No, you don’t necessarily need a tutor to pass the 11+, but having one can be very beneficial. Tutors can provide personalised instruction, help a child understand difficult concepts, and offer practice that can improve confidence and performance. However, with effective self-study and the right resources, many succeed without formal tutoring while saving up on tuition.
What is the best tutor in the UK?
Determining the “best” tutor in the UK can be subjective, as it depends on individual needs, such as location, subject focus, and tutoring style. Renowned tutors and services like Tutor House, The Tutors’ Association, and Eleven Plus Exams are highly recommended for their qualifications and success rates in preparing a child for the 11 Plus exam.
It’s important to choose a tutor based on specific requirements and personal preferences to find the best fit for a student’s needs.
What age should you start tutoring for 11+?
It’s generally recommended to start tutoring for the 11 Plus around Year 4 or Year 5 when students are typically 8 to 10 years old. Starting early allows time to build foundational skills, address any weaknesses, and become familiar with the exam format. However, the exact timing can vary based on the individual child’s needs and the level of preparation required.
Is it worth doing the 11+?
Deciding whether it’s worth doing the 11+ test depends on individual circumstances and goals. The 11+ can open doors to selective schools with strong academic reputations, which might offer a more challenging curriculum and additional opportunities.
However, it can also be stressful for some students and may not be the best fit for everyone. It’s important to consider whether the potential benefits align with the educational needs of a child.
Are online lessons effective in getting admitted to grammar school?
Yes, online lessons can be effective for getting admitted to grammar schools, provided they are well-structured and delivered by experienced tutors. Online tutoring offers flexibility in schedule and access to high-quality resources, which can be beneficial for 11 Plus preparation.
Key factors for effectiveness include the tutor’s expertise, the quality of the lesson materials, and the student’s engagement and commitment. Online lessons can complement self-study and practice, helping students to develop the skills and knowledge needed for the exam.
How does primary school help in a child’s education?
This plays a crucial role in the education of a child by providing the foundational skills and knowledge needed for future learning. It introduces a child to basic subjects such as literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies, fostering a love of learning and curiosity.
Primary education also helps in developing essential life skills, including problem-solving, communication, and social interaction. This structured environment supports cognitive, emotional, and social development, setting the stage for more advanced learning in secondary education.
Additionally, primary schools often identify and address learning difficulties early, providing support to ensure children can reach their full potential.
What makes a person qualified to be an 11 Plus tutor?
A qualified 11 Plus tutor typically has a strong academic background, often with a degree in education or a relevant subject. An 11 Plus tutor should ideally hold a degree in education, English, mathematics, or another relevant subject. A University or Master’s degree in education provides a strong foundation in teaching methods and curriculum design, while degrees in English or mathematics are beneficial for subjects commonly tested in the 11 Plus exam.
It’s also ideal if a tutor has a postgraduate qualification in education or a teaching certification that can further enhance one’s credentials as a teacher.
Aside from having such degrees, it’s also best if a tutor has a deep understanding of the 11 Plus exam format and requirements, and the ability to create tailored learning plans. A tutor with effective communication, patience, and a proven track record of helping students succeed are also key qualities that make a tutor well-qualified.
If you’re a parent looking for a qualified tutor, we recommend that you check such qualifications, especially if you plan on getting a private one. However, teachers in the guide we have provided are most likely to have such credentials to begin with. Knowing such should help a parent decide much easier and will free one from the added effort of running background checks.
