11+ Tuition for 11+ Exams in London | 11 Plus Tuition

So, your child has their sights set on a prestigious London grammar schoolâperhaps St Michaelâs Catholic Grammar School or the City of London School for Girlsâand youâre feeling a bit nervous about the 11+ exams. I have been there myself. I had two children go through the process; one got into Sutton Coldfield Grammar, the other did not, and I have the grey hairs to prove it. Londonâs a different situation, but private 11+ tuition is the same process no matter where you are. Hereâs my straightforward guide to picking the right private tuition in London, with a little bit of our advice thrown in for good measure.
Whatâs the Deal with 11+ Exams in London?
The 11+ exams are an important test for securing a spot at a grammar school. In London, the subjects are the same as in BirminghamâVerbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and Englishâbut with a more competitive and challenging edge. Some schools, like Lady Eleanor Holles and Harrodian, add their own unique elements to the examâmaking it even more difficult. Itâs not a quick quiz, but a serious test, and your child will need to be well-prepared.
Why Is Private Tuition a Big Thing in London?
London is home to many top grammar schoolsâKing Edward VI Five Ways has a similar reputation, but in London, you also have schools like Adams Grammar School and those within the Girls Day School Trust. Parents in areas like Chelsea, Hampstead, and other parts of London often choose private 11+ tuition because it is a more affordable route to a high-quality education. I know someone in Finchley who paid for 11+ coaching, and her daughter successfully secured a placeâit was money well spent.
How Do You Start with Private Tuition in London?
Start earlyâYear 5, donât delay. Donât fall into the trap of leaving everything to the last minute. Begin by collecting some free 11+ practice papers onlineâLady Eleanor Holles 11+ past papers are a good choice if you want to get aheadâand let your child work through them. I would sit my son down with a pencil and a drink, and let him get to work. I made the mistake of leaving it too late onceâtrust me, it was chaos! He was Googling GCSE Maths non-calculator topics instead of focusing on the 11+ preparation.Itâs essential to figure out where your childâs weaknesses lie. My daughter, for instance, really struggled with Non-Verbal Reasoning. It took a lot of time and effort to help her understand it. To prepare for London exams, practice papers from organisations like GL Assessment are particularly useful, and tutors in London will be very familiar with these.
Whatâs the Best Way to Prepare for 11+ Exams with Tuition?
You need a tutor who knows what theyâre doingâsomeone who will give your child 11+ test papers to practice each week, under timed conditions. I used to collect the exam papers and play the role of the strict invigilatorâtiming them and even saying, âStop writing!â to make it feel as real as possible. It really helped. In London, there are great online options as well. Pass 11 Plus Grammar, for example, has a 97% success rate and over 25 years of experience. They offer online tutoring that works well for families in London, and they also help with local grammar school queries.Mock exams are vitalâfree practice papers alone wonât prepare your child enough. You need them to get used to the pressure and timing of the real exam. A good tutor will also provide information on the score needed to pass the 11+ exams and will tailor practice accordingly. After a few mock tests, my son went from being nervous to being much more confident.
When Is the 11+ Exam in London?
The exam usually takes place in September or October of Year 6, but it varies by school. For example, Lady Eleanor Holles may have their exam earlier than others. Itâs crucial to check the dates for your childâs specific school. If you miss it, thatâs a big problem. Thatâs why tuition should start earlyâideally in Year 5, not at the last minute when your child is already stressed out.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the 11+ in London?
The pass mark for the 11+ is not fixed and can vary by school. In London, however, the scores are typically higher than in Birmingham, with pass marks often ranging from 220 to 230 out of 280. This is more competitive than the 205 to 220 range you might see in Birmingham. Some schools, like St Michaelâs Catholic Grammar, have a higher cut-off score, while others may be slightly more flexible. I heard from a friend whose child managed to pass with a score of 225, though they thought it was more down to luck!
What Should Private Tuition Look Like in London?
Flexibility is key. Whether you prefer online, in-person, or a hybrid option, make sure you choose a tuition service that suits your schedule. Pass 11 Plus Grammar offers online lessons, which are perfect for London families. They also keep class sizes small, so your child wonât be lost in a crowd. The focus is on helping students reach the pass mark, and they use 11+ practice papers from schools like Harrodian and Lady Eleanor Holles, which proved incredibly helpful for my cousinâs child. Look for tutors who are familiar with the unique requirements of Londonâs grammar schools.
Top Tips for Picking Private Tuition in London
- Track Record: Aim for a tutor with a proven success rateâ97% pass rate is ideal.
- Mocks: Ensure the tutor offers mock exams that replicate the real exam environment.
- Flexibility: Choose whether online or in-person lessons will work best for your family.
- Local Expertise: The tutor should have experience with Londonâs grammar schools and their specific requirements.
- Transparent Pricing: Ensure that the cost is clear upfront, without any hidden fees.
FAQ - Quick Answers for London Parents
- Whatâs the pass mark? The pass mark is generally around 220-230, but this can vary depending on the school.
- When is the exam? The exam usually takes place in September or October, but you must check the specific dates with the school.
- Whatâs Verbal Reasoning? Verbal Reasoning involves word puzzles and logical thinking.
- Can they retake the exam? No, the 11+ is a one-time exam. If your child doesnât pass, theyâll need to wait another year to try again.
- How long is the exam? The exam generally lasts for an hour per section, with two sections to complete.
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Jag Singh
Founder, Pass 11 Plus Grammar
Mr Singh is the founder of Pass 11 Plus Grammar, with over 30 years of teaching experience. Having overcome academic setbacks himself, he is passionate about ensuring no child struggles alone. His approach focuses on personalised support, strong foundations, and building confidence. He has helped students achieve outstanding results in 11+ and GCSE examinations

