So, your child has their sights set on a prestigious London grammar school—perhaps St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School or the City of London School for Girls—and you’re 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. London’s a different situation, but private 11+ tuition is the same process no matter where you are. Here’s my straightforward guide to picking the right private tuition in London, with a little bit of our advice thrown in for good measure.
The 11+ exams are an important test for securing a spot at a grammar school. In London, the subjects are the same as in Birmingham—Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and English—but with a more competitive and challenging edge. Some schools, like Lady Eleanor Holles and Harrodian, add their own unique elements to the exam—making it even more difficult. It’s not a quick quiz, but a serious test, and your child will need to be well-prepared.
London is home to many top grammar schools—King 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 place—it was money well spent.
Start early—Year 5, don’t delay. Don’t fall into the trap of leaving everything to the last minute. Begin by collecting some free 11+ practice papers online—Lady Eleanor Holles 11+ past papers are a good choice if you want to get ahead—and 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 once—trust me, it was chaos! He was Googling GCSE Maths non-calculator topics instead of focusing on the 11+ preparation.It’s essential to figure out where your child’s 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.
You need a tutor who knows what they’re doing—someone 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 invigilator—timing them and even saying, “Stop writing!” 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 vital—free practice papers alone won’t 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.
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. It’s crucial to check the dates for your child’s specific school. If you miss it, that’s a big problem. That’s why tuition should start early—ideally in Year 5, not at the last minute when your child is already stressed out.
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 Michael’s 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!
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 won’t 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 cousin’s child. Look for tutors who are familiar with the unique requirements of London’s grammar schools.
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