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Helping Children Feel Confident and Prepared for the 11+

11+ preparation can feel daunting for both children and parents.

Whether your child is aiming for grammar school entry, preparing for an independent school assessment, or simply needs extra support in English or Maths, the right guidance can make a meaningful difference.

At Aquinas Tuition, we provide personalised 11+ tuition designed to build confidence, strengthen core skills and help children feel calm and prepared for entrance exams.

Aquinas’ approach recognises that every child’s learning journey is different. While many of our pupils need support with exam technique and structured practice, others require help with revising foundational skills and building confidence. We will work with your child and you to create a bespoke learning experience that supports your child to progress at a steady pace without unnecessary pressure as they approach the 11+.

Enquire About 11+ Tuition

Who is 11+ Tuition For?

Our 11+ tuition is suitable for children who are:

  • Preparing for grammar school entrance exams
  • Sitting independent school entrance assessments
  • In Year 4 or Year 5 and beginning preparation
  • In Year 6 and approaching entrance exams
  • Feeling anxious or lacking confidence around exams
  • Strong academically but needing support with exam technique
  • Missing key foundations in English or Maths
  • Require support in preparing the skills required for Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning exams
  • Underperforming in timed assessments

What Problems Do We Help Solve?

Parents often come to us feeling unsure how best to support their child through 11+ preparation.

You may be wondering:

  • “My child is capable, but lacks confidence”

    Many children know more than they realise but struggle when faced with pressure or timed questions. Tuition can help build confidence gradually through supportive teaching and consistent practice.

  • “We don’t know where to start”

    The 11+ process can feel overwhelming, especially when schools and assessment requirements vary. We help families create a clear and manageable approach to preparation.

  • “My child has gaps in English or Maths”

    Strong foundations are essential for success. We help children strengthen core skills before moving into more advanced exam-style work.

  • “They understand topics, but struggle in tests”

    Some children perform well in school but find timed assessments difficult or are intimidated by them. We help build examination skills by building learning plans around the development of core skills: familiarity with question styles, enhancing problem solving-strategies and nurturing independent thinking.

  • “We want support without creating stress”

    Preparation should feel structured and encouraging — not overwhelming. We aim to create calm, purposeful and enjoyable learning that supports confidence as much as attainment.

What Parents Can Expect

When families work with Aquinas Tuition, they can expect:

Step 1

A Personalised Approach

No two children learn in the same way. Our approach to private tuition is built on the core principle that learning should be personalised and our tuition process has been developed to reflect this.

Central to this is the design of a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP). These plans begin with a free consultation call and are followed by an introductory lesson which includes a diagnostic assessment to ensure that we meet pupils where they are currently at.

Once we have an understanding of each pupil’s individual learning requirements we then build a customised learning plan that includes resource materials, embedded assessments and a regular reporting schedule to ensure parents are kept up-to date with their child’s progress.

The intention of this comprehensive package is to ensure that our pupils are truly educated and nothing is left to chance.

You can read more about our tuition process here.

Step 2

Confidence-Focused Support

We believe children make the best progress when they feel capable and supported.

Our tutors have been carefully selected for both their expertise and their teaching approach. While subject knowledge is central to successful teaching, calm, encouraging and enthusiastic teachers who genuinely care about their pupils is just as important.

AI tuition may be an ever-growing enterprise but the team at Aquinas are motivated by the knowledge that this can never match the impact of an inspiring teacher who takes the time to know their pupils.

Step 3

Clear Communication

Parents are kept informed about progress, focus areas and recommended next steps via our Monthly Reports. These will be written by your child’s tutor and will provide an overview of your child’s progress to date and “next-steps” suggestions.

Alongside keeping you updated, these reports are designed to be positive assessments of your child’s achievements so far. The Monthly Reports will be sent to you directly and a copy will also be uploaded to your child’s Google Classroom.

Step 4

Strong Academic Foundations

11+ tuition can only be successful if strong academic foundations are built and sessions may include support with:

  • English comprehension
  • Vocabulary development
  • Writing skills
  • Maths problem solving
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Exam confidence and preparation

Both the consultation call and the diagnostic assessment will be central to understanding initial areas of focus, but tutors may identify other learning requirements as sessions progress.  This will of course be communicated to you, and tutors will do their utmost to adapt Personalised Learning Plans as per changing requests.

Step 5

Tailored Support for Different 11+ Pathways

The term “11+” can mean different things depending on the schools your child is applying for and where you live.

Different areas and schools may assess different skills, formats or question types. At Aquinas Tuition, we tailor support around your child’s goals, helping families prepare for the requirements most relevant to them.

This means tuition is adapted to the child — rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Step 6

Flexible Online Tuition

Most tuition takes place online, allowing families to access high-quality support from home and match with the right tutor for their child’s needs.

Where suitable and available, some in-person tuition may also be offered.

Why Summer Matters for 11+ Preparation

Summer can be one of the most valuable times for 11+ preparation.

Without the pressure of busy school routines, children often have more space to strengthen areas of weakness, build confidence and develop familiarity with exam-style questions.

Summer tuition can help children:

  • Consolidate learning from the previous school year
  • Address gaps before Year 5 or Year 6
  • Build confidence gradually before assessments
  • Reduce pressure by spreading preparation over time
  • Develop stronger learning habits and routines
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • When should my child start 11+ tuition?

    Many families begin in Year 4 or early Year 5, although the right timing depends on your child’s confidence, starting point and goals.

  • Is online tuition effective for the 11+?

    For many children, yes. Online tuition offers flexibility, focused one-to-one support and access to tutors who are the right fit for your child.

  • What subjects are covered?

    Support may include English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and exam preparation, depending on your child’s needs.

  • Do you offer in-person tuition?

    Most sessions are delivered online. In-person tuition may be available in selected areas depending on tutor availability.

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Ready to Explore 11+ Support?

If you are considering 11+ tuition and would like to discuss the best approach for your child, we would be happy to help.

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