Primary 11 Plus Tutors

Which 11 Plus exam board does my child need to prepare for?

Most grammar schools use either GL Assessment or CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) papers. A small number of schools set their own. GL papers tend to use familiar question formats with predictable structure. CEM papers are designed to be harder to cram for and include more unfamiliar question styles. Your tutor will find out exactly which format applies and tailor preparation accordingly.

How long before the 11 Plus should we start tutoring?

For most families, 12–18 months gives enough time for thorough preparation without causing burnout. Starting in Year 4 (age 8–9) for a Year 6 exam is typical. In very competitive areas like Sutton, Buckinghamshire or Kent, some families start earlier. A tutor can do an initial assessment to gauge where your child currently sits relative to the required standard.

Is 11 Plus tutoring worth it?

For children who are genuinely within range of the required standard, targeted tutoring substantially increases the probability of success by building familiarity with question types, time management and exam technique. For children who are well below the threshold, tutoring is less likely to close the gap, a good tutor will be honest with you about this after an initial assessment.