How to Find the Right Private Tutor for 11+

Finding the right private tutor for the 11 plus comes down to three things: understanding exactly which test your child will sit, finding someone with proven experience in that specific format, and starting early enough to make the preparation meaningful. The 11 plus is not a single national exam — it varies significantly by region and school, which means the tutor you choose must know the precise version your child is working towards.

Understand Which 11 Plus Your Child Is Actually Sitting

Before you search for a tutor, you need to know what you're preparing for. The 11 plus is used by grammar schools and some independent schools to assess children typically in Year 5 or early Year 6, with the exam usually taken in September of Year 6. However, the content and format differ considerably depending on where you live.

In many areas, the test is set by GL Assessment, which covers English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. In other regions — particularly parts of the South East — schools use CEM (Centre for Education and Monitoring) tests, which are less predictable and harder to prepare for through rote practice alone. Some independent schools set their own papers entirely.

For example, grammar schools in Kent and Medway use GL Assessment, while schools in Birmingham and parts of the West Midlands use their own consortium tests. A tutor who has only ever prepared children for GL Assessment papers may not be the right fit if your child is sitting a CEM-style test. Always check directly with the school or local authority before you begin your search.

What to Look for in an 11 Plus Tutor

Once you know which test applies, you can assess tutors against specific criteria. Experience with the correct exam board is the starting point, but it is not the only factor that matters.

• Familiarity with the specific test format — ask directly whether they have experience with GL Assessment, CEM, or the relevant consortium paper.
• A track record with Year 5 and Year 6 pupils — 11 plus preparation requires age-appropriate teaching methods, not simply working through past papers.
• The ability to identify gaps early — a good tutor will assess your child's starting point and build a structured plan, not just drill questions.
• Clear communication with parents — you should receive regular updates on progress, not just a weekly session with no feedback.
• References or verifiable results — ask whether previous pupils have passed into grammar or selective schools, and which schools specifically.
• A realistic approach to expectations — be cautious of any tutor who guarantees a pass. The 11 plus is competitive, and honest tutors acknowledge that.

When to Start 11 Plus Tutoring

Most families begin 11 plus preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, giving roughly 12 to 18 months before the exam. Starting in Year 5 is still workable, but it leaves less time to address foundational gaps in maths or English comprehension — subjects that underpin the verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections as well.

Children who sit the exam in September of Year 6 are effectively preparing during the summer between Year 5 and Year 6, which is why many tutors are fully booked by Easter of Year 5. If you are reading this in Year 4, you are in a strong position. If your child is already in Year 5, act quickly — good tutors with genuine 11 plus experience fill their schedules fast.

Avoid the temptation to over-tutor. Two sessions per week, combined with independent practice, is generally more effective than daily drilling, which can cause burnout and erode a child's confidence before the exam even arrives.

Where to Find a Qualified 11 Plus Tutor

There are several reliable routes to finding a tutor, each with different trade-offs.

Tutoring agencies and platforms can give you access to a large pool of tutors quickly, with profiles, reviews, and sometimes DBS check confirmation. Look for agencies that vet their tutors rather than simply listing anyone who registers. Reputable agencies will be able to match you to someone with specific 11 plus experience in your area.

Word of mouth remains one of the most reliable methods. If other parents in your area have children who have recently passed into a local grammar school, ask who they used. A tutor with a strong local reputation for a specific set of schools is often more valuable than a generalist with impressive-sounding credentials.

School recommendations can also be useful, though many state primary schools are cautious about endorsing individual tutors. Your child's class teacher may be able to point you towards local resources or groups where parents share recommendations.

Leading Tuition works with families preparing for the 11 plus across a range of regions and exam formats, matching children with tutors who have direct experience of the relevant test. When evaluating any provider, ask the same questions you would ask an independent tutor: which exam boards do they cover, how do they assess starting points, and how do they keep parents informed?

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

A short initial conversation with a prospective tutor tells you a great deal. Before booking a first session or signing up to a package, consider asking the following:

1. Which version of the 11 plus do you specialise in, and which schools have your pupils been successful at?
2. How do you assess a child's starting point, and how quickly do you produce a plan?
3. What does a typical session look like, and how much independent practice do you recommend between sessions?
4. How do you communicate progress to parents, and how often?
5. What is your cancellation policy, and do you offer trial sessions?

A tutor who answers these questions clearly and specifically — rather than vaguely — is demonstrating the kind of structured thinking that good 11 plus preparation requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many months before the 11 plus should we start tutoring?

Most families begin 12 to 18 months before the exam, which typically means starting in Year 4 or early Year 5. The exam is usually sat in September of Year 6. Starting earlier gives time to address gaps in core subjects like maths and English comprehension, which underpin the reasoning sections of both GL Assessment and CEM tests.

Does my child need a tutor who specialises in GL Assessment or CEM?

Yes, this matters significantly. GL Assessment and CEM tests have different formats, question styles, and preparation strategies. GL papers are more predictable and practice-based, while CEM tests are designed to be harder to prepare for through drilling alone. A tutor who knows only one format may not prepare your child effectively for the other. Always confirm which test your target school uses before choosing a tutor.

How do I know if an 11 plus tutor is actually qualified?

There is no single qualification that certifies an 11 plus tutor, so focus on verifiable experience instead. Ask for references from families whose children have passed into grammar or selective schools, check that the tutor holds a current DBS certificate, and look for evidence of a structured approach — an initial assessment, a written plan, and regular progress updates — rather than simply working through past papers each week.

Is online tutoring effective for 11 plus preparation?

Online tutoring can be highly effective for 11 plus preparation, particularly for verbal reasoning and maths, where screen-sharing and digital worksheets work well. Many experienced 11 plus tutors now work exclusively online, which also widens your choice beyond local availability. The key factors — tutor experience, structured planning, and regular feedback — matter far more than whether sessions are in person or online.

Choosing the right tutor for the 11 plus is genuinely one of the most impactful decisions in this process, but it does not need to be overwhelming. If you focus on exam-specific experience, a structured approach, and honest communication, you will find someone who can give your child a real and well-founded chance of success. Leading Tuition is happy to help if you want guidance on where to start.