Expert 11+ Entrance Exam Tutors | Taylor Tuition

Expert 11+ Entrance Exam Tutoring

The 11+ entrance exam represents a pivotal moment in your child's educational journey, determining access to some of the UK's most prestigious grammar and independent schools. At Taylor Tuition, we provide expert 11+ tutoring that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in these competitive assessments. Our specialist tutors understand the nuances of different exam formats—from GL Assessment and CEM to school-specific papers—and tailor their teaching to address each child's individual strengths and development areas.

Designed for families who value educational excellence, our 11+ tutoring service combines rigorous academic preparation with strategic exam technique. We work with students typically from Year 4 onwards, allowing sufficient time to build robust foundations in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. Whether your child is aiming for grammar school entry, independent school scholarships, or competitive selective places, our tutors provide the personalised support that makes a genuine difference.

Beyond simply teaching exam content, we focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and exam resilience that serve students well throughout their academic careers. Our approach recognises that every child learns differently, and our tutors adapt their methods accordingly, ensuring that preparation feels engaging rather than overwhelming.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Verbal Reasoning Tuition – Covering synonyms, antonyms, analogies, word associations, letter sequences, code-breaking, and logic puzzles
• Non-Verbal Reasoning Expertise – Training in pattern recognition, spatial awareness, 3D visualisation, sequences, matrices, and analogies
• Mathematics Preparation – Arithmetic, problem-solving, algebra fundamentals, geometry, data interpretation, and word problems beyond the standard curriculum
• English Skills Development – Comprehension techniques, creative writing, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary building, and essay structure
• Exam Board Specialisation – Tailored preparation for GL Assessment, CEM (Durham University), ISEB Common Pre-Test, and bespoke school papers
• Mock Examinations – Timed practice papers under exam conditions with detailed feedback and performance analysis
• Flexible Delivery Options – Online tutoring via video conferencing or in-person sessions at your home, depending on your location and preference
• Personalised Study Plans – Bespoke learning programmes designed around your child's current level, target schools, and exam timeline
• Progress Tracking – Regular assessments and detailed reports to monitor development across all exam components
• Exam Strategy Coaching – Time management techniques, question prioritisation, stress management, and confidence-building approaches

Why Choose Our 11+ Tutors

Exceptional Academic Credentials

Our 11+ tutors hold degrees from leading universities and possess extensive experience in preparing students for competitive entrance examinations. Many have backgrounds in education, psychology, or specialist subject areas, bringing both academic rigour and pedagogical expertise to their teaching. They understand the cognitive demands of 11+ assessments and know how to break down complex concepts into accessible, age-appropriate lessons.

Proven Teaching Methodology

We employ evidence-based teaching strategies that focus on deep understanding rather than rote memorisation. Our tutors develop critical thinking skills through carefully structured questioning, encourage independent problem-solving, and build exam confidence through progressive challenge. Students learn to approach unfamiliar question types with confidence and apply transferable skills across different exam formats.

Genuinely Personalised Learning

Every child brings different strengths, learning preferences, and areas for development to 11+ preparation. Our tutors conduct thorough initial assessments to identify precise needs, then create customised learning plans that address specific gaps whilst building on existing capabilities. This individualised approach ensures efficient use of tutoring time and maintains student motivation throughout the preparation period.

Focus on the Whole Child

We recognise that 11+ preparation can feel pressured, and we prioritise maintaining your child's wellbeing alongside academic development. Our tutors foster positive learning relationships, celebrate progress, and ensure that sessions remain engaging and appropriately challenging. We communicate regularly with parents to ensure alignment between tutoring sessions, school work, and home practice.

Our Approach to 11+ Tutoring

Matching Tutors to Students

The relationship between tutor and student forms the foundation of effective learning. We invest time in understanding your child's personality, learning style, academic profile, and target schools before recommending a tutor. We consider factors such as subject strengths, areas requiring development, preferred communication styles, and any specific requirements you may have. This careful matching process ensures productive sessions from the outset and establishes the trust necessary for genuine progress.

Structured Learning Pathway

Our 11+ preparation follows a logical progression that typically spans 12-18 months, though we adapt timelines based on individual circumstances. Initial sessions focus on diagnostic assessment and establishing baselines across all exam components. We then systematically build skills in each area—verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English—whilst regularly integrating these through mixed practice and timed assessments.

As exam dates approach, the emphasis shifts towards exam technique, time management, and confidence-building. Students complete full-length practice papers under realistic conditions, receive detailed feedback, and refine their approach based on performance analysis. This phased methodology ensures comprehensive preparation whilst maintaining manageable workload and sustained motivation.

Teaching Methodology

Our tutors employ active learning techniques that promote engagement and retention. Rather than simply teaching formulaic approaches, they encourage students to articulate their thinking, explore multiple solution pathways, and develop metacognitive awareness of their own learning processes. Lessons incorporate varied question types, strategic skill-building exercises, and regular low-stakes quizzes that consolidate learning without creating pressure.

We use high-quality resources including published practice materials, proprietary question sets, and digital learning tools where appropriate. Homework assignments are carefully calibrated to reinforce session content without overwhelming students, and we provide detailed guidance to parents on how to support practice effectively at home.

Our Track Record & Teaching Philosophy

Development-Focused Approach

Whilst we maintain focus on exam success, our broader aim is developing capable, confident learners who possess skills that extend well beyond any single assessment. Students working with our tutors develop enhanced problem-solving abilities, improved concentration and persistence, stronger analytical thinking, and greater academic self-efficacy. These capabilities serve them throughout secondary education and beyond.

Progress Monitoring

We track student development through regular formative assessments, practice paper scores, and qualitative observations of skill application. Tutors maintain detailed records of topics covered, areas of strength, and aspects requiring further attention. Parents receive comprehensive progress reports at agreed intervals, including specific observations about development in each exam component and recommendations for focus areas.

This data-informed approach allows us to adjust teaching strategies responsively, ensuring that tutoring remains precisely targeted to current needs. We identify patterns in errors, recognise when concepts require alternative explanations, and celebrate incremental improvements that build momentum towards exam readiness.

Building Exam Resilience

The 11+ examination environment can feel daunting for young students. Our tutors deliberately build familiarity with exam conditions through progressive exposure to timed assessments, teaching students to manage their internal responses to challenge and maintain focus under pressure. We discuss strategies for approaching difficult questions, techniques for remaining calm, and methods for effective time allocation across exam papers.

This psychological preparation complements academic readiness, ensuring students enter examination halls feeling prepared, confident, and capable. We emphasise that exams represent opportunities to demonstrate learning rather than threatening ordeals, fostering a mindset that supports optimal performance.

Subject-Specific Expertise

Verbal Reasoning Mastery

Verbal reasoning challenges students to manipulate language, identify relationships between words, and solve problems using vocabulary and logic. Our tutors systematically develop these skills through targeted vocabulary expansion, pattern recognition exercises, and strategic question-type familiarisation. Students learn to approach unfamiliar words through contextual analysis, apply logical elimination techniques, and work efficiently through different question formats.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Excellence

Non-verbal reasoning assesses spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical thinking through visual puzzles. Many students find this component initially challenging, particularly if they have limited prior exposure. Our tutors break down complex visual patterns into recognisable elements, teach systematic approaches to different question types, and develop the visual processing skills that underpin consistent performance in this demanding area.

Mathematics Beyond the Curriculum

11+ mathematics typically extends beyond standard primary curriculum expectations, requiring deeper problem-solving abilities and conceptual understanding. Our tutors ensure students have robust arithmetic foundations before introducing more sophisticated topics such as algebraic thinking, advanced geometry, and multi-step word problems. We develop mathematical reasoning that enables students to approach unfamiliar problems with confidence and flexibility.

English Comprehension and Composition

The English component assesses both receptive skills (reading comprehension) and expressive abilities (creative or discursive writing). Our tutors develop close reading techniques that enable students to extract meaning efficiently, identify writer's techniques, and respond analytically to texts. For writing tasks, we teach planning strategies, structural frameworks, and stylistic techniques that produce engaging, well-organised responses under timed conditions.

Flexible Preparation Timelines

Whilst we typically recommend commencing 11+ preparation 12-18 months before exam dates, we understand that families begin this journey at different points. For students starting earlier, we can adopt a more gradual pace that integrates seamlessly with school commitments and other activities. For those with shorter preparation windows, we design intensive programmes that prioritise essential skills and exam-specific techniques.

Our tutors adapt their approach based on your child's starting point, available time, and target schools. We provide honest assessments of what is achievable within given timeframes and recommend realistic session frequencies that balance thorough preparation with sustainable workload.

Pricing & Packages

We offer flexible tutoring packages designed to accommodate different preparation needs and timelines. Our pricing reflects the exceptional quality of our tutors, the bespoke nature of our service, and the comprehensive support we provide throughout your 11+ journey. Packages can be tailored to include varying session frequencies, durations, and delivery methods.

For detailed pricing information and to discuss which package would best suit your child's requirements, please contact us directly. We are happy to provide transparent costings and discuss payment options that work for your family.

Get Started with Taylor Tuition

Beginning 11+ preparation represents an important investment in your child's educational future. Our team is ready to discuss your requirements, answer any questions about our approach, and recommend the tutoring pathway that best aligns with your child's needs and aspirations.

Next Steps:

• Complete our enquiry form with details about your child's current year group, target schools, and any specific requirements
• We will arrange an initial consultation to discuss your child's learning profile and tutoring objectives
• Following consultation, we will recommend a suitable tutor and propose a tailored preparation plan
• Once you are happy to proceed, we will arrange an introductory session and commence tutoring

For immediate assistance or to discuss your 11+ tutoring requirements, please contact us today. Our team looks forward to supporting your child's journey towards 11+ success.