Why choose 11 Plus Tutoring with us?
I’m Adrian Beckett - experienced tutor and founder of Adrian Beckett Tutors. I’d like to help you with find an 11 Plus Tutor,
You want a tutor who:
has a track record of helping students pass independent and grammar school exams
is trustworthy. All our tutors are CRB checked.
Like what you see. Contact Me to get help with 11 Plus Tutoring.
A selection of some of our 11+ Tutors
George -
11+ Tutor in Central and West London
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Adrian 
11+ Tutor in Woolwich
Bon -
Online 11+ Tutor
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Happy Families in London
George helped my son increase his grades in 11+ practice tests by 42% in 3 months. He was very patient and made the subject fun for my son to learn.
Guillaume, Surrey
I am very happy to strongly recommend Adrian Beckett, who provided 11 Plus tutoring for my 10 year old son Jude. Jude’s mother, myself and Jude have found Adrian to be an excellent tutor. He is very personable and affable, and is very good at engaging Jude. He shows a good understanding of Jude’s maths needs. Jude has responded well (much better than when I tried to provide some maths guidance!) and has has made marked progress in a short time.
Martin Anson
Andy’s been doing very well at school recently. His teacher emailed me today to tell me that his work has improved a lot. I must give you credit for this. Thank you very much for all the good work. I really hope the two of you can continue this improvement! – Andy’s Dad
More about 11 Plus Tutoring
Who needs 11 Plus Tutoring?
Independent School: Some schools are less selective than others. Ideally, children would need to have at least the national average of 4B by the end of Year 5.
Grammar School: Some schools are very selective and we suggest only the brightest children sit the exams. If your child has a 4C or above by the end of year 4, then they may have a realistic chance of passing this very competitive exam.
When should I get 11 plus Tuition?
Children need at least a year to prepare for the exam – the beginning of Year 5 is a realistic time to start. If you want to get ahead start, then Year 4 is possible too – no earlier. It’s best not to leave it until the last minute. Cramming can be useful for the brighter students but generally children need longer to build their confidence for the big day.
Is it possible to coach someone for the eleven plus exam?
Maths
Yes, but only if they have a good level already – a 4C or above. If they do then tutoring is a good investment for the 11+. Otherwise, it would be a means of boosting their confidence and supporting them to improve at school. Children are given levels at primary schools for Maths, English and Science. Formal assessments take place at the end of Year 2 and Year 6 and for other years, children are sometimes assessed. In Year 6 a child who has: a 3 is below average, 4 is average and 5 is above average. Each level is divided into 3 parts. 5a is the highest and 3c is the lowest. Children generally go up two bit so if a child is a 4c at the end of Year 5 they will probably be 4a by the end of Year 6.
Verbal Reasoning/Non-Verbal Reasoning
Yes. Students improve a lot once they know the strategies.
Do I need to help my child with 11 plus tutoring?
We advise that you get a one tutor for Maths and another for Verbal/Non-verbal reasoning. There is a lot of material to cover in a year for the Maths part. Alternatively, you can support your child with 11 plus tutoring by working with them on VR/NVR. We recommend you do a little amount and often. Maybe, 15-20 mins most days.
I am a parent. Can I tutor my child for the 11 Plus?
We have seen some children make enormous strides with their parents. We recommend you give it a try.
Some families have difficulties tutoring their children and I believe this is due to the way we were taught and also the parent-child dynamic. If you can be mindful of this when tutoring it would be useful.
The way you and I were taught is different to the way children are taught at schools these days. Children learn much more intuitively and flexibly. We learnt formal algorithms of multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. Whilst being quick, they are not always intuitive. It’s important to strike a balance between the intuitive thinking and formal methods. For the purpose of the 11 Plus children need to have very strong mental maths and look flexibly at questions whilst being able to use quick methods of written arithmetics. If you are thinking about tutoring your children then make sure to get a copy of “Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers” by Derek Haylock so you are aware of how children are taught at school and so that you can promote the intuitive methods too.
The relationship between parent and child can be fraught in the tutor-student dynamic. This is usually because the parent is a bit insecure about maths themselves, the child worries about disappointing their parent or the parent is impatient. We advise you
- to not worry about knowing all the right answers. Be honest when you can’t do it. Your child might be motivated to find the answer and help you
- see how things are done at their school
- check how they feel. If they’re struggling, it might be time for a break and come back to it from a different angle on a different day.
When is the 11 Plus?
Independent School
Normally in January of Year 6
Grammar School
Normally in September of Year 6.
How many hours will they need for the 11 Plus?
We recommend 1 hour for Maths and 1 hour for Verbal/Non Verbal Reasoning. It’s better to do two separate hours on different days then a session of 2 hours.
What is Verbal Reasoning/Non-Verbal Reasoning?
Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non Verbal Reasoning (NVR) are often confused. Verbal reasoning are to do with words, letters and numbers. Nonverbal reasoning involves noticing relationships between shapes. I tell the children that VR is word games and NVR is shape games.
What schools do you prepare children for?
All grammar and independent schools in the UK. We are specialists in the Bexley and Kent 11 Plus exams and all London independent school exams.
Do you offer online 11+ tuition?
Yes, we do. We believe online 11+ tuition is very similar to face-to-face tuition. In fact, it can have significant advantages for young children who enjoy the level of interactivity.
Should children who do not know their timestables by the end of Year 5 do the 11 Plus exam?
No, children who do not know their timestables or may have dyscalculia, should not do the 11 Plus exam.
More info on the 11 Plus
Not what you are after?. Need GCSE, Dyscalculia, 11+ or A Level tuition.