A good online 11+ tutor builds strong reading, vocabulary and maths foundations, teaches the reasoning question types your local test uses, and keeps practice calm and steady through Year 5. The 11+ can feel high-stakes, so the right pace matters as much as the content. This guide explains what helps.

Written by Tutopiya, an online tutoring company that teaches students one-to-one. Our main focus is secondary tutoring; some of our tutors also take on 11+ preparation.

Key takeaways

• Check your local test format first.
• Strong reading and maths matter most.
• Reasoning question types can be practised.
• Calm, steady preparation beats cramming.

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What is the 11+?

The 11+ is an entrance test for selective schools, mainly grammar schools in some parts of England, usually covering English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. See the government’s guide to types of school, and check your local authority for test details.

Area	What it tests
English	Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar
Maths	Arithmetic and problem solving
Verbal reasoning	Word patterns and logic
Non-verbal reasoning	Shapes and patterns

Where do children struggle?

Area	Common problem
Vocabulary	Limited range
Maths	Multi-step word problems
Reasoning	Unfamiliar question types
Timing	Running out of time
Nerves	Panic under pressure

How to choose an 11+ tutor: step by step

1. Find out your local test format.
2. Check the tutor’s 11+ experience.
3. Ask how they balance foundations and test practice.
4. Ask how they keep it calm.
5. Book a trial lesson.
6. Agree a realistic plan.

UK families can see online tutoring in the UK and browse tutors in London.

What should a good 11+ tutor offer?

What to check	Why it matters
Test familiarity	Formats vary
Foundations first	Lasting skills
Timed practice	Exam readiness
Encouragement	Keeps confidence

What does a good lesson look like?

1. Warm-up mental maths.
2. A reading comprehension.
3. A reasoning question type.
4. Short timed practice.
5. Praise and a small homework.

Building vocabulary

Vocabulary helps in comprehension and verbal reasoning, and it grows best through wide reading. A tutor can introduce new words each week, but daily reading at home is the real engine. Mixing fiction, non-fiction and news gives children the range of words the 11+ expects. Short word games, such as synonyms and antonyms, make it fun.

Keeping it calm

The 11+ is one route among several, and children do best when they feel supported, not pressured. A good tutor praises effort, keeps sessions short and positive, and avoids endless test papers. Parents can help by talking about the 11+ as a challenge to try, not a verdict on their child. Plans for a good outcome either way reduce stress for everyone.

When should preparation start?

Most families start structured preparation in Year 5. Earlier support can focus on reading and maths foundations rather than test practice.

How to tell tutoring is working

• confidence with question types;
• improving timed scores;
• wider vocabulary;
• your child stays relaxed.

How parents can help

• read together daily;
• play word and number games;
• keep routines calm and balanced.

Questions to ask a tutor

1. Have you prepared children for our local test?
2. How do you balance skills and test practice?
3. How do you keep children confident?

A sample Year 5 plan

Term	Focus
Autumn	Reading and maths foundations
Spring	Reasoning question types
Summer	Timed practice and mock tests

How much tutoring is enough?

One weekly lesson plus short daily practice suits most children. Avoid overloading; rest and play matter too.

Grammar schools and independent schools

Grammar school tests and independent school entrance exams can differ in format and difficulty. Some independent schools set their own English and maths papers, sometimes with an interview. A tutor can adapt preparation to each school’s format, so practice matches the real test. Families applying to several schools should list each one’s requirements and dates early.

Maths for the 11+

11+ maths often goes slightly beyond the Year 5 curriculum, with multi-step word problems and faster mental arithmetic. A tutor can secure core methods first, then practise problem solving. Children who know their times tables fluently and can work with fractions and percentages have a strong base.

Tip: practise one short timed section each week rather than full papers every day.

Remember that a good secondary education is available through many routes.

How Tutopiya tutoring works

Tutopiya offers one-to-one online tutoring.

• A tutor matched to your child’s subject, level and exam board.
• A free first trial lesson, with no card needed.
• From 4 hours a month per subject. Each tutor sets their own rate, shown before booking.
• AI lesson analysis gives a written summary, flashcards and quiz questions after each lesson.

See online tutoring in the UK.

Common mistakes

• Endless test papers → build skills.
• Starting too early → focus on foundations.
• High pressure → keep it positive.
• Ignoring format → check the local test.

Talk to us

For related guides, see a Year 6 SATs tutor and international school entrance test tutoring. Contact our team to check 11+ tutor availability.

Summary: a good 11+ tutor builds reading, vocabulary and maths, teaches the local test’s question types and keeps preparation calm.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 11+? +

The 11+ is an entrance test used by grammar schools in parts of England and some independent schools. It usually covers English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, depending on the area.

When is the 11+ taken? +

Grammar school tests are usually taken at the start of Year 6, so most preparation happens in Year 5. Check your local area's dates and test format.

When should 11+ preparation start? +

Many families start structured preparation during Year 5. Starting too early can cause stress; strong reading and maths foundations matter more.

Can 11+ tutoring be done online? +

Yes. Online lessons work well for reasoning practice, maths and comprehension, with shared screens and timed practice.

Does Tutopiya offer 11+ tutoring? +

Some Tutopiya tutors take on 11+ preparation. Contact us to check availability for your child's test; the first trial lesson is free with no card required.

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