11+ · 11+ Preparation

11+ Preparation Tutoring

Give your child the confidence to shine on exam day

Our 11+ tutoring covers verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, English, and creative writing. We focus on building genuine understanding rather than drilling past papers, so your child develops the problem-solving skills that examiners are looking for.

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Sessions from £30/hr · Free 30-minute trial · No contracts

What We Cover

Each topic is taught with clear explanations and regular practice to build lasting understanding.

Verbal Reasoning

Word patterns, analogies, codes, and comprehension exercises that develop logical thinking with language.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Shape sequences, spatial awareness, and pattern recognition to build visual problem-solving skills.

Maths

Arithmetic, fractions, percentages, algebra basics, and word problems at a level above Key Stage 2 expectations.

English

Comprehension, vocabulary building, grammar, and punctuation — tailored to 11+ exam formats.

Creative Writing

Structured story writing and descriptive techniques, with a focus on planning under timed conditions.

Exam Technique

Time management strategies, question prioritisation, and building confidence for exam-day performance.

Why Choose Us

What sets Red Robin Learning apart

Tailored to your exam board

Whether your child is sitting GL Assessment, CEM, or ISEB, we adapt our approach to match the specific format and question styles they will face.

Understanding over memorisation

We teach your child how to think through unfamiliar problems, not just recognise patterns from past papers. This builds resilience for unexpected questions.

Regular parent updates

After every session you receive a detailed AI-generated report covering what was taught, how your child responded, and what to work on at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before getting started.

When should my child start 11+ preparation?

Most families begin 12 to 18 months before the exam, typically in Year 4 or early Year 5. Starting earlier gives your child time to build skills gradually without feeling pressured. We can assess readiness in a free trial session.

Do you cover GL, CEM, and ISEB exams?

Yes. We tailor our teaching to the specific exam board your child will sit. GL and CEM have quite different formats — GL tends to be more formulaic while CEM is less predictable — so the preparation strategy differs. Let us know which schools you are targeting and we will plan accordingly.

How often should my child have tutoring sessions?

We recommend one session per week as a minimum, with consistent practice between sessions. Some families add a second weekly session in the final three months before the exam. Quality practice matters more than quantity.

Will my child do practice papers?

Yes, but not exclusively. We use past papers and mock exams to build familiarity with timing and format, but the bulk of our work focuses on developing the underlying reasoning and comprehension skills that transfer across question types.

How do you help with exam anxiety?

We build confidence through gradual exposure. Your child starts with untimed practice, moves to loosely timed work, and progresses to full timed conditions. We also teach breathing techniques and positive self-talk strategies that genuinely help on exam day.

Browse our 11+ preparation articles for revision tips, study strategies, and expert advice.

Browse 11+ Preparation Articles

Free tools for this subject

11+ Readiness QuizFind out in 3 minutes if your child is on track for the 11+ — get a personalised score and next-step plan.Take the free quiz →Year 6 → Year 7 Transition ScoreFind out how ready your child is for secondary school and get a personalised preparation plan.Check transition readiness →SATs CountdownCountdown to KS2 SATs with a weekly breakdown of what to focus on — week by week.See the countdown →

Related Subjects

Year 7-9 English TutoringLearn more →Year 7-9 Maths TutoringLearn more →

Ready to get started?

Book a free 30-minute trial session. No commitment, no pressure — just a chance to see if we are the right fit for your child.

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Questions? Get in touch — we are happy to help.

Find 11+ Prep Near You

Regional 11+ tutoring focused on your target grammar and independent schools. Each page covers the exam board, target schools and specific preparation plan for your region.

Applying in Essex?

Most Essex grammar schools select through the CSSE test, which has its own format, timetable and scoring.

How the CSSE 11+ test works

Showing 25 regional 11+ preparation pages across 5 UK regions and 5 subjects.