Choosing the right tutor for the eleven-plus (11+) exams

Selecting the right tutor for your child’s 11+ exams is one of the most important decisions you can make for their future. This is due to how exam scores determine which grammar school will accept them. Therefore, you’ll want to find a tutor that’s both knowledgeable in relevant subjects and matches your child’s unique learning style. 

With two main exam boards offering 11+ exams (GL Assessment and the CEM), you may feel overwhelmed with the online information available. It is beneficial to choose a tutor familiar with the specific exam board relevant to your child’s 11+ exam. Adding to this, deciding between an experienced teacher, an 11+ specialist, or tutor recommended by other parents can cause further confusion.

As you likely know, a good tutor can significantly impact your child’s exam preparation by boosting confidence and performance. At its core, it’s about finding one that’s the best fit. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you select an ideal tutor for 11+ exams. In the following article, we’ll cover what to look for, the questions to ask, and which qualities truly matter.

Before getting into it, you may also want to check out our article on top free resources for 11+ exams. With that, read on to learn more about how to choose the right tutor in the following sections.

• Knowledge of the selection process in each area

• Average cost of tutors for 11+ exams

• Experience tutoring sessions firsthand

• Feedback style

• Setting goals and progress tracking

• Tutoring location

• Tutoring method

• World-class tutors for 11+ exams with MyEdSpace

Knowledge of the selection process in each area

Since selective grammar schools tend to use different exam boards, it’s best to find a tutor who has knowledge of each area. This is because a desired school may require different skills than what’s found in your county or area. When in doubt, it’s always best to contact the school concerned. You can also do research online with the 11 Plus Regions section of Eleven Plus Exams.

Average cost of tutors for 11+ exams

Due to the amount of variables, finding the average cost of 11+ tutors can be tricky. That said, you should pay more attention to payment frequency vs total cost. For example, some tutors may expect all payment in full before sessions start.

This should be done with caution, especially if your child finds they don’t like working with the tutor after some time. In addition, it’s worth pointing out that a high price tutor doesn’t always equal top quality.

With this, it’s worth considering online 11+ tutoring from MyEdSpace. We offer a free introductory session so you and your child can get familiarised with our approach. It’s our intent to find an optimal pairing to maximise success on the 11+ exams. After that, our tutoring sessions start at £5/hour. You can find more information here.

Experience tutoring sessions firsthand

When choosing an 11+ tutor, consider their qualifications and experience. Look for tutors who have a strong educational background and expertise in relevant subjects covered for the appropriate exam board. With this, they should have a thorough understanding of the curriculum and be able to teach necessary skills and knowledge effectively. 

Additionally, consider the tutor’s experience in preparing students for 11+ exams. Ask about their track record of success, and how they’ve helped students gain admission to desired schools. A tutor that can back this up is worth pursuing for your child’s success. Of course, you should always ask to see them in action first. If a tutor agrees to let you sit in on a session, it’s a good idea to bring your child. This is the best way to get a sense of overall comfort level. 

Feedback style

Regular feedback is essential for tracking your child’s exam preparation level. A good tutor should provide timely updates on performance while highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. 

The tutor should also use this feedback to adjust their teaching strategies and tailor content based on identified gaps or weaknesses. They should also provide practice materials and resources to help your child strengthen skills in specific areas.

Therefore, it is important to maintain open communication with the tutor and discuss any concerns or challenges your child may face. By working together, you can make necessary adjustments to the tutoring approach and ensure your child is on track for success. 

Setting goals and progress tracking

To maximise your tutor’s feedback, you’ll want to set goals and expectations early. Communicate your expectations clearly to the 11+ tutor and discuss specific areas of focus.

With this, a timeline should be established for achieving these goals and tracking your child’s progress. As mentioned, this is best done with regular feedback. Using such insight can help you gauge your child’s development.

Remember to set realistic goals that consider your child’s abilities and time available. It is important to strike a balance between challenging your child and ensuring they don’t feel overwhelmed or stressed.

Tutoring location

There are usually a few options for receiving 11+ tutoring. Either your child goes to the tutor’s home, they meet in a public space like a village hall, or the tutor comes to your home. With this, the tutoring location can impact cost – especially if the tutor must travel a bit. If you decide for your child to go to the tutor’s home, you’ll want to inspect the environment. This can also be done if you’re able to experience a session before committing. 

Tutoring method

Every child has unique learning preferences and styles. When selecting an 11+ tutor, it is important to consider how their teaching style aligns with your child’s learning needs. 

Some children may thrive in a structured and disciplined learning environment, while others may require a more creative and interactive approach. Talk to the tutor about their teaching methods and ensure they can adapt their style to suit your child’s needs.

Additionally, consider the tutor’s ability to provide personalised attention and support. A tutor who can identify and address your child’s strengths and weaknesses can tailor their approach to focus on areas requiring improvement. This ultimately enhances your child’s exam performance. 

World-class tutors for 11+ exams with MyEdSpace

We pride ourselves on offering dedicated, top-tier tutors for 11+ exams. As mentioned, the MyEdSpace process begins with a free consultation from our education. In this session, we assess your child’s needs and learning style to find a good match.

After this is completed, we select tutors who are not only academically qualified but also a good emotional and motivational fit for your child. If you’re interested in learning more on preparing your child for 11+ exams with MyEdSpace, sign up now.