Choosing the right tutor for the 11+ exams

The right tutor can significantly impact your child’s 11+ exam preparation by boosting confidence and performance. 

To help you select an ideal tutor for your child here's what to look for, the questions to ask, and which qualities truly matter.

Average cost of tutors for 11+ exams

Due to the amount of variables, finding the average cost of 11+ tutors can be tricky, but the latest figures show it's around £2,400 - £4,000.

As well as the total cost, pay attention to payment frequency because 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.

Experience tutoring sessions first-hand

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.

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. 

A cost-effective alternative to 11+ private tutors

The 11+ falls at a time of year when most families are trying to hold onto the last of the summer. The MyEdSpace 3-week 11+ preparation course runs entirely online, which means your child can join from home, from a holiday rental, or from wherever you happen to be in August.

The MyEdSpace 11+ course costs just £399.

That's 28 hours of live lessons, designed specifically for the 11+, from expert teachers and former examiners for just £14 per hour. Less than half the cost of the cheapest private tutors.

And, all lessons are recorded. If your child misses a session, they can catch up without losing ground. If they want to revisit a topic before the exam, every explanation is there to rewatch.

Your child gets focused, expert-led preparation. Your family keeps its summer. So, what are you waiting for? Sign your child up today and give your child everything they need for 11+ success.