The 11 Plus is one of the most high-stakes exams a primary-age child will sit. For families in grammar school areas, it can determine secondary school placement and shape a child's educational path for the next seven years. It's also one of the most preparation-heavy exams in the UK system — most children who pass have done structured practice for six to twelve months beforehand.
This guide explains what an 11 Plus tutor actually does, what to look for, and what the process realistically involves.
What is the 11 Plus exam?
The 11 Plus is a selective entry test used by grammar schools and some independent schools in England to assess academic ability. It typically covers verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths and English — though the exact content varies by region and exam provider. GL Assessment and CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) are the two main providers, and they test different things in different ways.
Which test your child sits depends entirely on which grammar schools you're targeting. This is the first thing to find out, because a tutor who prepares children for GL tests may not be well-suited for CEM preparation, and vice versa.
Do you need a tutor for the 11 Plus?
Many children pass the 11 Plus without a tutor. But many more don't pass because they weren't adequately prepared, and most high-achieving children in grammar school areas do receive some form of tutoring. The honest answer: tutoring significantly raises the probability of passing, and the exam is competitive enough that preparation matters.
That said, a child needs a certain baseline ability for tutoring to help — the 11 Plus is genuinely selective. Tutoring helps a capable child reach their potential; it can't manufacture ability that isn't there.
What to look for in an 11 Plus tutor
- Know which test your child is taking. GL Assessment vs CEM vs school-specific papers are meaningfully different. Ask any prospective tutor directly which they specialise in.
- Experience with the specific schools you're targeting. Some grammar schools have reputations for particularly difficult papers. A tutor who has prepared children for Tiffin, King Edward's, or equivalent knows the standard required.
- Diagnostic approach. Good 11 Plus tutors assess first — they identify which question types your child finds hardest and build a programme around the gaps.
- Timed practice. Speed matters in the 11 Plus. Children need to be comfortable completing questions under time pressure, not just accurately in unlimited time.
When should you start?
Most families start 11 Plus preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 — roughly 12 to 18 months before the exam. Starting in Year 5 is still manageable for most children; starting in the summer before Year 6 gives very little time and is usually only enough for children who are already significantly above average.
The reason to start early isn't just content — it's building familiarity with the question types and exam format. Non-verbal reasoning in particular is unfamiliar to most children and takes time to become confident with.
How much does an 11 Plus tutor cost?
- Generalist primary/11 Plus tutors: £25–£45/hour. Good for covering the basics.
- Specialist 11 Plus tutors with grammar school track record: £45–£75/hour. Worth it if you're targeting highly selective schools.
- Group sessions: Some tutors run 11 Plus group classes at £15–£25 per child per session. These can be effective for practice but give less individual attention.
Online vs in-person 11 Plus tutoring
Both work. For younger children (Year 4–5), some families prefer in-person sessions for the focus they provide. By Year 5–6, most children are comfortable with video call tutoring and the wider choice of online specialists often outweighs the preference for face-to-face.
Find an 11 Plus tutor
Browse 11 Plus tutors on TutorLab — all tutors set their own rates and you contact them directly, with no agency layer and no commission on sessions.
- 11 Plus tutors in London
- 11 Plus tutors in Manchester
- 11 Plus tutors in Birmingham
- 11 Plus tutors in Kent
- Online 11 Plus tutors (UK-wide)
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions does a child need to prepare for the 11 Plus?
It depends on starting level and time available. A child starting 12 months out typically does one weekly session plus regular practice at home. A child starting six months out would need to increase frequency and home practice to cover the same ground.
Can a tutor guarantee my child will pass?
No. Any tutor who claims to guarantee a pass result should be treated with scepticism. A good tutor will give you an honest assessment of your child's chances and what they can realistically achieve with preparation.
Should my child also do practice papers at home?
Yes — this is non-negotiable. Tutoring without home practice is significantly less effective. Most successful 11 Plus candidates do 20–30 minutes of timed practice papers at home most days in the six months leading up to the exam.
What's the difference between GL and CEM 11 Plus tests?
GL Assessment papers have a more traditional format with separate verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths and English papers. CEM papers are more mixed and unpredictable, with unfamiliar question types. The right tutor for your child depends on which test your target schools use.
My child is very bright but not a natural test-taker. Will tutoring help?
Almost certainly yes. Exam technique — time management, understanding what questions are asking, not second-guessing — is learnable. Many able children underperform on their first pass papers and improve significantly with practice.