Best 11+ Maths Tuition Options for UK Grammar and Independent School Entry
Your child is preparing for the 11+ exam. Competition is fierce with only 164 grammar schools in England serving millions of families. You want to give them the best possible chance, but you're overwhelmed by tuition options. One-to-one tutoring, group classes, online platforms, local tutors. How do you choose?
I'm Aadam, and I've been tutoring students for 11+ and GCSE exams for over five years at SHLC. I've helped dozens of families navigate this exact decision, and I've seen what works and what doesn't.
In this comprehensive guide, I'm breaking down the best 11+ maths tuition options available in the UK, helping you make an informed choice based on your child's needs, your budget, and what actually delivers results.
Understanding the 11+ Maths Challenge
Before we discuss tuition options, let's be clear about what your child faces.
The 11+ exam tests English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non Verbal Reasoning. Different exam boards (GL Assessment and CEM) structure these differently, but maths skills are tested either directly or embedded within numerical reasoning sections.
Research shows the 11+ covers the entire Key Stage 2 curriculum and often goes beyond it, testing concepts children in mainstream primary schools may not have encountered. This makes preparation essential, not optional.
Statistics from Buckinghamshire Council show that whilst 62.6% of pupils from Partner Schools (typically prep schools with dedicated 11+ preparation) qualified for grammar places, only 27.8% from Local Authority Schools achieved the same. After appeals, just 40.1% of all pupils who sat the exam secured a grammar place.
The competition is genuinely fierce, and quality preparation makes a measurable difference.
Option 1: One to One Private Tutoring (The Premium Choice)
What it involves: A qualified tutor working exclusively with your child, either in your home or online, typically for one hour weekly sessions over 12-18 months.
Cost: £30-£80 per hour depending on location and tutor qualifications. Expect £1,440-£3,840 per year for weekly sessions.
Who it's best for:
- Children who need personalised attention
- Students with specific gaps or learning needs
- Families who value flexibility in scheduling
- Children who work better one-to-one than in groups
Advantages:
Completely tailored: Every session addresses your child's specific strengths and weaknesses. No time wasted on content they already know.
Flexible pacing: The tutor moves at your child's speed, slowing down for difficult concepts and accelerating through easier material.
Builds confidence: One-to-one attention allows shy or anxious children to ask questions freely without peer pressure.
Exam board specific: Tutors can target preparation towards the exact exam board and schools you're applying to (GL, CEM or specific independent school entrance exams).
Disadvantages:
Expensive: This is the most costly option, potentially prohibitive for many families.
Tutor quality varies: Finding a genuinely qualified, experienced 11+ specialist requires careful vetting. Many advertise experience they don't truly possess.
No peer learning: Your child misses the competitive element and collaborative problem solving that group settings provide.
How to find quality one to one tutors:
At SHLC, I provide one to one 11+ maths preparation both online and in person. I'm a qualified teacher with specific expertise in 11+ numerical reasoning, problem solving and exam technique.
I start with diagnostic assessment to identify exactly where your child currently stands, then create a personalised programme targeting their specific gaps whilst building exam confidence systematically.
Alternatively, look for tutors through:
- Teachers To Your Home (qualified teachers only)
- Ivy Education (vetted London based tutors)
- First Tutors (but vet carefully yourself)
What to verify:
- Teaching qualifications (QTS preferred)
- Specific 11+ experience with proven results
- DBS checks
- Trial session offered
- Clear progress tracking methods
Option 2: Small Group Tuition (The Balanced Choice)
What it involves: Classes of 4-8 children at similar ability levels, meeting weekly for structured 11+ preparation over 9-12 months.
Cost: £15-£35 per session. Expect £540-£1,260 per year for weekly sessions.
Who it's best for:
- Children who thrive in collaborative environments
- Families seeking value for money
- Students who benefit from healthy competition
- Children who learn well from peers
Advantages:
Cost effective: Significantly cheaper than one-to-one whilst maintaining small class sizes.
Peer learning: Children learn from each other's questions and approaches, often grasping concepts through peer explanations.
Competitive motivation: Seeing classmates progress motivates many children to work harder.
Social element: Makes preparation less isolating, particularly helpful for only children.
Structured curriculum: Group classes follow systematic programmes ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Disadvantages:
Less personalised: Cannot fully tailor to individual gaps and pacing.
Fixed schedule: Miss a session and it's gone (though reputable providers offer recordings or catch up materials).
Variable group dynamics: One disruptive child can impact the whole class.
May not suit shy children: Quieter students might not ask questions in front of peers.
Leading group tuition providers:
Value Learning (Reading, Berkshire): Specialist 11+ preparation for both GL and ISEB exams. Year 5 intensive course plus Year 4 pre-11+ option. Strong track record with Buckinghamshire and surrounding grammar schools.
Marie Redmond Tuition: Specifically targets Buckinghamshire GL Assessment exams. Students receive comprehensive materials including books, electronic thesaurus, vocabulary flashcards, and dedicated mock exams. Feedback suggests their mocks closely mirror actual test difficulty.
Boost Education: Affordable option starting from £14/hour. Covers all four 11+ components with focus on timed practice and exam technique.
Local 11+ centres: Search for "11+ tuition near me" to find local centres. Visit in person, observe a class if possible, and speak to other parents about their experiences.
Option 3: Online Tutoring Platforms (The Flexible Choice)
What it involves: Live one-to-one or small group online sessions via Zoom or similar platforms, combining convenience with expert teaching.
Cost: £25-£60 per hour for one-to-one online. Often cheaper than in person equivalents.
Who it's best for:
- Families in areas without quality local tutors
- Children comfortable with technology
- Busy families needing schedule flexibility
- Students who focus well via screens
Advantages:
Geographic freedom: Access top tutors regardless of location. Live in Cornwall but want a London tutor? Easily done.
No travel time: Saves both parent and child significant time. An hour session is just an hour, not 90 minutes with travel.
Often cheaper: Online tutors frequently charge less without travel time factored in.
Technology tools: Digital whiteboards, screen sharing and online resources enhance learning.
Recorded sessions: Some platforms allow recording for review.
Disadvantages:
Screen fatigue: Children already spending school days on screens may struggle with additional screen time.
Technical issues: Poor internet connection disrupts sessions and frustrates both tutor and student.
Harder to build rapport: Some children connect less well via screens than in person.
Distractions: Home environment might have more distractions than a dedicated tutoring space.
Leading online platforms:
SHLC Online Tutoring: I deliver the same high quality one-to-one preparation online as in person, using interactive tools and comprehensive practice materials. Book a free consultation to discuss your child's needs.
Ivy Education: London-based but offers online nationally. Experienced 11+ specialists with bespoke learning plans.
Teachers To Your Home: Qualified teachers providing online one-to-one preparation with diagnostic assessment.
Option 4: DIY with Quality Resources (The Budget Choice)
What it involves: Parent led preparation using books, online resources and practice papers at home.
Cost: £100-£300 for books and resources over the year.
Who it's best for:
- Confident, self motivated children
- Parents with time and patience to guide learning
- Families with genuine budget constraints
- Children already performing near target level
Advantages:
Extremely affordable: Fraction of the cost of professional tuition.
Complete flexibility: Study whenever suits your family.
Builds independence: Children learn self study skills valuable for future education.
Parent child bonding: Can strengthen relationships when approached positively.
Disadvantages:
Requires parental expertise: Most parents aren't qualified to teach 11+ content or exam technique.
Relationship strain: Attempting to tutor your own child often creates tension and arguments.
No expert feedback: Difficult to know whether your child is actually progressing appropriately.
Time intensive: Researching resources, planning lessons and marking work consumes significant parental time.
Missing exam technique: Books teach content but rarely teach the specific strategies needed for time pressured 11+ exams.
Essential resources if choosing DIY:
Bond 11+ books: Comprehensive series covering all four components with practice papers.
GL Assessment past papers: Familiarisation booklets available on GL's website showing actual question styles.
CEM example materials: Available through CEM's website for schools using their exam format.
Free practice materials at SHLC: I provide sample questions and guidance materials to support families preparing independently.
Corbett Maths: While aimed at GCSE, the numeracy and foundation content helps solidify basic skills.
My recommendation on DIY: Use resources for initial practice but consider professional help for final 3-6 months before exams. This hybrid approach balances cost with effectiveness, ensuring your child has expert exam technique training when it matters most.
Option 5: Prep Schools (The Comprehensive Choice)
What it involves: Attending a private prep school that integrates 11+ preparation into the curriculum.
Cost: £3,000-£7,000+ per term (£9,000-£21,000 per year). Most expensive option.
Who it's best for:
- Families who can afford significant investment
- Children benefiting from smaller class sizes generally
- Students needing comprehensive academic stretching beyond 11+ prep
- Families targeting multiple competitive school applications
Advantages:
All day preparation: 11+ content woven throughout the school day, not just one hour weekly.
Experienced teachers: Staff specialise in preparing children for selective school entry.
Mock exams: Regular practice under exam conditions with professional feedback.
School partnerships: Many prep schools have established relationships with target grammar and independent schools.
Holistic development: Beyond academics, focus on interview skills, confidence and broader education.
Proven track record: Statistics show 62.6% of Partner School pupils qualified for Buckinghamshire grammar places versus 27.8% from Local Authority Schools.
Disadvantages:
Prohibitively expensive: Beyond reach for most families financially.
Not targeted: If you only need maths support, paying for full prep school education is inefficient.
Pressure environment: Some children find the competitive prep school atmosphere stressful rather than motivating.
Limited availability: Prep school places themselves are competitive and may require entrance exams.
Comparing the Options: Decision Matrix
| Option | Cost (per year) | Personalisation | Flexibility | Peer Learning | Expert Feedback | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-to-One Private | £1,440-£3,840 | Excellent | High | None | Excellent | Specific gaps, anxious learners |
| Small Group | £540-£1,260 | Good | Medium | High | Good | Value seekers, confident children |
| Online Tutoring | £900-£2,160 | Excellent | Very High | Varies | Excellent | Geographic flexibility needed |
| DIY Resources | £100-£300 | Poor | Very High | None | None | Budget constrained, self motivated |
| Prep School | £9,000-£21,000 | Medium | Low | High | Excellent | Comprehensive development |
When to Start 11+ Preparation
Research consistently shows starting 12-18 months before the exam delivers best results. This means:
- Children sitting exams September 2026: Begin preparation between March-September 2025
- Children sitting exams September 2027: Begin preparation between March-September 2026
Starting earlier allows:
- Systematic coverage of all content areas
- Time to fill foundational gaps without rush
- Development of exam technique and confidence
- Multiple practice cycles with improvements between them
Starting too late (less than 6 months before) means trying to compress 12-18 months of content into insufficient time, increasing stress for both child and parents.
Red Flags to Watch For
When choosing any tuition option, avoid providers who:
Make unrealistic promises: "We guarantee grammar school entry" is impossible. Too many variables exist beyond tutoring quality.
Won't show qualifications: Any legitimate tutor readily provides teaching qualifications, DBS checks and references.
Use high pressure sales tactics: "Only 2 spaces left, decide today!" suggests desperation for clients, not quality provision.
Can't explain their approach: Good tutors articulate clear methodology for building skills and confidence.
Don't assess first: Starting tutoring without diagnostic assessment means guessing at your child's needs.
Don't track progress: Regular feedback showing measurable improvement should be standard, not optional.
My Recommendation Based on Situations
If budget allows and child has specific gaps: One-to-one private tutoring (SHLC or vetted alternative)
If seeking value with confident child: Small group tuition at reputable local centre
If geographic constraints exist: Online tutoring with qualified specialist
If budget extremely tight: DIY with resources plus short term professional help for final exam technique boost
If targeting multiple elite schools: Consider prep school if affordable, otherwise intensive one-to-one in final year
The SHLC Approach to 11+ Maths Preparation
At SHLC, I provide one-to-one 11+ maths preparation both online and in person across the UK. Here's how my approach works:
Initial diagnostic assessment identifies your child's current level across numerical reasoning, problem solving, and exam confidence.
Personalised programme targets their specific gaps whilst building strengths systematically.
Regular progress tracking using my digital revision planner shows measurable improvements over time.
Exam board specific preparation tailored to GL, CEM or specific independent school formats you're targeting.
Mock exam marking through my professional marking service provides detailed feedback on practice papers.
Confidence building alongside content teaching ensures your child enters the exam room calm and capable.
I've helped dozens of students secure grammar and independent school places by combining expert teaching with strategic preparation.
Questions to Ask Any Potential Tutor
Before committing to any tuition option, ask:
- What teaching qualifications do you hold?
- How many years of specific 11+ experience do you have?
- What's your success rate with students gaining grammar/independent school places?
- How do you assess students initially?
- How is progress tracked and reported to parents?
- What happens if my child doesn't progress as expected?
- Can you provide references from other parents?
- What materials/resources are included in the cost?
- How do you tailor preparation to specific exam boards?
- What's your approach to building exam confidence?
Quality tutors answer all these confidently and specifically.
The Bottom Line
The best 11+ maths tuition option depends entirely on your child's needs, your budget, and your circumstances. There's no universally "best" choice, only the best choice for your family.
What matters most isn't which option you choose, but that you:
- Start early enough (12-18 months before exams)
- Choose qualified, experienced providers
- Track progress measurably
- Balance preparation with maintaining your child's wellbeing
- Focus on building confidence alongside skills
Remember: grammar school entry is competitive but achievable. With proper preparation, supportive guidance and strategic tuition, your child has genuine opportunity to succeed.
If you're unsure which option suits your family best, book a free consultation with SHLC and we'll discuss your child's specific situation, goals and which preparation approach will work best.
Ready to give your child the best possible chance at 11+ success? Get in touch with SHLC to discuss tailored 11+ maths preparation that delivers results.