Finding the right 11 Plus tutor for your child can feel like a big decision. With so many options online and locally, it's easy to feel unsure where to start or how to tell who's genuinely qualified to help.
At School House Learning Centre (SHLC), we've supported hundreds of families through the 11 Plus journey. Whether your goal is grammar school entry, private school scholarships, or building early academic confidence, the right tutor can make all the difference.
This guide explains what to look for, the questions to ask, and how to find an 11 Plus tutor near you who truly understands your child.
Why Choosing the Right 11 Plus Tutor Matters
The 11 Plus is more than a single test. It measures reasoning, comprehension, and problem solving across Maths, English, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Many bright students underperform because they're unfamiliar with the question styles or time pressure.
An experienced tutor bridges that gap. The right one helps your child master exam techniques, build vocabulary and reasoning speed, develop confidence under timed conditions, and learn how to think rather than just memorise.
A good 11 Plus tutor creates structure and motivation, helping children stay calm and consistent rather than anxious or overwhelmed.
Know What You Need
Before typing "11 Plus tutor near me" into Google, clarify what your child actually needs help with. Think about which grammar or independent schools you're targeting and whether those schools use GL Assessment, CEM, or independent test formats. Consider whether your child is already confident in core subjects or needs support with reasoning skills.
A qualified tutor can help identify which exam board applies and adapt lessons accordingly.
Consider Both Local and Online Tuition
Many parents start by searching for a local tutor. Online 11 Plus tuition has become increasingly effective and flexible over recent years.
Local tutors offer face-to-face connection, which can work well for younger learners. Travel time and limited choice in your area are practical considerations.
Online tutors provide wider selection, flexible scheduling, and access to resources and mock tests. You'll need stable internet and a focused environment at home.
At SHLC, we offer interactive online 11 Plus lessons with live teaching, on-screen annotations, and mock assessments that replicate real exam conditions.
Check Qualifications and Experience
Look beyond marketing claims when choosing a tutor. A high-quality 11 Plus tutor should have teaching experience in UK primary or secondary education, proven results with students gaining entry into grammar or independent schools, a DBS check for child safety, and strong understanding of exam board formats and time management techniques.
Avoid tutors who focus purely on drilling worksheets without explaining why answers work. The best tutors teach reasoning and build confidence.
Ask the Right Questions
Before committing, speak directly to the tutor and ask which exam boards they specialise in, how they assess your child's current level, what materials or online tools they use, how they track progress and share feedback, and how far in advance your child should begin preparing.
A good tutor will provide detailed answers rather than generic promises.
Look for Structured Support and Feedback
Progress in the 11 Plus depends on consistency. A reliable tutor or centre should provide a diagnostic assessment to identify gaps, a personalised plan aligned to target schools, regular homework and feedback reports, and mock exams to measure improvement.
At SHLC, every student begins with an initial assessment that pinpoints current strengths and areas for growth. This ensures every session builds toward their specific exam goals.
Evaluate Personality Fit
Even the most skilled tutor won't get far without a good connection. Watch how the tutor communicates during the trial. Are they patient and encouraging? Do they make learning enjoyable? Do they praise effort rather than just results?
When children feel comfortable, they engage more deeply and perform better in timed conditions.
Compare Costs Fairly
Prices for 11 Plus tuition vary depending on experience and location. In the UK, typical rates are £25 to £35 per hour for university-level tutors, £40 to £60 per hour for qualified teachers with 11 Plus experience, and £60+ per hour for senior tutors specialising in grammar school entry.
Cheaper is rarely better. An expert who can raise scores and confidence efficiently offers greater long-term value than inconsistent, lower-cost lessons.
Read Reviews and Recommendations
Look for verified reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or school-parent networks. Real feedback offers insight into communication, reliability, and student outcomes.
When considering an online tutor, check that lessons are recorded or progress reports are available for transparency.
Arrange a Trial Lesson
A single session reveals a lot. Observe how your child feels afterward: engaged, relieved, or frustrated. A great tutor will make them feel capable rather than pressured.
At SHLC, our trial sessions include a short diagnostic task and feedback summary so parents can see exactly where support is needed.
Plan Ahead
Ideally, 11 Plus preparation should begin in Year 3 or 4 for foundational skills, especially for children needing confidence in Maths and English. Year 5 works well for focused test-specific preparation and timed mock practice.
Leaving it until summer before Year 6 adds unnecessary stress and reduces improvement time.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best 11 Plus tutor near you isn't about luck. It's about understanding what your child needs, checking credentials carefully, and looking for genuine connection and structure.
At School House Learning Centre, our tutors are qualified teachers with years of classroom experience. We help children across the UK prepare for grammar school entry through personalised online lessons, engaging reasoning practice, and confidence-building support.
To discuss your child's needs or arrange a free consultation, get in touch today at shlc-tutor.co.uk/pages/make-an-appointment. Together, we'll build a clear, calm path to 11 Plus success.