If youβve found your way here, chances are youβre beginning to think about the 11+Β - or perhaps youβre already in the middle of it, quietly wondering whether youβre focusing on the right things.
This is where many of the families I work with start out.
Iβm an 11+ specialist tutor. Over the past decade, Iβve supported students across all areas of the 11+, helping them secure places at some of the UKβs most competitive grammar and independent schools. Just as importantly, Iβve helped them grow into confident, articulate learners who are able to think clearly and express themselves with ease.
I work with a small number of families each year, so that every child receives the kind of careful, tailored guidance that genuinely makes a difference. It also allows me to build strong relationships, understanding not just where a child needs support, but how to bring out their very best.
βThank you for help with tutoring. He enjoyed the sessions (as much as you can with the 11 plus!) and we really appreciated the balance you struck between getting the work done and making tutoring enjoyable!β
Over the years, one thing has become increasingly clear: success in the 11+ isnβt about doing more and more. Itβs about doing theΒ rightΒ things, at the right time, in the right way. This is why I have created this blog. In attempts to demystify the 11+ process and offer some free and accessible guidance.
For many parents, the hardest part is often knowing what matters, what they should be doing when and feeling confident in how to support their child.
βI asked her what she couldn't have done without - and she said comprehension practice!β
While I tutor across all aspects of the 11+, I noticed that English - particularly the written component - is where many families feel least supported. Itβs often the hardest area to prepare for at home, and yet itβs one of the most important in setting a child apart. Often, the creative writing task is the only opportunity, outside of the interview, for an examiner to see your childβs personality and creativity. In highly selective schools, the written comprehension can significantly influence your childβs application. These are key areas and not ones to leave to chance.
There are plenty of resources for maths and reasoning. For more on this see Best 11+ Resources in the UK: What Actually Helps (and What to Avoid). But for English comprehension and creative writing, families are often left unsure:Β What does a strong answer actually look like? How do we move beyond basic responses? How do we build real quality in writing?
This is why I created Study Planet. To help and support parents answering these questions.
Itβs designed to give you tutor-style feedback without the time-consuming, often confusing marking. It also builds a picture of your childβs strengths and weaknesses, spots gaps in their knowledge, and suggests tailored advice and exercises to help close them. Iβve spent over a year fine-tuning this - at times involving blood, sweat and tears (!) - to make sure it closely mirrors the feedback I give my students.
βWe really struggled with finding homework structure in the holiday. This really helped.β
At its heart, my work is about making this process feel calmer, clearer, and far more manageable - for both you and your child.
If youβre just beginning, or if youβre looking for more focused support with 11+ English, youβre very welcome to explore Study Planet and see whether it feels like the right fit for your family.
You can also try it for free here: www.study-planet.co,uk