Getting ready for the 11 Plus test is a process that goes beyond just doing worksheets and reading books. It is a planned process that builds academic skills, test-taking skills, and self- esteem. Knowing what to expect at each stage of the tuition process can make a big difference if your child wants to go to a top Grammar School or a selective Independent School.
With a proven 90% pass rate, The Learning Hub Group has helped hundreds of families in Wembley and North London find their way through this process. We’ll show you what a full 11+ tuition journey looks like in this article, from getting help at the beginning to getting ready for the last interview.
Setting the Stage (Year 4 to Early Year 5)
A strong base in English and Maths is the first step on the road to success at 11+. At this point, the focus of tuition is on developing basic skills like reading comprehension, creative writing, mental maths, problem solving, and vocabulary growth.
Instead of jumping right into exam-style questions, we slowly teach reasoning skills and build confidence in important subjects. This is also the time to teach kids how to manage their time, stay organised, and think for themselves. Our Year 4 and early Year 5 classes help kids enjoy learning and feel like they are in charge of how fast they learn.
Getting Better at Taking Tests and Getting Used to Them (Mid to Late Year 5)
As students get closer to the middle of Year 5, their lessons become more organised and in line with the formats used by exam boards like GL Assessment, CEM, or their own school. We offer targeted training at The Learning Hub Group in:
- Reasoning with Words and Actions
- Timed questions for English and Maths exams
- Short writing tasks (for both creative and formal writing)
- Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation
This is also the time when exam strategies start to become important. Students learn how to handle stress, answer multiple-choice questions, and avoid common mistakes. When people get used to something, they become more confident. This is what turns nervous learners into calm, capable test-takers.
Mock Tests: Getting Ready for the Real Thing (Late Year 5 to Year 6)
Mock tests are an important part of preparing for the 11+. These simulations are important because they make the test environment feel like the real thing, with time limits, proctors,
and questions that are new to you. At our centre in Wembley, we hold regular mock exams that are meant to be as hard and structured as real 11+ exams.
But we don’t just look at scores. After each mock, students (and parents) get detailed feedback and analysis that helps them find their strengths, weaknesses, and patterns in their performance. This lets us adjust the tuition and make sure that every student is ready for the test by the start of Year 6.
Getting Ready for School (Fall of Year 6)
After the Grammar School entrance tests, which are usually held in September, the focus moves to the entrance exams and interviews for Independent Schools. These need more advanced skills in reading, writing essays, doing complicated maths, and reasoning verbally, which are often not covered in the regular curriculum.
We make sure that our program at The Learning Hub Group meets the needs of each independent school. We help students get ready for the exact format and content they will see at Haberdashers, City of London, St. Paul’s, or North London Collegiate.
Coaching for Confidence and Interview Practice
Interviews are part of the admissions process at many of the best independent schools. This could be a one-on-one interview with a senior teacher or a group interview that tests how well you work with others, how well you can talk about things, and how well you can think under pressure.
We know how scary this can be, so we offer structured interview workshops that help kids speak clearly, think on their feet, and be sure of themselves. There are mock interviews, feedback, and role-playing situations in the sessions. For a lot of kids, these sessions change their lives and give them more confidence in and out of the 11+ process.
Tracking Progress and Getting Help from Parents
We work closely with parents throughout the tuition process to keep them up-to-date and involved. We give regular progress reports, meet with each student one-on-one, and help them with their homework. We want this journey to be a group effort so that every child knows they have support from both their tutor and their family.
In a nutshell, the 11+ isn’t just a test; it’s a way to improve your academic skills, mental toughness, and personal growth. Every step is important, from learning the basics in Year 4 to taking high-pressure mock exams and getting ready for interviews in Year 6.
The Learning Hub Group offers a full 11+ tuition journey that is structured, helpful, and has been shown to work. Parents in North London trust our Wembley-based centre, and we’re proud to help families unlock the future their kids deserve with a 90% pass rate.
Are you ready to start your child’s 11+ journey with us? Call us or book a free assessment today to find out more about our programs.