Expert 11+ Tutoring — Personalised Preparation for Grammar School Success
OwlPath's 11+ tutoring programme gives Year 3, 4 and 5 students the structured support they need to prepare for grammar school and independent school entrance exams — through expert-led sessions, a free diagnostic assessment, and a personalised learning plan built around your child's specific starting point.
One-to-one and small group sessions. In-person and online. Starting from a free assessment that tells you exactly where to focus.
The right programme depends on your child's year group and learning style — start with a free assessment and we'll guide you from there.
What Is the 11+ Exam?
The 11+ is a selective entrance examination taken by children typically in Year 6, used by grammar schools and many independent schools to assess academic ability and potential. Results determine whether a child qualifies for a grammar school place or meets the entry requirements for their chosen independent school.
The 11+ is not one single exam — it varies by region and by school. The most commonly used exam boards are:
- GL Assessment (GL) — used by grammar schools across the Midlands, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire and many others
- CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) — used by grammar schools in areas including Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and parts of the North West
- Quest Assessments — used for the Wirral Admissions Test and a growing number of independent school entrance exams across the UK
- ISEB (Independent Schools Examination Board) — used by many independent schools as a Common Pre-Test
Regardless of which exam board your child is preparing for, the core subject areas assessed are broadly consistent — verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics and English. The format, timing and emphasis vary between boards, which is why tailored preparation matters.
For more on formats and preparation, see our 11+ exam guide.
What OwlPath 11+ Tutoring Covers
Verbal Reasoning
Identifying patterns in words and language, completing analogies, understanding vocabulary in context, and applying logical thinking to language-based problems. Vocabulary is a critical component — OwlPath's Vocabulary Mastery programme complements tutoring sessions specifically in this area.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Identifying patterns, sequences and relationships in shapes and diagrams. Speed and accuracy are both tested — students learn to recognise question types quickly and apply consistent methodical approaches.
Mathematics
Number, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry and data handling at a level beyond the standard primary school curriculum. 11+ maths often includes problem-solving and multi-step questions that require careful reading and logical application.
English
Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling and creative writing. Comprehension passages draw on a wide vocabulary range — another area where Vocabulary Mastery provides direct support alongside sessions.
Exam Technique
Understanding question formats, managing time under pressure, checking work, and maintaining composure in exam conditions. These skills are developed through practice papers and mock exam conditions built into the programme over time.
11+ Programmes by Year Group
Year 3 — Foundation Course
Building the foundations for 11+ success — vocabulary development, early reasoning skills, number confidence and reading comprehension. Year 3 is an excellent time to start laying groundwork without pressure, giving children the longest runway into the exam.
Year 4 — Foundation Course
Structured progression through all four subject areas, building on foundations from Year 3 or establishing them for children starting preparation in Year 4. Focus on developing consistent reasoning skills and subject confidence.
Year 5 — Advanced Course
Intensive preparation as the exam approaches. Covering advanced reasoning techniques, full-curriculum maths, exam-standard English, timed practice and mock exam conditions. Year 5 is the critical preparation year for most students — sessions can be increased to twice weekly for students who need the additional support.
11+ Tutoring Prices
All sessions are 60 minutes, one session per week, across a monthly package of four sessions. Year 5 students can optionally increase to two sessions per week. Prices vary by year group and format — the right option is confirmed during a free consultation after your child's assessment.
Year 3 — 11+ Foundation Course
| Format | Full Price | Current Price | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Group (max 4 students) | £90/month | £80/month | 4 sessions |
| Online 1:1 | £130/month | £130/month | 4 sessions |
| Face-to-Face Group (max 4 students) | £100/month | £90/month | 4 sessions |
| Face-to-Face 1:1 | £140/month | £130/month | 4 sessions |
Year 4 — 11+ Foundation Course
| Format | Full Price | Current Price | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Group (max 4 students) | £100/month | £90/month | 4 sessions |
| Online 1:1 | £150/month | £140/month | 4 sessions |
| Face-to-Face Group (max 4 students) | £100/month | £90/month | 4 sessions |
| Face-to-Face 1:1 | £160/month | £150/month | 4 sessions |
Year 5 — 11+ Advanced Course
| Format | Full Price | Current Price | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Group (max 4 students) | £110/month | £100/month | 4 sessions |
| Online 1:1 (1 session/week) | £160/month | £150/month | 4 sessions |
| Online 1:1 (2 sessions/week) | £300/month | £280/month | 8 sessions |
| Face-to-Face Group (max 4 students) | £110/month | £100/month | 4 sessions |
| Face-to-Face 1:1 | £170/month | £160/month | 4 sessions |
Current prices reflect a limited-time discount from full price. Full pricing details are available on the pricing page.
How OwlPath 11+ Tutoring Works
Free Diagnostic Assessment
Every student starts with a 30-minute diagnostic assessment covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The results give both parents and the tutor a clear, objective picture of the child's current level — a score out of 10 in each area, a detailed skill breakdown, and a personalised study roadmap. No guesswork, no wasted sessions.
Free Consultation
After the assessment, you'll have a free consultation with your child's tutor to review results and discuss the right programme. Together you'll agree on the format (group or one-to-one, in-person or online), frequency, and focus areas.
Weekly Sessions
60-minute weekly sessions structured around your child's specific gaps and goals. Group sessions have a maximum of four students. One-to-one sessions are tailored entirely to your child's pace.
Smart Assignments
Structured practice between sessions through Smart Assignments — targeted tasks that reinforce what's been covered and keep preparation progressing between sessions.
Parent Dashboard & Quarterly Assessments
Parents receive regular progress updates through the OwlPath dashboard. Quarterly assessments provide measurable checkpoints to track improvement over the programme.
Exam Day Confidence
By exam day, your child knows the material, knows the format, and knows how to perform under timed conditions. That combination of knowledge and confidence is what the preparation is built toward.
Strengthen Vocabulary Alongside Your Tutoring
Vocabulary is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of 11+ preparation — and one of the most impactful, particularly in verbal reasoning, comprehension and creative writing.
OwlPath's Vocabulary Mastery programme is available alongside any 11+ tutoring programme. Built around 500+ words from the Quest Assessments vocabulary list, it uses daily missions, smart weak-word revision and XP-based rewards to help children build vocabulary consistently through short daily sessions at home.
It works particularly well as the daily home component that sits alongside weekly tutoring — keeping vocabulary learning active between sessions without adding significant time pressure.
Available alongside any tutoring programme — in-person or online.
11+ Tutoring Near You
OwlPath currently offers face-to-face 11+ tutoring across the Wirral, alongside online sessions for families anywhere in the UK. If you're looking for local in-person tutoring, our Wirral programme is the right starting point.
Expanding to new locations — if you're outside Wirral and interested in face-to-face tutoring, get in touch and we'll let you know about availability in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year groups does 11+ tutoring cover?+
OwlPath's 11+ tutoring is available for Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 students. Year 3 and Year 4 students follow the Foundation Course, while Year 5 students follow the Advanced Course with the option to increase to two sessions per week.
Is 11+ tutoring available online?+
Yes — OwlPath offers online one-to-one and online group 11+ tutoring for families anywhere in the UK. Online sessions are 60 minutes and follow the same structured programme as in-person sessions.
What is the difference between group and one-to-one sessions?+
Group sessions have a maximum of four students, making them small enough for each child to receive focused attention while benefiting from learning alongside peers. One-to-one sessions are entirely personalised to your child's pace, gaps and goals. The right format is discussed during the free consultation.
Does it matter which 11+ exam board my child is preparing for?+
OwlPath's 11+ tutoring covers the core subject areas — verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths and English — that are assessed across all major exam boards including GL, CEM, Quest and ISEB. Tutors are familiar with the specific formats and question types used by different boards and can tailor preparation accordingly.
How early should we start 11+ preparation?+
Starting in Year 3 gives children the most time to build genuine, sustainable preparation. Year 4 is still a strong starting point. Year 5 students can make meaningful progress with intensive preparation, particularly with two sessions per week in the Advanced Course. The free diagnostic assessment helps identify the right intensity for wherever your child is starting from.
What is included in the free assessment?+
The free 30-minute diagnostic assessment covers English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. You receive a score out of 10 in each area, a detailed skill breakdown, and a personalised study roadmap — all at no cost and with no commitment to book.
Can my child combine tutoring with Vocabulary Mastery?+
Yes — OwlPath's Vocabulary Mastery programme is available alongside any 11+ tutoring programme and is particularly recommended for the verbal reasoning and comprehension elements of the exam. It provides a structured daily vocabulary practice routine that complements weekly tutoring sessions.
How is progress tracked?+
Parents have access to the OwlPath parent dashboard with regular progress updates. Quarterly assessments provide structured checkpoints to measure improvement over the course of the programme.
Start Your Child's 11+ Preparation Today
The best place to start is the free diagnostic assessment — it takes 30 minutes, costs nothing, and gives you a clear picture of exactly where your child is and where to focus. From there, a free consultation with your tutor will confirm the right programme, format and pace. OwlPath's 11+ tutoring is available online for families across the UK, and face-to-face across the Wirral.
