11+ Private Tuition

11+ is the most popular entry point for young people to join independent school, and each year Dulwich Tutors help many students become confident, well-prepared candidates. They need to be ready to give a good account of themselves during the highly competitive entry process.

Each year the elements of the process can be different, and different schools may approach it in different ways. Some use the Common Entrance ISEB test, others via online platforms like Atom or BOFA to assess aptitude. However, many South London schools, such as Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, JAG’s and St. Dunstan’s, use their own bespoke exam papers, sometimes after an online pre-test. In London, some schools group together to streamline the entrance process, e.g. North London Consortia, or the Sutton Entrance Test.

Year End curriculum knowledge is tested but by this age, and depending on their school, some students who apply will have been taught well ahead of the national curriculum. This means it is important that applicants have developed solid skills and understanding, especially in their individual areas of interest and ability, so that their unique strengths are starting to show. Academically speaking, English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning are tested, leading to interview activities designed to test topical knowledge, personal interests and collaboration with fellow pupils.

Our 11+ tutors work to identify and exchange information about what the entrance process will involve that year, so their expertise in a specific school may be less important than engagement with that year’s requirements- all schools broadly adopt the same manner of testing.

Studies show that 11+ students are old enough to benefit equally from online or in-person tuition. Indeed, some schools assess pre-tests, conduct examinations and may even interview online. While most Dulwich Tutors are based in South London, we do have available a select number of tutors across London, nationally and internationally, as students of this age may have a support need that benefits from tuition at the home address. Dulwich Tutors are familiar with the entry requirements of schools right across the country.

The best time to start tuition may vary for each student. Some parents begin tuition a year or more in advance, while others work for a term or so beforehand. As the process normally runs from September through to January of the following year, it is worth avoiding last minute panics. Students may already feel an element of pressure if their friends and peers are also applying to the same schools. Overseas students who are unfamiliar with English children’s literature, formal/antiquated vocabulary, history or manners and social customs definitely benefit from a longer run of tuition.

Our tutors have experience of helping children with a wide range of support needs. At this age students may have a formally identified support need, and many of our tutors have experience with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and others. One to one tuition enables learning approaches and resources to be adapted to the student’s specific learning style. We represent tutors with experience as assessors and an educational psychologist, should additional guidance be required.

Unlike Standard Assessment Tests (SAT’s) or CAT assessments, 11+ entrance is competitive and each year there may be more students going for the same number of available places. Some may have attended ‘feeder’ schools who have a friendly relationship with the school in question. Dulwich Tutors approach preparation in a holistic way. While some schools identify the entry process as ‘tutor proof’, the love of learning, development of individual subject interest, and general knowledge that tutors cultivate supports wider educational progress and personal development. That said, many of our tutors have track records of happy parents, and students who were successful in their applications.

Look for testimonials on the tutor profiles below to hear success stories from former Dulwich Tutors clients and students.