Irregular Entry Points Private Tuition

For the September intake, a small number of places may be available at 5+, 6+, 8+, 9+, 10+ and 12+ depending on whether current students at the school depart to study elsewhere. Dulwich Tutors understands that this makes preparing for these exams more speculative, as the number of places and candidates can vary greatly, as can the attendant level of competition.

Unlike the standard entry years of 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+, when places are offered to a large cohort of students following independent school entrance examinations, entry in other years may take a different approach.

Schools may create bespoke papers for these entry points or use ISEB Common Entrance papers. Alternatively, they may assess candidates using one of the algorithm-driven assessment websites, such as ATOM or BOFA. The Year End curriculum may be tested, so it is important that applicants have developed their skills and understanding in areas in which they are interested and have a talent for, so that their unique strengths start to become apparent.  In terms of academic subjects, English, maths and reasoning are tested, alongside interviews or activities designed to establish interpersonal skills, such as the ability to collaborate with fellow pupils.

Educational studies show that students benefit equally from online or in person tuition. While most Dulwich Tutors are based in South London, we also have a select number of tutors available across London, nationally and internationally, as students of this age may have behavioural or support needs that could be addressed through home tuition.

Dulwich Tutors are familiar with the entry requirements of schools across the country and can help overseas students become familiar with the literature, customs, and historical knowledge that are often key ingredients of the admissions process.

Our tutors have experience of helping children with a wide range of support needs, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. One-to-one tuition enables learning approaches and resources to be adapted to the student’s specific learning style. We currently have available an educational psychologist who can provide additional guidance if required.

Unlike Standard Assessment Tests (SATs), RBA or CAT assessments, entrance exams are competitive, with very limited places available at these entry points. For this reason, Dulwich Tutors takes a holistic approach to preparation. So while schools may identify their entry process as ‘tutor proof’, the love of learning, development of subject interest and general knowledge that tutors foster will support long-term educational progress and personal development, above and beyond the result of any one specific school examination. That said, many of our tutors have track records of happy parents, and students who were successful in their applications.

Look for testimonials on our Irregular Entry Point tutor profiles to hear success stories from former Dulwich Tutors clients and students.

To see tutors for specific levels, please visit our pages for

To see tutors for specific levels, please visit our pages for 8+ Entry Level Tutors or 9+ Tutors