Updated July 2026
Whether to get a tutor for the 11 plus is one of the most common questions parents face when considering grammar or selective secondary schools. The short answer is: it depends on your child, your area and the schools you are applying to. This guide covers what to consider, what tutoring costs, and how to find the right tutor if you decide to go ahead.
According to the Sutton Trust's 2026 report, nearly 29% of secondary school pupils in England and Wales have now had private tutoring, up from 18% twenty years ago. In London, the figure rises to almost 45%. In highly competitive grammar school areas, tutoring has become the norm rather than the exception.
Do you need an 11 plus tutor? What parents say
"I was in principle against hiring a tutor, but in our area it's a necessity not an option," says Celia, whose son Michael gained a place at a hotly contested grammar school in Buckinghamshire. "There were over 2,000 applicants for just under 200 places. Part of the entrance exam involved verbal reasoning, which they didn't teach at his primary school, and some of the maths was not on the curriculum until the term after the test. Once we made the choice to apply, it would have been totally unfair not to prepare him properly."
Not everyone agrees. Lucas's mother Eloise chose not to tutor ahead of her son's entrance exam for a fee-paying school in Bristol. "I think children should only go to a school if they are genuinely bright enough to cope once they get in. I spoke to Lucas's primary teacher, who said he was in the top 25% for all subjects. We felt he would be fine and tutoring would only add unnecessary pressure."
But Eloise is quick to point out there is a middle ground. "It's not a case of tutoring or nothing. We went to WHSmith and bought practice papers. The Bond 11 Plus series is excellent. A light-hearted approach worked for Lucas. Plenty of sleep and good food was equally important."
When should you start 11 plus tutoring?
If you decide to tutor, timing matters. Most grammar school exams take place in September or October of Year 6, so many families begin working with a tutor in Year 5. In the most competitive areas, popular tutors book up well in advance, so it is worth starting your search early.
Budget is also worth thinking about early. Fifty or so weeks of tutoring at £30 to £50 an hour (rising to £60 or more in London) adds up quickly. Factor this in before you commit.
Is online 11 plus tutoring a good option?
Online tutoring has grown significantly and is now the most common format. It removes the need for travel, gives you access to specialist tutors regardless of your location, and sessions can often be recorded for your child to review. For many families, particularly those in areas where good local 11 plus tutors are hard to find, online is the practical and often better choice.
For help finding a tutor, see our Tutor Directory, which lists vetted tutoring agencies and services across the UK.
Five tips for choosing an 11 plus tutor
1. Talk to your child's teacher first. Does your child stand a good chance of passing the test you have in mind? Are there any free resources available at school worth trying before you commit to tutoring? A good tutor will also carry out an initial assessment and advise honestly on whether your child is likely to benefit.
2. Understand the commitment. Hiring a tutor is not job done. Tutors set homework, sometimes four or five pieces a week on top of school work, so it is more than an hour a week commitment. Make sure your child is on board before you start.
3. Get references and ask the right questions. A tutor may look good on paper, but a good learning relationship matters as much as subject knowledge. Ask for references, check they have an enhanced DBS certificate, and make sure they know the specific 11 plus format for your area, as it varies significantly across the country.
4. Know your local exam. The 11 plus is not the same everywhere. Different areas use different test providers (GL Assessment or CEM) and test different skills. Make sure your tutor knows the specific format used by the schools you are applying to.
5. If you are thinking beyond the 11 plus, read our guide to finding the perfect tutor for GCSE and A-Level support, and our ultimate guide to GCSE revision for parents.
Frequently asked questions: 11 plus tutoring
Do children need a tutor to pass the 11 plus?
Not necessarily. Some children pass without any tutoring, particularly if they are naturally strong in verbal and non-verbal reasoning. However, in highly competitive areas where hundreds of children apply for a small number of places, most families do tutor. Familiarising your child with the test format through practice papers is the minimum most schools recommend.
When should 11 plus tutoring start?
Most tutors recommend starting in Year 5, giving roughly a year of preparation before the exam in September or October of Year 6. In very competitive areas, some families start earlier. Starting too late, in the final term before the exam, puts unnecessary pressure on the child.
How much does 11 plus tutoring cost?
Expect to pay between £30 and £50 an hour for a private tutor, rising to £60 or more in London. Tutoring agencies may charge more but offer a more structured programme. Over a full year of weekly sessions, costs can run to several thousand pounds. Practice papers and workbooks are a lower-cost alternative or supplement.
What is the difference between GL Assessment and CEM 11 plus tests?
GL Assessment tests typically cover English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning as separate papers. CEM tests, used by a number of grammar schools particularly in the Midlands, tend to combine subjects and place more emphasis on verbal ability and numerical reasoning. Your tutor should know which format is used by your target schools.
Is online 11 plus tutoring as effective as in-person?
Yes, for most children. Online tutoring gives access to a wider pool of specialist tutors, removes travel time, and sessions can often be recorded. Many tutors now work exclusively online. The key factor is the quality of the tutor and the match with your child, not the format.
What if my child does not pass the 11 plus?
The 11 plus is one route to secondary school, not the only one. There are excellent state comprehensive schools, faith schools and independent options at every level. Read our guide to finding the right tutor if your child needs ongoing support, and use School Guide's league tables and school pages to explore all the options in your area.
Should I tell my child they are being tutored for the 11 plus?
Yes. Children generally do better when they understand why they are doing extra work and feel involved in the decision. Framing it as preparation and practice rather than pressure or a test of their ability tends to work better. Keep the atmosphere light and celebrate effort, not just results.
Further reading
A parent's guide to finding the perfect tutor
