Grammar school entry in Kent requires students to excel across multiple disciplines: maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. In Ashford, our 11+ tutors help children develop these skills over 12-18 months, building gradually from their current level to the standard required. We focus on understanding, not rote learning — because the modern 11+ is designed to test thinking, not memorisation.
Beyond the Test
11+ preparation develops skills that benefit students far beyond the exam itself. The logical thinking, vocabulary range, and mathematical fluency they build during preparation serve them well at secondary school — whether they attend a grammar school or not. For Ashford students, this investment in core skills pays dividends throughout their education.
When to Start
We recommend beginning 11+ preparation in Year 4, giving 12-18 months before the exam in early Year 6. This timeline allows skills to develop naturally rather than through last-minute cramming. For Ashford families starting later, we can still help — an intensive programme in the final six months can make a significant difference, though earlier is always better.
Working Around Your Schedule
Scheduling needs to work for the whole family. In Ashford, we offer morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend availability to fit around school, sport, and family commitments. Whether the preference is a fixed weekly slot or a more adaptable arrangement, we accommodate it. During busier periods — mock exam season, for instance — many families increase frequency before scaling back again.
Monitoring Outcomes
Parents in Ashford should be able to see tangible evidence that tutoring is working. After each block of work, the tutor provides a brief update on what was covered, how the learner responded, and what comes next. For exam-level pupils, we track scores on topic tests and timed papers, giving a concrete picture of improvement — not vague reassurances. If progress stalls, we adjust the approach rather than repeating what is not working.
What the 11+ Tests
Most 11+ exams include some combination of verbal reasoning (vocabulary, logic, word patterns), non-verbal reasoning (spatial awareness, pattern recognition), maths (above curriculum level), and English comprehension. In Kent, the specific format depends on which grammar school your child is targeting. Our dedicated educators in Ashford know these formats and prepare students accordingly — whether it's the GL Assessment, CEM, or a school-specific paper.
If your child is preparing for the 11+ in Ashford, give us a call for a diagnostic assessment. We'll identify where they stand, what they need to work on, and build a preparation plan that gives them the best possible chance.