Oxfordshire doesn't have state grammar schools, but Bicester families preparing children for independent school scholarships, selective entry, or entrance exams to schools outside the area still benefit from structured preparation. Our tutors cover the maths, English, and reasoning skills that most selective entrance assessments test.
Scholarship and Entrance Exam Preparation
Independent schools and scholarship programmes set their own assessments. These are often more challenging than the standard curriculum, testing problem-solving ability and breadth of knowledge. Our tutors in Bicester prepare students for these exams with practice papers, timed exercises, and focused teaching on the reasoning and comprehension skills that distinguish successful candidates.
For Parents and Carers
Tutoring works best when there is clear communication between the tutor, the learner, and the family. In Bicester, we encourage parents to share what they observe at home — frustration with homework, avoidance of certain topics, comments about lessons. This context helps the tutor target the right areas. We also keep families informed of what is covered each week, so there is never any guesswork about whether things are on track.
Monitoring Outcomes
Progress should be visible, not assumed. For Bicester families, our approach includes regular feedback — what was covered, what improved, and what the next priorities are. At exam level, we use marked practice papers to give parents and learners a clear picture of where grades stand. This transparency keeps everyone aligned and ensures that each week of work builds meaningfully on the last.
Building the Right Skills
Entrance exam preparation isn't just about practising old exam papers. It's about developing flexible thinking — being able to approach an unfamiliar question type calmly and logically. We teach reasoning strategies, vocabulary building, and mathematical problem-solving in ways that give students an edge. Preparation typically takes 6-12 months of regular sessions.
Preparing your child for a selective entrance exam? Contact us to discuss your target school and we'll create a preparation plan tailored to what's required.