The 11+ exam is one of the most competitive tests a child will face, and in Wiltshire — where grammar school places are highly sought after — preparation is essential. Our teaching team in Marlborough help students prepare for the verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English components with structured, progressive sessions that build real capability, not just exam tricks.
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 Marlborough 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.
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 Wiltshire, the specific format depends on which grammar school your learner is targeting. Our teaching team in Marlborough know these formats and prepare students accordingly — whether it's the GL Assessment, CEM, or a school-specific paper.
Flexible Arrangements
We arrange tutoring at times that suit Marlborough families — after school, early evenings, or weekends. If commitments change, rescheduling is straightforward. Most families settle into a regular weekly slot, but we also offer intensive blocks during school holidays or the weeks before major exams. The goal is consistent, manageable progress without adding stress to an already full week.
Learning to Learn
The aim of tutoring is not dependence — it is independence. Working with Marlborough learners always includes helping them develop effective study habits: how to plan a revision timetable, how to use active recall instead of passive re-reading, how to break large tasks into manageable steps. These meta-skills are as valuable as the subject knowledge itself, and they serve pupils long after tutoring ends.
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 Marlborough students, this investment in core skills pays dividends throughout their education.
If your learner is preparing for the 11+ in Marlborough, send us a message 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.