For families in Sittingbourne, the 11+ can feel like the most important exam of their child's life. Competition for grammar school places in Kent is intense, and the students who succeed are almost always those who've prepared thoroughly. Tutors we partner with provide focused, long-term preparation covering every component of the test.
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 Sittingbourne 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 Kent, the specific format depends on which grammar school your young person is targeting. Tutors we partner with in Sittingbourne know these formats and prepare students accordingly — whether it's the GL Assessment, CEM, or a school-specific paper.
One-to-One Learning
In a classroom of 30, a teacher cannot pause to check whether each pupil truly understands. A tutor working individually with a learner in Sittingbourne can. Every question is answered, every misconception corrected on the spot, and the pace adapts to the pupil — not the timetable. Families across Kent consistently find that regular, focused individual teaching produces faster and more durable progress than group revision classes or self-study alone.
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 Sittingbourne students, this investment in core skills pays dividends throughout their education.
If your young person is preparing for the 11+ in Sittingbourne, 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.