Grammar school entry in Wiltshire requires students to excel across multiple disciplines: maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. In Trowbridge, 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.
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 Trowbridge 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.
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 Trowbridge students, this investment in core skills pays dividends throughout their education.
Why Individual Tutoring Works
In a classroom of 30, a teacher cannot pause to check whether each pupil truly understands. A tutor working individually with a learner in Trowbridge can. Every question is answered, every misconception corrected on the spot, and the pace adapts to the pupil — not the timetable. Families across Wiltshire consistently find that regular, focused focused teaching produces faster and more durable progress than group revision classes or self-study alone.
Monitoring Outcomes
Parents in Trowbridge 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 Wiltshire, the specific format depends on which grammar school your son or daughter is targeting. The educators we work with in Trowbridge know these formats and prepare students accordingly — whether it's the GL Assessment, CEM, or a school-specific paper.
If your son or daughter is preparing for the 11+ in Trowbridge, 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.