Grammar school entry in Greater London requires students to excel across multiple disciplines: maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. In Westminster, 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.
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 Greater London, the specific format depends on which grammar school your young learner is targeting. The educators we work with in Westminster know these formats and prepare students accordingly — whether it's the GL Assessment, CEM, or a school-specific paper.
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 Westminster 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 Lesson
Effective studying is a skill that many pupils were never explicitly taught. A good tutor does not just explain the subject — they model how to approach unfamiliar material, how to self-test, and how to manage time during revision. For Westminster learners, these habits compound over time, meaning the benefit of focused teaching extends well beyond the immediate grades.
The Tutoring Advantage
There is strong evidence that individual instruction is the most effective form of teaching — and in Westminster, families see this in practice. A dedicated tutor adapts explanations until they click, sets the right level of challenge, and notices immediately when understanding starts to slip. This responsive approach is simply not possible in a class of 25-30, which is why targeted tutoring often achieves in weeks what months of classroom teaching cannot.
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 Westminster students, this investment in core skills pays dividends throughout their education.
If your young learner is preparing for the 11+ in Westminster, let us know 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.