Frequently Asked Questions

The 11+ exam is a selective entrance examination sat by children in Year 6 (September/October) to gain admission to prestigious Grammar Schools and some Independent Private Schools.

While tuition is not mandatory, competition for a place at top grammar schools is fiercer than ever before. Year after year, we are seeing record numbers of children sitting the 11+ entrance exam, meaning that simply being bright or at the top of their primary school class is often no longer enough to secure a place.

The 11+ exam tests advanced curriculum areas and unique skills—like complex Non-Verbal Reasoning and strict time management—that are rarely taught in the standard primary school environment.

Our specialised tuition bridges this gap by giving your child a distinct competitive advantage:

• Mastering the Nuances: We familiarise your child with the exact exam formats, hidden question traps, and advanced techniques they will face on the big day.

• Building Exam Stamina: Through structured practice and realistic mock exams, we turn daunting, fast-paced tests into a familiar, manageable routine.

• Maximising Potential: We don't just teach the syllabus; we build the core confidence and sharp critical-thinking skills needed to stand out in a crowded field.

The grammar school journey is a major milestone. By partnering with us, you aren't just buying extra lessons—you are giving your child the absolute best chance of securing a place at the grammar school of their choice.

Historically, most children begin their formal 11+ preparation at the start of Year 5 (September). This traditional timeline provides ample time to cover the core curriculum, master exam techniques, and build up essential test-day speed. However, because the layout of the entrance exams has become increasingly competitive, we are seeing an increasing number of children start in Year 4.

Spreading the preparation over a longer period offers several distinct advantages:

• Building a Rock-Solid Foundation: Starting in Year 4 allows us to cement core Maths and English skills before introducing complex Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning concepts.

• Avoiding Undue Stress: Breaking the vast 11+ syllabus into smaller, bite-sized pieces means your child can learn at a relaxed, steady pace—preventing the journey from feeling like an overwhelming last-minute sprint.

• Boosting Natural Confidence: Giving children extra time to acclimate to advanced question formats ensures they enter Year 6 feeling capable, calm, and ahead of the curve.

Top Rank Tuition offers a comprehensive 11+ Programme covering all four subjects that will be tested in the GL exam, i.e. 

Verbal Reasoning -  Logic, wordplay, and problem-solving using language. 

Non Verbal Reasoning -  Solving visual puzzles, spatial awareness, and pattern recognition.

English -  Comprehension, Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar. 

Numerical Reasoning - Mathematical problem-solving aligned with the National Curriculum. 

Top Rank Tuition works with students that are in Years 4, 5 and 6.

Yes, all of our tutors at Top Rank Tuition have been cleared with an Enhanced DBS check.

Our aim at Top Rank Tuition is to always keep class sizes small in order to ensure there is ample opportunity for personalised attention, allowing our tutors to identify and nurture each child’s unique strengths. 

Therefore, we aim to keep our average class sizes to just eight students, but never exceeding ten in number.