If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re beginning to think about the 11+ - or perhaps you’re already in the middle of it, quietly wondering whether you’re focusing on the right things.
This is where many of the families I work with start out.
I’m an 11+ specialist tutor. Over the past decade, I’ve supported students across all areas of the 11+, helping them secure places at some of the UK’s most competitive grammar and independent schools. Just as importantly, I’ve helped them grow into confident, articulate learners who are able to think clearly and express themselves with ease.
I work with a small number of families each year, so that every child receives the kind of careful, tailored guidance that genuinely makes a difference. It also allows me to build strong relationships, understanding not just where a child needs support, but how to bring out their very best.
“Thank you for help with tutoring. He enjoyed the sessions (as much as you can with the 11 plus!) and we really appreciated the balance you struck between getting the work done and making tutoring enjoyable!”
Over the years, one thing has become increasingly clear: success in the 11+ isn’t about doing more and more. It’s about doing the right things, at the right time, in the right way. This is why I have created this blog. In attempts to demystify the 11+ process and offer some free and accessible guidance.
For many parents, the hardest part is often knowing what matters, what they should be doing when and feeling confident in how to support their child.
“I asked her what she couldn't have done without - and she said comprehension practice!”
While I tutor across all aspects of the 11+, I noticed that English - particularly the written component - is where many families feel least supported. It’s often the hardest area to prepare for at home, and yet it’s one of the most important in setting a child apart. Often, the creative writing task is the only opportunity, outside of the interview, for an examiner to see your child’s personality and creativity. In highly selective schools, the written comprehension can significantly influence your child’s application. These are key areas and not ones to leave to chance.
There are plenty of resources for maths and reasoning. For more on this see Best 11+ Resources in the UK: What Actually Helps (and What to Avoid). But for English comprehension and creative writing, families are often left unsure: What does a strong answer actually look like? How do we move beyond basic responses? How do we build real quality in writing?
This is why I created Study Planet. To help and support parents answering these questions.
It’s designed to give you tutor-style feedback without the time-consuming, often confusing marking. It also builds a picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, spots gaps in their knowledge, and suggests tailored advice and exercises to help close them. I’ve spent over a year fine-tuning this - at times involving blood, sweat and tears (!) - to make sure it closely mirrors the feedback I give my students.
“We really struggled with finding homework structure in the holiday. This really helped.”
At its heart, my work is about making this process feel calmer, clearer, and far more manageable - for both you and your child.
If you’re just beginning, or if you’re looking for more focused support with 11+ English, you’re very welcome to explore Study Planet and see whether it feels like the right fit for your family.
You can also try it for free here: www.study-planet.co,uk