Thinking about the 11 Plus for your child? Success requires more than just practice papers. Here's what really makes the difference—and how our Saturday 11 Plus class delivers all three ingredients.

The 11 Plus Challenge: Why So Many Students Struggle

Every year, thousands of parents in East London prepare their children for the 11 Plus exam, hoping to secure a place at a top grammar or selective school.

But here's the reality: most students don't pass.
Why? Because most parents think the 11 Plus is just about practice papers and tutoring. They buy workbooks or hire a cheap tutor—and wonder why their child doesn't improve.

The truth is, 11 Plus success requires three key ingredients working together. Miss one, and your child's chances drop dramatically.

The 3 Key Ingredients for 11 Plus Success

Ingredient 1: Parents Must Be Onboard

Let's be honest: the 11 Plus is hard. It's not like regular school tests. Your child needs consistent preparation over 12–18 months, not just a few weeks before the exam.

This means parents must be fully committed:
• ✓ Attend classes regularly – Missing sessions means missing key concepts
• ✓ Support homework and practice – 20–30 minutes daily at home
• ✓ Encourage without pressure – Motivation, not stress
• ✓ Communicate with the tutor – Share concerns and progress updates
• ✓ Manage expectations – Understand the exam is competitive

Without parental commitment, even the best tutor can't deliver results. Your child needs you in their corner, supporting their journey every step of the way.

Ingredient 2: An Excellent Teacher to Teach the Material

Here's where most 11 Plus preparation fails: parents assume any tutor can teach the 11 Plus.

They can't.

The 11 Plus isn't just harder SATs. It requires specialist teaching of:

• Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, analogies, codes, logic
• Non-Verbal Reasoning – Shape patterns, sequences, spatial awareness
• Advanced Maths – Problem-solving beyond Year 6 curriculum
• English Comprehension – Complex texts, inference, analysis
• Creative Writing – Structured essays under timed conditions

These aren't subjects taught in primary school. Your child needs a qualified teacher who:

• ✓ Understands the 11 Plus exam format (not just SATs)
• ✓ Can teach reasoning strategies (not just give practice papers)
• ✓ Explains concepts clearly (whiteboard teaching, not worksheets)
• ✓ Adapts to your child's learning style (personalized support)
• ✓ Builds confidence and exam technique (not just knowledge)

At Becontree Tuition, Mr Syed is a qualified teacher with 18 years' experience. He teaches every concept using whiteboard instruction, worked examples, and live explanation—not worksheets.

Ingredient 3: A Student Who Wants to Learn

This is the ingredient parents often overlook: your child must want this.

If your child isn't motivated, no amount of tutoring will help. You can't force a 10-year-old to succeed in the 11 Plus if they don't care.

Signs your child is ready:
• ✓ They understand why they're preparing (better school, more opportunities)
• ✓ They're willing to practice at home (even when it's hard)
• ✓ They ask questions and engage in class
• ✓ They show resilience when they get things wrong
• ✓ They're excited (or at least willing) to learn new things

Signs your child isn't ready:
• ❌ They refuse to practice at home
• ❌ They cry or tantrum before class
• ❌ They show no interest in learning
• ❌ They're only doing it because you want them to

If your child isn't ready, that's okay. Some children need another year to mature. Forcing it will only create stress and resentment.

How to motivate your child:

• ✓ Visit the grammar school together (make it real)
• ✓ Explain the benefits (better facilities, opportunities, friends)
• ✓ Celebrate small wins (praise effort, not just results)
• ✓ Make learning fun (games, challenges, rewards)
• ✓ Avoid pressure (stress kills motivation)

What Makes the 11 Plus Different from SATs?

Many parents assume the 11 Plus is just "harder SATs." It's not.
Here's the key difference:

SATs (Year 6 National Tests)
• Purpose: Measure whether students meet national curriculum standards
• Content: Year 6 curriculum only (Maths, English, Grammar)
• Format: Straightforward questions testing knowledge
• Pass rate: ~80% of students meet expected standard
• Preparation: School teaches everything needed
• Outcome: No impact on secondary school placement (in most areas)

11 Plus (Selective School Entrance Exam)
• Purpose: Select the top 20–30% of students for grammar/selective schools
• Content: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, English (beyond Year 6 curriculum)
• Format: Complex problem-solving, logic, reasoning under timed conditions
• Pass rate: Only 20–30% pass (highly competitive)
• Preparation: Requires specialist tuition (not taught in primary school)
• Outcome: Determines grammar school placement (life-changing opportunity)

Key Differences Explained

1. Verbal Reasoning (Not in SATs)
Verbal Reasoning tests your child's ability to solve word-based logic puzzles. Examples:
• Analogies: "Hot is to Cold as Up is to ___?"
• Letter sequences: "What comes next: A, C, F, J, ___?"
• Word codes: "If CAT = 3120, what does DOG equal?"

These aren't taught in primary school. Your child needs specialist teaching to learn the strategies.

2. Non-Verbal Reasoning (Not in SATs)
Non-Verbal Reasoning tests spatial awareness and pattern recognition. Examples:
• Shape sequences: "Which shape comes next?"
• Shape analogies: "This shape is to that shape as this is to ___?"
• 3D rotation: "Which net folds into this cube?"

Again, not taught in school. Requires practice and strategy.

3. Advanced Maths (Beyond Year 6)

11 Plus Maths includes:
• Complex problem-solving (multi-step word problems)
• Algebra basics (not in Year 6 curriculum)
• Advanced fractions, decimals, percentages
• Speed, distance, time problems
• Logic puzzles and patterns

SATs Maths is straightforward. 11 Plus Maths requires deeper thinking.

4. English Comprehension (More Complex)
11 Plus English includes:
• Longer, more complex texts (classic literature, poetry)
• Inference and analysis (reading between the lines)
• Vocabulary beyond Year 6 level
• Creative writing under timed pressure

SATs English is basic comprehension. 11 Plus English requires critical thinking.

5. Time Pressure (Much Higher)

SATs: Generous time limits, most students finish.
11 Plus: Tight time limits, designed so most students don't finish. Tests speed AND accuracy.
Your child needs exam technique and practice under timed conditions.

Who Is the Saturday 11 Plus Class For?

Our Saturday class is perfect for:
• ✓ Year 3, 4, 5, or 6 students preparing for 11 Plus
• ✓ Students who need specialist teaching (not worksheets)
• ✓ Students who learn better in small groups
• ✓ Students who need flexibility (hybrid in-person/online)
• ✓ Parents who are fully committed to their child's success

When Should You Start 11 Plus Preparation?

Ideal timeline:

• Year 3/4: Start early (18–24 months before exam). Build foundations gradually, less pressure.
• Year 5: Standard start (12–18 months before exam). Balanced preparation.
• Year 6: Late start (6–12 months before exam). Intensive preparation, higher pressure.

Our recommendation: Start in Year 4 or early Year 5. This gives your child time to master Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning without stress.

How Much Does It Cost?

£120/month (4 sessions per month)
That's just £30 per 2-hour session or £15 per hour—excellent value for qualified 11 Plus teaching.


Try Before You Commit: £15 Trial Session

Not sure if our Saturday 11 Plus class is right for your child? Book a £15 trial session (2 hours).

During the trial, we'll assess:
• ✓ Your child's current level
• ✓ Their motivation and readiness
• ✓ Whether they engage with the teaching style
• ✓ Whether the class is a good fit

If everyone's happy, your child continues at £120/month. No pressure, no long-term contracts.

How to Book Your Child's Place

Step 1: Book Your £15 Trial Session
Call or WhatsApp: 07916 254688

Step 2: Attend the Trial
Your child joins the Saturday class (in-person or online) and experiences real 11 Plus teaching.

Step 3: Discuss Readiness
We'll give honest feedback about your child's readiness and whether the class is a good fit.

Step 4: Start Preparing
If everyone's happy, your child joins the class and starts their 11 Plus journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the 11 Plus exam?
A: Usually September of Year 6 (age 10–11). Check your local authority for exact dates.

Q: Which schools require the 11 Plus?
A: Grammar schools and some selective schools in areas like Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and surrounding boroughs.

Q: Can my child pass without tuition?
A: Unlikely. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning aren't taught in primary school. Most successful students have specialist tuition.

Q: What if my child is in Year 6 already?
A: It's late but not impossible. Contact us to discuss intensive preparation options.

Q: Can my child attend online only?
A: Yes. The Saturday class is hybrid—in-person or online via Zoom.

Q: What if my child isn't motivated?
A: Be honest during the trial. We'll assess motivation and advise whether your child is ready.

Q: Do you guarantee a pass?
A: No tutor can guarantee a pass—the exam is highly competitive. But we give your child the best possible chance with excellent teaching and preparation.

Ready to Give Your Child the Best Chance?

11 Plus success requires three ingredients: committed parents, an excellent teacher, and a motivated student.

If you have all three, our Saturday 11 Plus class will give your child the preparation they need to succeed.

Book your £15 trial session today:

Spaces are limited. Secure your child's place now!

Becontree Tuition