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11+ & Entrance Exam Prep

11+ Tutor in Oxford
Entrance Exam Preparation

Expert one-to-one 11+ tuition in Oxford for selective grammar and independent schools. Structured coaching in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English — with mock papers and interview practice for GL, CEM and Common Entrance exams.

5.0 on 16 Google reviews
DBS checked & experienced tutor
11+ entrance exam preparation in Oxford — study materials
GL · CEM · ISEB
All exam formats prepared
4
Question areas covered
100%
Mock-paper practice
5.0
Google rating
10+
Years of experience
What We Cover

Every 11+ Question Type — Taught Explicitly

The 11+ rewards familiarity and technique. We teach each question type directly, then build speed and accuracy through targeted practice.

  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • 11+ Maths
  • Comprehension
  • Vocabulary & Spelling
  • Creative Writing
  • Timed Practice
  • Interview Skills
Preparation Timeline

A Clear Path from Year 4 to Exam Day

The best 11+ outcomes come from steady, well-paced preparation — not last-minute cramming. Here's how the journey looks.

Ages 8–9

Year 4 — Early Preparation

The foundation year

Build vocabulary, mental maths and reasoning basics gently, well ahead of time. Early starters arrive at Year 6 confident rather than crammed.

Ages 9–10

Year 5 — Core Preparation

The key build year

Systematic coverage of every verbal and non-verbal reasoning question type, plus 11+ Maths and English. This is where most of the work is done.

Ages 10–11

Year 6 — Final Push

The exam year

Full mock papers under timed conditions, technique refinement, and exam-day confidence-building right up to the test in September.

Optional

Interview Preparation

Independent schools

For schools that interview, we rehearse calm, genuine responses — never scripted — so your child feels relaxed and self-assured on the day.

Exam Formats

GL, CEM & Common Entrance — All Prepared

Different schools use different exam boards. We tailor preparation to the exact format your target schools require.

GL Assessment

The most common 11+ format — separate papers in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English with a defined question bank.

CEM (Durham)

A less predictable format blending verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning. We focus on adaptability, speed and broad vocabulary.

Independent & Common Entrance

Bespoke entrance papers and ISEB Common Entrance for selective independent schools — often including creative writing and an interview.

How Lessons Work

A Clear Four-Step Path to Exam Confidence

Structured, calm and confidence-building — so your child walks into the 11+ feeling ready, not rushed.

  1. 1

    Initial chat

    We discuss target schools, their exam format, and a realistic timeline for preparation.

  2. 2

    Free diagnostic

    A baseline assessment across reasoning, Maths and English to map strengths and gaps.

  3. 3

    Structured weekly lessons

    A clear plan covering every question type, with targeted homework between lessons.

  4. 4

    Mock papers & confidence

    Timed mocks under realistic conditions so exam day feels familiar and stress-free.

Why Specialist 11+ Coaching

The 11+ tests skills schools simply don't teach

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning rarely appear in the normal school curriculum — yet they make up half the exam. Without targeted preparation, even very bright children can be caught out by unfamiliar question types and tight timing.

One-to-one coaching closes that gap. We teach every question type, build exam stamina through timed practice, and — just as importantly — keep the whole process calm and pressure-free.

  • Every question type

    Explicit teaching of all verbal and non-verbal reasoning formats.

  • Timed technique

    Strategies to work quickly and accurately under exam time pressure.

  • Realistic mocks

    Full timed papers so the real exam feels completely familiar.

  • Vocabulary building

    A structured vocabulary programme — crucial for verbal reasoning.

  • Pressure-free

    Calm, encouraging lessons that protect your child's confidence.

  • School-specific

    Preparation tailored to the exact format your target schools use.

Our Trusted Results

See What Our Students Say

Saffy Rana
11 months ago

I was previously predicted Grade 3s by my teachers. Usman has changed that to 8s. He is one of the best tutors I've had — patient, knowledgeable and always willing to explain a concept until it clicks.

David Mackrory
a year ago

Usman deserves great credit for his support, commitment and patience over the past 8 years tutoring our children. We genuinely couldn't recommend him highly enough.

Zachariah Kumar
a year ago

Usman is an excellent tutor — he helped my son achieve in the top 10% of students in the country. Lessons are well-structured and focused.

Karen Kenny
2 years ago

He is very knowledgeable and tutors in a straightforward, easy to understand way. My daughter looks forward to every lesson.

Ripka Kumar
3 years ago

Usman has been an amazing tutor for my kids — very patient and hard working. Highly recommended for GCSE Maths and Science.

Rebecca Snaith
2 years ago

Every lesson is a joy for my daughter and she is making great progress. Usman has a real gift for making maths approachable.

Anjeza Qenanaj
2 years ago

Patient and flexible. My daughter has become more confident and proficient in maths since starting lessons.

Elva dos Reis
3 years ago

He is calm, patient and reliable. We've been working with him for two years and have seen consistent progress.

Rob Bartlett
3 years ago

Usman is a great and very knowledgeable tutor. Clear explanations and a structured approach to every lesson.

Book a free 11+ assessment

A baseline session across reasoning, Maths and English — with an honest view of target schools and a clear preparation plan.

FAQ

11+ Tuition Oxford — FAQs

When should my child start 11+ preparation?+

Ideally in Year 5, giving a full year of structured preparation before the September exams in Year 6. Some families start gentle groundwork in Year 4. Starting in Year 6 is possible but more intensive.

Which 11+ exam formats do you prepare for?+

All major formats — GL Assessment, CEM (Durham), ISEB Common Entrance and bespoke independent school papers. We tailor preparation to the specific format your target schools use.

What subjects does the 11+ cover?+

Typically four areas: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English (comprehension, vocabulary and often creative writing). We cover every question type that appears in each.

Do you provide mock papers?+

Yes — timed mock papers under realistic exam conditions are a core part of Year 6 preparation, so your child is completely familiar with the format, timing and pressure of the real test.

Can you help with the interview stage?+

Yes — for independent schools that interview, we rehearse calm, genuine responses (never scripted) and practical confidence so your child presents themselves well on the day.

How do you help with verbal and non-verbal reasoning?+

We teach each question type explicitly — analogies, codes, hidden words, missing numbers, shape sequences, rotations and more — with strategies to handle the trickiest ones quickly and accurately.

Which schools do you prepare students for?+

Selective grammar and independent schools in and around Oxford and Oxfordshire. We'll help you identify realistic target schools and prepare for their specific entry requirements.

Where do you offer 11+ tuition?+

Home tuition across Oxford and surrounding areas including Summertown, Headington, Cowley, Kidlington, Bicester, Didcot, Witney, Abingdon and nearby villages.

Get in Touch

Book a free demo lesson

Tell me a little about your child's year group, exam board and goals. I'll reply within 24 hours with availability and a tailored plan.

Send Message

We typically reply within a few hours.