My child is average in school, is grammar school the right choice?
Grammar school is not the right pathway for everyone and as parents we must be realistic. You want your child to go to a school where they can excel and be supported to succeed. Prior to commencing with a tutor or tuition centre, ensure they are going to complete a baseline assessment. This will enable you to see where your child sits and help you to make an informed decision.
What subjects are included in the 11+ exam?
The subjects tested vary depending on the grammar school or independent school. Most 11+ entrance exams assess a combination of English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, although some schools set their own papers or include creative writing. Always check the admissions information for the schools you are applying to so your child prepares for the correct exam format.
How do I know which school will suit my child?
Choosing the correct school for your child is a lengthy process and you must do your homework! Don't just rely on word of mouth. Do your own research! Firstly make a list of all the possible options. Next, visit their websites, get a feel for the school ethos - What does the school prioritise? What extra curricular activities take place? What are their destinations? Where do their pupils go after GCSE or A-Level?
Review the school outcomes - national results for GCSEs and A-Levels. Look not just at last year’s but the trend over the last five years. Is it steadily high? Review the OFSTED report. Finally, and probably, the most important, go and visit the school. This is the only way to get a true feel of the school - Can you envisage your child there? Open mornings and evenings are a great way to get inside a school, but also try to attend open community events - fetes etc. This gives you an opportunity to see the school community in action.
How do I know if a particular tutor is the right person for my child?
Choosing the perfect tutor for your child is always a challenge. You may not get it right the first time and you mustn't be afraid to stop working with a specific tutor if you have concerns. When choosing a tutor, think about their experience - do they understand the requirements for your target schools? what qualifications do they have? - there are a growing number of tutors who are not teachers and may not have a fully enhanced DBS.
Ensure you know how the tutor is going to assess your child at regular intervals - this will allow you to track progress and see the target areas for improvement and, finally, ensure that you and the tutor are able to work in a partnership.
They must be as dedicated to your child’s success as you are!
Is online 11+ tutoring as effective as face-to-face tuition?
For many children, yes. Online tuition offers access to experienced tutors from across the UK rather than limiting you to those in your local area. Many tutors use interactive whiteboards, shared resources and live feedback to create engaging lessons. The best option depends on your child's learning style, confidence and personal preference.
How much tutoring does my child need?
The amount of tutoring varies from child to child. Some children benefit from weekly sessions alongside independent study, while others need very little additional support. A good tutor will identify strengths and weaknesses, provide structured guidance and encourage independent learning rather than relying solely on tuition. Remember that quality of teaching is far more important than the number of hours spent with a tutor.
When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
There is no single "right" age to begin, as every child develops at their own pace. The most successful candidates often build strong reading, vocabulary and maths skills over several years before starting more focused 11+ preparation. Many families begin structured preparation around 12 to 18 months before the exam, but the best approach depends on your child's confidence, ability and the schools you are applying to.
How often should my child complete 11+ practice papers?
Practice papers should be used to measure progress rather than as the main method of learning. One well-reviewed paper each week is usually more beneficial than completing several without analysing mistakes. The focus should always be on understanding errors, strengthening weak areas and gradually building confidence.
Are mock exams worth it?
Yes. Mock exams are one of the most effective ways to prepare for the real entrance exam. They help children become familiar with exam conditions, improve time management and reduce anxiety on the day. Mock exams also highlight strengths and areas for improvement, allowing families to focus revision where it is needed most before the actual test.
My child is preparing for 7+ exams in London. Where can I find the best mock exams?
There are many providers for 7+ mock exams in London. The format of their exams are all fairly similar. The prices are also very similar. The main difference is the number of children sitting each exam. You want to be able to view where your child sits in the cohort.If the group is small this is not possible. The biggest cohorts in London for 7+ exams tend to be Trafalgar Tutors, Yellow Bird and Exam Paper Plus.
How can I help my child at home to improve their writing?
There is an abundance of sample writing exercises available. The best ones are from tuition groups and centers. You can also download many writing past papers from school sites. This will help you understand the type of writing your target schools have used in the past.
Check out our resources section for examples.
Can anyone apply to grammar schools in Gloucestershire?
This year the G7 Gloucestershire Grammar schools have all amended their admissions policies to prioritise Gloucestershire children. Their policies are all slightly different. Take time to study and understand this - your tutor should be able to talk this through with you.
I’m moving to Dubai – will the schools provide the same standard of education as a top-tier UK school?
Dubai has some excellent schools, including genuinely “top tier” ones, but the experience can vary a lot depending on the school you choose. The best schools in Dubai can be very strong academically, well-resourced, and offer brilliant extracurriculars — but there’s also a wide range in quality, so it’s worth being selective.
A lot of UK families are happy with the transition, especially if they choose a well-established British curriculum school. You must visit the schools to get a true feel for them.
Do the schools in the UAE follow the national curriculum?
Many schools in Dubai do not follow the UAE national curriculum as their main curriculum.
Dubai has lots of international schools, so you’ll find:
- British curriculum (National Curriculum for England / GCSEs / A Levels)
- IB (International Baccalaureate)
- American curriculum
- Indian curriculum (CBSE/ICSE)
- and others
That said, schools are required to teach Arabic (for Arabic-speaking students, and often non-Arab students too) and Islamic Studies for Muslim students, plus UAE social studies in some cases.
Feedback from parents who have recently relocated is that the educational experience is quite different.
My child is in Bute House — if we leave to go overseas, will the school keep the place?
This one really depends on the school’s policy, but in most cases they won’t automatically “hold” a place long-term unless you arrange something formally.
Some schools may be open to:
- keeping your child on roll for a short period, or
- offering a right of return (rare), or
- placing them back on a waiting list with priority (sometimes)
The best thing to do is email admissions and ask clearly:
“If we move abroad, is there any option to reserve the place for return in X months/years?”
Most schools will be honest about the likelihood, especially if it’s a popular year group.
Remember to get the response in writing!
Can I apply for 11+ from Dubai?
Yes — you can absolutely apply for 11+ from overseas. But remember the levels will vary and you need to ensure your child is following the curriculum. Consider using a UK tutor to support preparation.
Many UK independent schools regularly assess children who are abroad but you will need to return to the UK.
It’s very doable — you just need to check each school’s process and deadlines early.
Which is the most established school in Dubai?
Dubai has several long-running, well-known schools, but “most established” can mean different things (oldest, most prestigious, strongest results, most oversubscribed, etc.).
Some of the most well-established and widely recognised British schools include:
- Dubai College
- Jumeirah College
- Repton School Dubai
- Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) / Dubai English Speaking College (DESC)
- Kings’ School Dubai
- GEMS Wellington International School
There are also excellent non-British options (like top IB schools), depending on what you want.
Where can I find a league table equivalent for Dubai schools?
Dubai doesn’t have a UK-style league table system in the same way, but the best “official” comparison tool is the KHDA inspection ratings (Dubai’s school regulator).
KHDA ratings are a really useful way to compare schools because they review:
- academic achievement
- teaching quality
- wellbeing
- leadership
- facilities
- and more
Parents also use:
- school inspection reports
- admissions waiting list popularity
- exam results (if published)
- and word-of-mouth from local parent groups
