Preparing for the 11 plus exam can feel overwhelming for many parents. Competition for places at top grammar and independent schools across London and the UK is increasing each year, and careful preparation often makes a meaningful difference. Whether your child is aiming for schools in London, selective state schools, or scholarships at top independent schools, choosing the right 11 plus tutor is one of the most important decisions you can make.

This guide offers an honest review of the best 11 plus tutoring companies that offer high-quality 11 plus tuition, both in London and online. Each provider offers experienced tutors and tailored support to help your child perform strongly in entrance exams.

The 5 Best 11 Plus Tutoring Companies

  1. The Profs – The Best 11+ Tutoring Company in the UK
    2. Spires – The 2nd Best 11+ Tutoring Company in the UK
    3. Tavistock Tutors – The 3rd Best 11+ Tutoring Company in the UK
    4. Ivy Education – The 4th Best 11+ Tutoring Company in the UK
    5. Simply Learning Tuition – The 5th Best 11+ Tutoring Company in the UK

1. The Profs — The Best 11 Plus Tutoring Company in the UK

The Profs is a multi award-winning private tutoring company on a mission to help students achieve life-changing results. For families navigating the 11 plus exam, The Profs offers specialist 11 plus tuition designed to prepare students thoroughly for selective grammar school and independent school entrance exams.

Even better, our network of tutors has extensive experience preparing students for all major 11 plus exam boards, including GL Assessment, CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring), and the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) Pre-Tests. As a result of their hard work and dedication, The Profs was proudly named “Private Tutoring Provider of the Year 2025” at The National Tutoring Awards.

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The Best 11 Plus Tutors

Our dedicated Tutor Community Team invests significant time in identifying, assessing, and supporting the very best educators for 11 plus tutoring. Only the top 3% of tutor applicants are accepted onto our platform, ensuring that every 11 plus tutor has the academic expertise, teaching ability, and professional standards required to prepare students for competitive school entrance assessments.

Our stringent recruitment and vetting process includes:

  • A rigorous academic and professional background review.
  • A detailed interview assessing teaching approach, subject expertise, and emotional intelligence.
  • A live teaching demonstration to evaluate lesson delivery and student engagement.
  • Enhanced safeguarding and identity checks, including KYC and enhanced DBS checks.
  • Verifying 2x professional references.
  • Ongoing performance monitoring and feedback.

At The Profs, we pride ourselves on recruiting tutors who understand the nuances of 11 plus entrance exams, including the specific requirements for prestigious grammar or independent schools in the UK.

Personalised Tutor-Matching Service

Our personalised matching process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your child’s current level, learning style, and goals for the 11 plus exam. This helps us identify the areas where support is needed most, whether that is:

  • 11 plus English;
  • 11 plus maths;
  • 11 plus verbal reasoning;
  • 11 plus non-verbal reasoning;
  • Or all components of the 11 plus.

From the outset, our focus is on building a clear plan that supports steady progress and confidence throughout the exam preparation journey.

Our specialist matching team will then consult a number of tutors who are best placed to support your child’s specific needs. We carefully consider each tutor’s experience, teaching style, and track record in 11 plus tutoring before selecting the individual who is the strongest fit both academically and personally. You will have the opportunity to review information about the recommended tutor before an introduction is made.

Once lessons begin, your tutor will create a tailored tutoring programme aligned with the relevant exam requirements. Our Client Success Team remains closely involved throughout the process, maintaining regular communication to ensure your child receives effective support and that the tuition continues to meet your expectations.

2. Spires — The 2nd Best 11 Plus Tutoring Company in the UK

Spires is a global online tutoring service that connects students with qualified tutors who specialise in 11 plus exam preparation. Their award-winning EdTech platform (“Best Technology Tools for Tuition”, The National Tutoring Awards 2024 and 2025)  allows parents to review tutor profiles, compare experience, and select a professional who matches their child’s learning needs.

Find an 11+ Tutor in Minutes

A defining feature of Spires is the speed and efficiency of their tutor-matching process. Once a request is submitted, suitable tutors can respond within minutes, allowing families to receive offers and begin arranging lessons quickly. In many cases, students can be matched with an 11+ tutor on the same day, making the service particularly helpful for families who need flexible, responsive support during busy exam preparation periods.

Lessons are delivered through a virtual classroom, making it easy for families in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, or elsewhere in the world to access high-quality support without travel. This is especially valuable for international families preparing students for entry to competitive schools in London.

Key features:

  • Flexible online 11 plus tuition available worldwide.
  • Experienced tutors who have studied at leading UK universities and grammar schools.
  • Transparent pricing and scheduling.
  • Access to recorded lessons for revision.
  • Support for both grammar school and independent school applications.
  • All tutors have completed formal interviews and enhanced DBS checks.

For families seeking flexible, accessible online tuition, Spires offers a practical and scalable solution, particularly when speed, convenience, and choice are important factors.

3. Tavistock Tutors — The 3rd Best 11 Plus Tutoring Company in the UK

Tavistock Tutors is a well-known tuition agency that provides specialist support for 11 plus entrance assessments. Their tutors are experienced in preparing students for selective schools across central London, north London, and the UK.

Tavistock Tutors places strong emphasis on personalised learning and tailored exam preparation in London, helping students build confidence through structured lessons and regular feedback. Tutors also support younger students preparing for 7 plus, 8 plus, and 13 plus assessments, making the service suitable for families planning long-term academic pathways.

Parents often choose Tavistock Tutors for their local expertise and familiarity with admissions requirements at top independent schools.

Key features:

  • Experienced tutors with knowledge of London school admissions.
  • Personalised one-to-one lessons.
  • Preparation for a range of school entrance assessments.
  • In-person and online tutoring options
  • Strong reputation among families in London.
  • All tutors are rigorously vetted and background-checked.

For families seeking established 11 plus tutors in London, Tavistock Tutors offers reliable and experienced support.

4. Ivy Education  — The 4th Best Tutoring Company for 11 Plus Exams

Ivy Education is a respected provider of 11 plus tuition, particularly for students targeting highly selective schools. Their tutors often have strong academic credentials and experience working within the British education system.

Ivy Education focuses on building core skills through structured learning programmes aligned with the 11 plus syllabus. Tutors help students develop exam technique, manage time effectively, and approach challenging questions with confidence.

The company also offers detailed progress reporting and guidance for parents, helping families understand how their child is progressing toward their academic goals.

Key features:

  • Structured 11 plus exam preparation programmes.
  • Specialist tutors in English, maths, and reasoning.
  • Regular mock exam assessments.
  • Clear progress tracking and feedback.
  • Support for competitive school admissions.

5. Simply Learning Tuition — The 5th Best 11 Plus Tuition Company  in the UK

Simply Learning Tuition offers tailored 11 plus preparation delivered by experienced tutors who specialise in supporting children through selective school admissions. Their service combines personalised tutoring with structured planning to help students build the skills needed to succeed in entrance examinations.

Tutors focus on strengthening core academic skills, improving exam confidence, and developing familiarity with test formats used by different exam boards. Lessons are available both in person and through online tutoring, giving families flexibility in how they access support.

Key features:

  • Personalised one-to-one 11 plus tutoring in London
  • Flexible online tuition and home tutoring options.
  • Support for verbal and non-verbal reasoning
  • Preparation for entry to selective schools
  • Experienced and professional tutors.

Simply Learning Tuition is a strong option for families seeking tailored support delivered by dedicated specialists.

How to Find the Right 11 Plus Tutor for Your Child

Choosing the right 11 plus tutor depends on your child’s needs, learning style, and academic goals. While all reputable tutoring agencies provide intensive exam preparation, the most effective programmes are those that adapt to each student’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Below are the key factors to consider when selecting a private tutor to help students prepare for the eleven plus.

1. Experience with the Full 11 Plus Curriculum and Exam Boards

The best 11 plus tutors should have proven experience preparing students across the full range of subjects and formats used in the 11 plus entrance process. This includes familiarity with different exam board styles, question types, and expectations.

Look for tutors who can support your child across:

  • 11 plus English, including comprehension and writing skills
  • 11 plus maths, covering core numeracy and problem-solving
  • Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, including pattern recognition and logic
  • Timed practice using realistic 11 plus mock papers

Tutors with a strong understanding of the 11 plus curriculum can adapt lessons to match the specific requirements of schools in London and other selective schools across the UK.

2. Safeguarding and Professional Standards

When choosing a tutoring service, safeguarding should always be a top priority. Families need reassurance that tutors are experienced professionals who understand how to work responsibly with children.

Reputable providers like The Profs will ensure:

  • Enhanced DBS and identity checks for all tutors.
  • Clear safeguarding policies and training.
  • Ongoing monitoring of lesson quality and student wellbeing.
  • Professional communication with parents.

These standards are particularly important when working with younger students preparing for secondary school entry. A safe, supportive learning environment helps children stay focused and confident throughout their preparation for the 11 plus.

3. A Structured Approach to Exam Preparation

Effective exam preparation is rarely achieved through occasional revision sessions alone. The best 11 plus tutors will create a structured 11 plus programme that builds skills progressively.

A strong tutoring plan should include:

  • A clear diagnostic assessment at the start of the programme.
  • Regular lessons aligned with the child’s learning needs.
  • Timed practice using realistic papers and mock exam scenarios.
  • Ongoing feedback to ensure steady progress.

This approach is proven to help students develop confidence and stay on track to pass the 11 plus, particularly when aiming for competitive grammar school or independent school places.

4. Flexibility: Online Tuition, Home Tuition, or Both

Families today have more flexibility than ever when choosing how their child receives support. Many of the best online tutoring providers now offer high-quality online 11 and 11 plus online lessons that mirror the experience of in-person teaching.

Consider what works best for your family:

  • Home tuition can provide face-to-face support in a familiar environment.
  • Online tuition offers flexibility and access to specialist tutors regardless of location
  • Hybrid models allow students to combine both approaches.

For busy families in areas such as Hampstead, the City of London, or other parts of the UK, flexible scheduling can make it easier to start preparing for the 11 without disrupting school routines.

5. Clear Communication and Progress Monitoring

Regular communication between tutors and parents is crucial for successful 11 plus preparation. You should feel confident that your child’s progress is being carefully tracked and that any challenges are addressed quickly.

Look for a tutor or tutoring service that provides:

  • Regular progress updates after lessons.
  • Feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Clear targets aligned with the entrance exam timeline.

This level of transparency helps families stay informed and ensures that students remain motivated throughout their child’s 11 journey.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for 11 Plus Entrance Exams with a Private Tutor

The eleven-plus is a significant milestone in a child’s academic journey. With the right guidance from expert tutors, students can build the skills needed to perform confidently and secure places at selective schools.

Whether you choose online tutoring, local tuition in London, or a combination of both, early preparation and consistent support are key. Starting preparation well in advance allows children to develop strong academic foundations and approach the 11 plus entrance exam with confidence.

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