You knew exactly how to motivate my son and give him the confidence to perform under pressure. We owe his place at Manchester Grammar to you.
Parent of Year 6 Student
Trusted by families for over 35 years to guide children to grammar school success
11 Plus Preparation
Why the 11 Plus Matters
The 11 Plus is much more than an exam. For many families across Greater Manchester, it represents a pathway to some of the region’s most respected grammar schools — places like Altrincham Grammar, Manchester Grammar, Withington Girls’ School, Sale Grammar, and Stretford Grammar. These schools offer exceptional academic standards, motivated peer groups, and opportunities that can shape a child’s future for years to come.
Competition, however, is intense. Thousands of pupils sit the 11 Plus each year, and only a small percentage secure the scores required for entry. The difference between success and disappointment often comes down to preparation and that’s where The Tuition College has made its mark.
With more than 35 years of experience, our structured and teacher-led 11 Plus programme has helped hundreds of students gain places at the top grammar schools in Greater Manchester. Many of our pupils begin their journey with us in Year 4, where they start to build strong foundations in English, Maths, and reasoning skills. By Year 5, lessons become more targeted, with exam-style practice, timed activities, and focused teaching designed to build both knowledge and confidence. In Year 6, our students take part in mock exams that mirror real test conditions, receiving detailed feedback and one-to-one guidance to help them perform at their best.
Our approach is classroom-based and led by qualified teachers who understand how to stretch, support, and inspire young learners. We don’t rely on worksheets or quick fixes. Instead, we teach for real understanding and help students develop focus, problem-solving ability, and exam confidence – the skills that grammar schools look for and that serve them well long after the 11 Plus is over.
Parents trust us because they see real results. Over 99 percent of our 11 Plus students achieve a qualifying score, and many go on to become high achievers in secondary school, often placed in top sets from the very start. Families return to us with younger siblings year after year because they know our methods work, our teaching is consistent, and our care for each child is genuine.
The 11 Plus is a milestone, but it’s also a beginning. Our goal is not only to help your child pass an exam but to give them the confidence, curiosity, and motivation to keep succeeding long after they leave our classrooms.
Our Proven Results
At The Tuition College, our 11 Plus students consistently achieve a 99%+ pass rate, securing places at top grammar schools including:
- Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and Girls
- Manchester Grammar School
- Withington Girls’ School
- Cheadle Hulme School
- Loreto Grammar School
These results are not by chance — they’re the product of structured teaching, expert tutors, and an environment where students are challenged and supported to perform at their very best.
What Our 11 Plus Programme Covers
At The Tuition College, we prepare students for both GL Assessment and CEM-style 11 Plus exams through structured, teacher-led lessons that build skill, confidence, and speed.
Verbal Reasoning
Expanding vocabulary, understanding word meanings, and solving language-based puzzles to strengthen comprehension and critical thinking.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Developing visual logic and pattern recognition to improve focus, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
Mathematics
Building strong number fluency, reasoning skills, and confidence in tackling multi-step problems under timed conditions.
English
Improving reading comprehension, grammar, and creative writing to develop clear, confident communication.
Exam Technique
Teaching students how to manage time, stay calm under pressure, and apply their knowledge accurately in real exam settings.
Our approach combines expert teaching with structured practice so every child walks into their exam feeling prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.
Our Approach
We believe the key to 11 Plus success is starting early, learning steadily, and building confidence along the way. Our programme follows a clear structure designed to support children at every stage of their journey.
Build the Foundations – Year 4
Children begin building strong foundations in reasoning, maths, and English. Lessons focus on understanding core concepts, developing focus, and building confidence that lasts.
Strengthen – Year 5
Students deepen their skills through more challenging lessons and regular timed practice. We strengthen exam technique, accuracy, and speed while keeping motivation and enjoyment at the heart of learning.
Boost – Year 6
In the final months before the exam, lessons focus on high-intensity revision and full mock exams. Teachers provide detailed feedback and targeted support to refine skills, close gaps, and ensure every child feels calm and ready for test day.
Our approach combines structure, encouragement, and expert teaching so that by the time students sit their exams, they not only know the material but have the confidence and mindset to perform at their best.
A Reputation Built on Results
At The Tuition College, most of our new students come to us through personal recommendations. Families who have seen one child succeed often return with younger siblings and proudly share their experience with friends, relatives, and neighbours.
This continued trust means the world to us. It reflects not only the results our students achieve, but also the care, consistency, and commitment that define everything we do.
For over 35 years, families across Greater Manchester have chosen us because they see real progress, lasting confidence, and outcomes that change futures.
Not Just for Grammar School Applicants
Our 11 Plus programme benefits every child, not only those planning to take the exam. Even if your child is not sitting the 11 Plus, working towards that standard in Years 4 to 6 gives them a real advantage when they begin secondary school.
Students who achieve this level of mastery often start Year 7 with stronger skills in reasoning, maths, and English. They tend to feel more confident, learn at a quicker pace, and are more likely to be placed in top sets where expectations are higher and opportunities are greater.
By setting the bar high early on, we help children develop the knowledge, habits, and self-belief that will stay with them long after primary school.
How to Get Started
Every child begins their journey with a thorough academic assessment.
The assessment costs £30, which is redeemed against the first lesson when you enrol.
During the assessment, one of our qualified teachers will take time to:
- Understand your child’s current level and learning style
- Identify their strengths and any areas that need support
- Recommend the most effective tuition pathway to help them achieve their goals
This first step gives both parents and teachers a clear picture of where your child is starting from and how we can work together to help them succeed.
What Parents Say
Parent of Year 5 Student
We cannot thank you enough for your dedication. My daughter got into her first-choice grammar school and couldn’t be happier.
Parent of Year 4, 5, and 6 Students
All three of my children have come to The Tuition College — and all three got into one of the best free grammar schools in Greater Manchester. We never paid a penny in school fees, but they received an education on par with the top independent schools. The tuition here works — plain and simple.
Give Your Child the Edge
Every success story begins with a single step.
If you want your child to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and aim for grammar school success, we’d love to help you get started.
Call us today or complete our Contact Us form — our friendly team will guide you through the next steps.