In this article, we will explore the role that tutoring can play in preparing for the 11 Plus exam in the West Midlands.
A new collaborative effort among grammar schools in the West Midlands aims to simplify the 11 Plus examination process for the region’s prospective students.
The initiative, known as the West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership, unites grammar schools across Birmingham, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, and Wolverhampton to implement the use of a single 11 Plus test for admissions from 2024 and beyond.
The partnership means that all the participating grammar schools will use a single 11 Plus test provided by GL Assessments as the standardised entrance test.
In other words, grammar school applicants will no longer have to prepare for multiple 11 Plus examinations on different days and in separate venues.
Students in the West Midlands will only have to sit the exam once and, with the consent of parents, their results will be freely shared with all the grammar schools in the partnership.
This will not only streamline the pre-admission process for students but also increase their chances of admission into a grammar school from having sat a single 11 Plus test.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Exam
Preparing for the 11 Plus exam can be a daunting task for students who are aiming to gain entry to selective schools not only in the West Midlands but the entirety of the UK.
While there are many resources available to help students prepare, including books, online courses, and practice papers, many families choose to seek the help of a tutor to provide additional support and guidance.
In this article, we will explore the role that tutoring can play in preparing for the 11 Plus exam in the West Midlands.
What is the GL 11 Plus Exam?
As a result of the high number of applicants and limited places, grammar schools across the UK use the 11 Plus exam to determine which students are admitted.
The exam is usually taken by students in their final year of primary school and is designed to test their knowledge and skills in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning.
In the West Midlands, all participating grammar schools have decided to use the GL 11 Plus exam for their 2024 admissions.
This means that students who are interested in applying to multiple grammar schools in the West Midlands can take a single 11 Plus exam on a single day, rather than taking multiple exams on different days from different providers.
The GL 11 Plus test comprises two papers, each containing four sections: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning.
The first paper includes English and Verbal Reasoning, while the second paper contains Mathematics and Non-verbal Reasoning.
The test provides students with approximately 50 minutes to complete each paper, with a short break in between. Both test papers are made up of multiple-choice questions.
To ensure a fair comparison of results across ages, the test results will use age-weighted standardisation with a central score of 200.
Further information on how individual grammar schools will use the results will be available on their respective websites.
Even though the participating West Midlands grammar schools will be using a single 11 Plus exam, students who are aiming to gain entry to these schools must still prepare thoroughly for the exam in order to increase their chances of success.
The 11 Plus exam continues to be one of the most challenging examinations for primary school children regardless of how streamlined the administrative process may be.
Why choose Private Tutoring?
While there are many resources available to help students in the West Midlands prepare for the GL 11 Plus exam, including books and practice papers, including free familiarisation materials on the GL Assessments’ website, many families choose to seek the help of a tutor to provide additional support and guidance.
There are several reasons why tutoring can be a valuable tool for students who are preparing for the 11 Plus exam in the West Midlands.
Firstly, private tuition provides one-on-one support that is tailored to the individual needs of the student.
Unlike in a classroom setting, where teachers must cater to the needs of a large group of students, tutoring allows the tutor to focus exclusively on the student’s areas of weakness and provide targeted support and guidance.
Secondly, tuition can provide students with a structured and focused approach to exam preparation.
Many students find it difficult to stay motivated and on track when preparing for the 11 Plus and may struggle to structure their study sessions effectively.
A tutor can help to keep the student on track, providing a clear study plan and helping to ensure that the student is making progress towards their goals.
Thirdly, tutoring can provide students with additional practice opportunities that are tailored to their individual needs.
While practice papers can be a useful tool for exam preparation, they are often generic in nature and may not address the specific areas of weakness that a student may have.
A tutor can provide bespoke practice sessions that are tailored to the student’s individual needs, helping to ensure that the student is making progress and improving their skills.
Choosing a Tutor/Tuition Centre
If you are considering tutoring for your child in preparation for the 11 Plus exam, it is important to choose a tutor who is experienced and qualified to provide the support that your child needs.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a tutor or enrolling your child in a tuition centre:
- Qualifications: Look for a tutor who is qualified to teach in the subject areas that your child needs support in or a tuition centre that hires qualified tutors.
- Experience: Choose a tutor who has experience working with students who are preparing for the GL 11 Plus exam in the West Midlands. A tutor who is familiar with the GL exam format and the types of questions that are asked can provide valuable support and guidance.
- References: Ask for references from other families who have worked with the tutor or the tuition centre in the past. This can help you to get a sense of the centre or tutor’s approach, success rate, and ability to work with students of different abilities and learning styles.
- Availability: Make sure that the tuition centre has a flexible and convenient schedule for classes or the tutor is available to work with your child at times that are convenient for your family. Many tuition centres offer flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend sessions.
The Benefits of 11 Plus Tutoring
The benefits of private tuition for the 11 Plus exam are clear, but it is important to note that tutoring is not a magic solution.
Success in the 11 Plus exam requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning.
Tuition can provide valuable support and guidance, but it is ultimately up to the student to put in the effort required to succeed.
In addition to the benefits outlined above, tutoring can also provide students with valuable test-taking strategies that can help them to perform well on the day of the exam.
For example, a tutor can provide guidance on time management, helping the student to learn how to allocate their time effectively during the exam.
Tutoring can also provide students with valuable feedback on their progress, helping them to identify areas of strength and weakness and adjust their study plan accordingly.
This feedback can be particularly valuable in the final weeks leading up to the exam when students may be feeling pressure and may need additional support to stay motivated and focused.
11 Plus Tutoring by Tuition Tree
Preparing for the GL 11 Plus exam can be a challenging and stressful experience for students and families.
Ultimately, success in the 11 Plus exam requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning.
With the right support and guidance, however, students can be well-equipped to succeed in the 11 Plus exam and gain entry to the grammar school of their choice.
At Tuition Tree, we specialise in tutoring children who are preparing for the GL 11 Plus exam. Our excellent track record of success is a testament to the quality of our services, with 84% of our students gaining entry into grammar schools.
We offer various options for your child, including individualised study sessions, group study sessions, or a combination of both.
We aim to ensure that each child receives personalised attention and guidance to maximise their potential.
If you are interested in our services and would like to learn more, we encourage you to contact us. You can reach us by phone at 0121 270 2889 or by filling out our call-back form to request a call from one of our representatives.
Alternatively, you can email us at info@tuitiontree.co.uk for more information or to ask any questions about our 11 Plus tutoring services. We are always happy to assist you and address any concerns you may have.
