We help students ace 11+, Pre-Test or 13+ exams and gain places at the top schools in the country.
From Years 6 to 8, children seeking to gain a place at top independent secondary schools might sit a range of exams and feel the burden of expectation that goes along with them.
The process of sitting entrance exams can be gruelling and disorientating for a child. Our entrance exam specialists are experts in the different demands of the distinct exams and make sure to acknowledge the unique strengths of every child, as well as recognising the need to address weaknesses. They work with focus and empathy and, thanks to our personalised approach, we have enjoyed continued success at preparing students for these exams.
Charlotte
Schools Consultant & Exam-Focused Assessor"Services such as those offered by Ivy Education can complement an all round approach to your child's education, boosting learning, and providing a 1:1 bespoke programme to help you towards whatever goals are next on the horizon. Advice and teaching will always be professional, up to date, child centred and delivered by qualified individuals picked to help you specifically based on your criteria."
Past roles and experience
Headmistress of Garden House Upper Girls’ School
The 11+ exams
In Year 6, students might participate in 11+ exams for entry to schools in Year 7.
There are papers in Maths, English, and Reasoning, but there is variation across unique papers created by the London Day Schools and the Common Entrance papers set by the ISEB (Independent Schools Examinations Board).
Our tutors can cover every area of the primary syllabus to prepare students for these exams, whilst tailoring their approach to specific students. We work hard to match children with tutors who will be able to give specialised knowledge based on that child’s target schools.
The Pre-Test and the 13+ exams
Alternatively, a child might sit a Pre-Test in Year 6 or 7 to receive conditional offers ahead of the 13+ exams in Year 8.
Schools that require that students take a pre-test include Eton and Harrow and the expectations for both exams are very high.
Whilst the Pre-Test looks at the cognitive ability of a student, it can be tricky to prepare for due to a lack of practice papers. However, we can provide our tutors with the experience to clarify what the tests will cover and what the schools are looking for.
The 13+ exams, meanwhile, cover a broader range of subject areas depending on the school. London Day Schools offer papers in Maths, English, Science and French, whereas the ISEB Common Entrance Papers used elsewhere include papers on a wide range of subjects, including options such as Humanities and Classics.
Our 13+ tutors have extensive experience of working with students at this level, and a comprehensive knowledge of the entry requirements for different schools (as well as the ISEB specifications).
We have had the pleasure of seeing students succeed in gaining entry to schools such as Alleyn’s, City of London, Dulwich College, Eton, Harrodian, Harrow, KCS Wimbledon, Latymer, Stowe, St. Paul’s and Westminster.
Alleyn's School
City of London School
Dulwich College
Eton College
KCS Wimbledon
Latymer Upper
St Paul’s Prep
Westminster School
Additional Services
Prior to the exams, our highly qualified and experienced Educational Consultants can offer their support with finding the best secondary schools for students taking the 11+, as well as leveraging their knowledge of the school system to provide guidance with the best approach to applications, examinations and interviews.
Exam Papers
Our handpicked tutors and consultants have their own experience in helping clients through School Entrance processes. We regularly use Exam Papers Plus for schools with the toughest entrance requirements. We strongly recommend the use of these papers alongside tuition.
To find out more, please see our Partners, Exam Papers Plus.
Meet our Senior Tutors
Joe has really been a fantastic help for my son and whilst we haven’t had long with him (because of the exam being brought forward from Jan) he has given my son a lot of support and confidence for his exam. I really cannot speak highly enough about his professionalism and excellent teaching style and would recommend him to anyone looking for exam support for their child. He has always strived to go above and beyond what I had originally expected of him, providing reading lists and researching the new exam process for this year.
