As an experienced 13+ tutor, I know that the support a students requires depends upon the nature of the entrance exam. These vary between schools: some use Common Entrance (CE) papers set by the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB). Others design their own papers, which are usually more demanding.

The 13+ exams will involve a form of reading comprehension and a writing task.

The key is that students develop an individual approach: they can’t be spoon fed; they must be given the confidence to think on the spot and the skills to write with clarity, confidence and flair.

Exam preparation involves:

• Guiding students through the exam paper: explaining the types of questions, timings, and examiner expectations.

• Setting tailored practice for the questions.

• Modelling high level answers.

• Interview preparation that covers how to articulate answers with more clarity; developing answers with more detail; speaking with passion and showing genuine interest in the topics being discussed.

Scholarship preparation involves:

• Guiding students through the scholarship exam, covering questions types, approach and timings.

• Set tailored reading to broaden and extend the pupil’s knowledge in response to their personal interests.

• Focused practice on their question types (e.g. discursive writing) with detailed feedback.

Lessons are £70 per hour