11 Plus Weekend Classes

We believe that preparing your child for their 11 Plus assessments is a journey takes a minimum of twelve months. Our 11 plus weekend classes are available for both children who are in Year 4 and Year 5 and runs for three terms from September – July. The 11 Plus weekend classes are run from Clapham South and from South Hampstead High School, giving students north and south of the river equal opportunities.

Year 4, 11 plus weekend classes:

• Saturday or Sunday mornings
• 9am – 11am
• Termly October-July
• Clapham South location
• £635 per term/ £1800 for the year

Year 5, 11 plus weekend classes:

• Saturday or Sunday mornings
• 9am-12pm
• Termly October-July
• Clapham South/ South Hampstead High School location
• £950 per term/£2650 for the year

Please note that our 11 plus weekend classes at South Hampstead High School is currently only available on Saturdays

Mentor Education has been preparing children for these exams for over 40 years? and the most important thing we have learnt is that 9 and 10 year old children cannot and should not be crammed. Cramming is counterproductive, anxiety inducing and just plain wrong.

Here is what we do believe; that children can and should be supported to run their own best race for the 11 Plus. This is the philosophy upon which our weekend school was created and still runs today. Weekend school supports both Year 4 and Year 5 children ideally for a whole academic year or both years 4 and 5. During that time we focus on three main principles:

• Ensuring the children have been taught every aspect of the 11 plus curriculum
• Building up their Maths, English and Reasoning skills and teaching them the best techniques/methods
• Exam technique, exam practice and most importantly speed!

Our bespoke programme

Our 11 plus programme was written by Karol-An Kirkman, a previous Deputy Head of Finton House School, with accountability for 11 Plus results at this highly successful prep school. Karol-An oversaw cohorts of children year after year get places at schools where they would thrive academically and also in their co-curricular interests.

Our Weekend School is a bespoke programme with its own curriculum. This spans the traditional teaching of core Maths, English and Reasoning skills, but also encompasses the latest information available on the styles and nature of school entrance testing. For example, we have adapted our curriculum to embrace the adoption of digital testing during the pandemic, particularly the use of the ISEB test.

Who will benefit from our 11 Plus Weekend Classes

Children will benefit from our course if they need a structured build over time towards their 11 plus exams. Children who are not being taught Reasoning in particular (at state primary schools for example) will benefit from structured teaching and weekly practice of Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Some children learn particularly well in the small, social and friendly groups that we put together for the course, many of whom end up good friends and keeping in touch into senior school.  Individual tuition of course has its place and often produces exceptional results, but quite simply, the small group dynamic suits some children better.  You will know your own child best.

Children also benefit from having a consistent tutor every week who will get to know them very well and can prepare activities with them in mind. Our tutor will become a familiar presence in their lives, supporting them, encouraging them and challenging them to reach their potential.

When are our 11 Plus Weekend Classes

The 11 Plus Weekend Classes begin in October 2022 for students starting in Years 4 and 5. These classes will continue throughout the year and end in July 2023.

Weekend Classes are taken in person in Clapham South or at South Hampstead High School. Your child can attend classes on a Saturday or Sunday morning, 9.00am-12.00pm. Once you have selected what day works best for you and your child, they will continue attending 11 Plus Weekend Classes on your chosen day. This helps your child build confidence and friendships with their class peers, making it a fun, encouraging and supportive environment.

Academic Assessment

Students starting in the Autumn term begin with a detailed academic assessment in conjunction with Cambridge University (CEM). This sees them take online tests in five different modules of 50 minutes long each. This standardised test allows us to understand in detail how the student is performing and their potential. From this we then write a detailed report outlining the students strengths and weaknesses and showing the work needed to do well in the 11 plus. We then produce a detailed school signposting report. Finally, there is a detailed consultation with the parent which outlines what we need to work on over the course to get the best out of your commitment and maximise the chances of getting into your chosen school.

11 Plus Weekend Classes – Group sizes

Group sizes are kept small (max 8) to ensure there is plenty of time for your child to ask questions and receive the individual attention and support they need. This will develop their confidence and improve their performance. Working alongside other equally focused children, hoping to attend similar schools will motivate your child and make their 11 plus experience more enjoyable. Working in a small group will also benefit your child academically because of our balanced programme of individual work, discussion, and collaboration. This will ensure they understand how marks are won and lost in 11 plus exams.

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