For Parents

Helping You Navigate Independent School Entrance Preparation

Preparing for 7+, 11+ or 13+ entry to a leading UK independent school can feel complex. Different schools have different assessment formats, academic expectations and timelines, and for international families, preparing for the UK system can bring additional uncertainty.

My aim is to make the journey clearer. Alongside preparing your child academically, I provide guidance to help you understand the requirements of their target schools, know what to prioritise and support your child confidently throughout their preparation.

“

Thank you for your support and the time spent with my daughter during this stressful period. We have good news!! M got in!! Your guidance and ability to engage her have done this. We are so pleased with the outcome.

PARENT OF AN ENTRANCE EXAM STUDENT

”

Understanding the Independent School Entrance Journey

Successful preparation is about more than choosing an exam date and starting practice papers. Understanding your child’s starting point, the requirements of their target schools and the time available allows preparation to be planned strategically.

TARGET SCHOOLS

Understanding Your Target Schools

Understanding the academic expectations, entrance exams and assessment requirements of your child’s target schools helps ensure their preparation is focused on the right areas and pitched at an appropriate level of challenge.

ASSESSMENTS

Understanding Assessments

UK independent schools use English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, the ISEB Pre-Test and school-specific entrance exams. Knowing what your child is likely to encounter keeps preparation focused.

PREPARATION

Planning Preparation

A clear preparation timeline helps identify what to prioritise and when, allowing skills and knowledge to develop progressively rather than relying on intensive preparation close to the examination.

AT HOME

Supporting Your Child

The right support at home can make a significant difference. I help parents encourage effective study habits, confidence and independence while maintaining a healthy approach to preparation.

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CLEAR COMMUNICATION

A Clear View of Your Child’s Progress

Parents should never be left wondering what is happening in their child’s tuition.

Detailed lesson feedback keeps you informed after each session, while monthly progress reports provide a broader view of your child’s strengths, areas for development and priorities ahead.

Combined with regular communication, this means you understand where your child is now, what we’re working towards and what comes next.

INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

Preparing for UK Independent School Entrance Exams From Overseas

For international families, preparing for UK independent school entrance exams can be particularly challenging. Year groups, entry points, assessment formats and terminology may be unfamiliar, while academic requirements can vary significantly between schools.

Having worked extensively with international students preparing for 7+, 11+ and 13+ entry, I help parents understand the academic expectations of their target schools and create a clear preparation pathway for their child.

This includes identifying what their child needs to prepare, understanding their current strengths and areas for development, and establishing which priorities should come first.

Resources for Parents

FREE GUIDE

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Child’s Vocabulary for the 11+

One of the biggest challenges I see when preparing children for 11+ entrance exams is vocabulary. Download my free guide for five simple, practical strategies you can start using today to help your child develop vocabulary that lasts.

Get Your Free Guide

ADVICE & INSIGHTS

Practical Guidance for Parents

Explore practical guidance on 11+ and independent school entrance exam preparation, learning strategies, vocabulary, English, Mathematics and helping ambitious students thrive throughout their preparation.

Explore the Blog

Let’s plan your child’s next step

Tell me about your child, their current attainment, target schools and upcoming entrance examinations.

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