Together All the Way to Success

Do you offer an initial assessment?

An initial assessment is always performed in order to benchmark your child's current ability and the appropriate level of challenge needed.

There is no obligation to book/attend any tutoring sessions thereafter.

All you need to know before you schedule a lesson

Is tutoring really necessary for the 11+?

The competition for grammar school places is fierce. Whilst tutoring is not a necessary requirement for passing the 11+ test, there is no doubt that familiarisation is a definite advantage.

When should my child start tuition?

11+ Tuition:

Most children begin tuition for the 11+ shortly after starting in Year 5.

Primary Tuition:

Those children in Year 3 - Year 6 can begin general tuition for Primary English and/or Maths at any time during the school year.

Can I expect any feedback?

Reports are given on a regular basis. These may take verbal or written form.

If parents have any worries or queries, they are able to email sb.tutoring@outlook.com.

(Due to staff teaching commitments, please email rather than phone.)

Are all materials/books provided?

The session fee covers all stationery provided in class. There is a requirement to buy specific resources for weekly class/homework use but this will be discussed after the initial assessment has been completed.

Recommendations throughout the year may be made for other resources to help with specific gaps in a child's knowledge, but there is no obligation to buy these.

You are, of course, perfectly at liberty to supplement our resources with your own should you choose to do so.

How do classes work?

Classes operate on a weekly basis throughout term time. They are usually held after school/early evening in our dedicated space in Bourne End. Each session is led by an experienced primary school teacher with an enhanced DBS.


Whilst we are able to offer 1-to-1 tutoring, experience shows that children perform better in small groups where they naturally compete in a supportive, friendly environment. Plus, it's more fun!

(Group sizes are usually limited to 4 children.)

What if my child misses a class?

If your child has to miss a class, please do try to give as much notice as possible. We will endeavour to accommodate them at a different time wherever possible.

Unfortunately, refunds are not usually available for missed classes.


In the unlikely event that a class is cancelled by SB Tutoring, you will receive a full refund for the cancelled session.

How do I pay?

The preferred method of payment is through a regular standing order in advance of each half term.

What is the Bucks Secondary Transfer Test/11+?

The 13 grammar schools in Buckinghamshire (a consortium known as The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS)) admit pupils based on their performance in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (commonly known as the 11+), taken in the September of Year 6.

The Local Authority administers the test on behalf of the schools; more information can be found on TBGS website or the Buckinghamshire County Council website. The test is currently set by GL Assessment.


Buckinghamshire’s 11 plus registration process is unique: they operate an ‘opt-out’ system. If your child attends a Buckinghamshire primary school, your child will be automatically registered for the 11 plus test, unless you specifically request for them not to. If your child doesn’t attend a Buckinghamshire primary school, there are different registration requirements: find out if your child will be automatically registered here.


Your child will be given the opportunity to sit a shorter, unmarked practice test to help familiarise them with the structure, usually two days before the formal test. Both the practice and formal tests are taken at your child’s current primary school (if in Buckinghamshire). If your child’s primary school is not in Buckinghamshire, they will be invited to one of the grammar schools to sit the tests.

Bucks Secondary Transfer Test (11+) FAQ

What does the 11+ assess?

Children taking the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test will take two exam papers which assess English comprehension, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and maths. The test is currently set by GL Assessment.


Each test is administered in about one hour, including 15 minutes for reading instructions and completing practice exercises, and 45 minutes for the test questions. All questions are multiple-choice and children write their answers on separate answer booklets.


Paper 1: English Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning (VR)

Your child will be tested on technical English and verbal reasoning. They will have a reading comprehension task with a passage of text and related questions which test understanding of the text itself as well as the vocabulary choice, punctuation and spelling competency and grammatical knowledge.

The verbal reasoning part of this paper follows GL question styles. It is a good idea to familiarise your child with these question styles.


Paper 2: Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) and Maths

In the non-verbal reasoning section (NVR), your child will be tested on their mathematical and scientific skills, including problem solving and spatial awareness. They will be given a selection of graphical puzzles and sequences and they must highlight areas of mistake as well as compete the patterns. This is not generally an area that children will have encountered in school, hence it is a good idea to familiarise your child with these question styles.

The maths section tests your child's knowledge of Key Stage 2 maths such as ratio, percentages and simple algebra as well as rapid recall of number facts and arithmetic.

What is the pass mark?

The 3 sections are weighted as follows:

  • English & verbal reasoning 50%

  • Non-verbal reasoning 25%

  • Maths 25%

 

The total of all raw scores from each section are standardised to avoid any potential disadvantage for age differences, giving your child their Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS). If your child scores 121 marks or above , they will be eligible for grammar school entry. Unlike other Local Authorities, Buckinghamshire does not rank the scores.


However, passing the 11 plus does not guarantee a place at your target school. You will need to apply to your target schools via the
Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) usually by the end of October after your child has taken the test. For children who have met the qualifying score of 121, the grammar schools will offer places depending on their own priority criteria.