How Many Hours of Tutoring Does My Child Need for the 11+?

Determining the right amount of tutoring for grammar school entrance is one of the most important planning decisions families make. As a specialist 11+ English tutor, I’m frequently asked: “How many hours will my child need?”

The honest answer is that it depends on several factors. However, understanding these variables helps families plan realistically, avoid unnecessary pressure, and create effective, sustainable 11+ preparation programmes that support both performance and wellbeing.

The Standard Recommendation for 11+ Tutoring Hours

For most children targeting competitive grammar schools, effective preparation involves a structured, long-term approach rather than short bursts of last-minute tuition.

18–24 Month Programme

Year 4–5 (Building Phase)

• Weekly 60-minute sessions

• Approximately 70–90 sessions in total

• 70–90 hours of tutoring

• Plus equivalent independent practice time

Year 6 (Intensive Phase)

• Weekly 90-minute sessions, sometimes increasing to twice weekly

• Approximately 40–60 sessions

• 60–90 hours of tutoring

• Increased independent study and exam practice

Total Investment

• 130–180 hours of tutoring over 18–24 months

• 150–250 hours of independent practice

• Combined total: approximately 280–430 hours of overall preparation

This level of preparation allows for thorough skill development without overwhelming children or creating burnout.

Factors That Affect How Much Tutoring a Child Needs for the 11+

There is no single formula that suits every child. Several factors influence how many tutoring hours are appropriate.

Starting Point

Children with strong foundations

• Already reading at an advanced level

• Secure writing skills

• Strong vocabulary and comprehension

These children may need 50–100 hours of targeted tutoring.

Children requiring more development

• Reading at an age-appropriate but not advanced level

• Writing that lacks structure or accuracy

• Limited vocabulary or confidence

These children may require 150–250 hours of tutoring.

As a private school 11+ tutor, assessing the starting point carefully is essential before giving realistic recommendations.

Target Grammar Schools

Highly selective grammar schools

• Acceptance rates of 10% or lower

• Exceptionally high standards

• Typically require 150–200+ hours of tutoring

Moderately selective grammar schools

• Competitive but not extreme

• Strong performance expected, not perfection

• Often achievable with 100–150 hours

Multiple school applications

• Preparation should be based on the most demanding school

• 130–180 hours is usually appropriate

Timeline Available

18–24 months

• Ideal timeframe

• Gradual, sustainable progress

• Weekly sessions usually sufficient

12 months

• Compressed but workable

• Often requires increased session frequency

• 120–150 hours in a shorter period

6 months or less

• Very challenging

• Multiple sessions per week

• 80–120 hours in a condensed timeframe

• Significantly higher stress levels

Learning Style and Pace

Quick learners

• Grasp concepts rapidly

• Require less repetition

• Often need fewer total hours

Steady, methodical learners

• Benefit from repetition and consolidation

• Progress reliably but more gradually

• Often require additional hours

Students with learning differences

• May need adapted strategies

• Sometimes require more hours

• Progress varies significantly

Breaking Down 11+ Tutoring Hours

Understanding how tutoring time is typically allocated helps families plan effectively.

Skill Development (60–70%)

Reading comprehension

• Understanding complex texts

• Inference and deduction

• Analytical thinking

• Typically 40–60 hours

Creative writing

• Technique and structure

• Vocabulary development

• Sentence control

• Typically 30–50 hours

Verbal reasoning

• Question-type familiarity

• Strategy and accuracy

• Typically 20–40 hours

Grammar and technical accuracy

• Integrated throughout tuition

• 10–20 hours of explicit focus

Exam Technique (20–25%)

• Timed practice papers

• Question interpretation

• Time management

• 30–50 hours

Mock exams and review

• Full practice exams

• Detailed feedback and error analysis

• 10–20 hours

Assessment and Planning (10–15%)

• Initial diagnostic assessment: 2–4 hours

• Ongoing progress reviews and adjustments: 10–15 hoursSession Frequency Considerations

The distribution of hours often matters more than the total number.

Weekly Sessions (Standard)

Advantages

• Sustainable long-term

• Allows consolidation between sessions

• Reduces overwhelm

Best for

• Year 4–5 students

• Gradual, steady skill building

• Maintaining balance with other activities

Twice-Weekly Sessions (Intensive)

Advantages

• Faster progress

• Greater continuity

Challenges

• Increased risk of burnout

• Reduced free time

Best for

• Year 6 students

• Late starters

• Final preparation phase

Intensive Blocks

Often used during school holidays:

• Daily or near-daily sessions

• Rapid progress possible

• Best used to supplement regular tuition or address specific weaknesses

Independent Work: The Missing Variable

Tutoring hours represent only part of successful 11+ preparation.

Most successful students complete:

• 30–60 minutes of independent work daily

• 4–6 hours weekly

• 150–300 hours over the full preparation period

This typically includes:

• Reading widely

• Completing homework tasks

• Independent practice papers

• Revision and consolidation

The Multiplier Effect

Consistent independent work can reduce required tutoring hours by 30–40%, accelerate progress, and build confidence and ownership of learning.

Cost Implications

Understanding required hours helps families plan financially.

Standard Programme (140 hours)

• £50/hour: £7,000

• £70/hour: £9,800

• £100/hour: £14,000

Intensive Programme (200 hours)

• £50/hour: £10,000

• £70/hour: £14,000

• £100/hour: £20,000

Economy Programme (80 hours)

• £50/hour: £4,000

• £70/hour: £5,600

• £100/hour: £8,000

These are substantial investments, making accurate planning essential.

Quality vs Quantity

More hours do not automatically produce better results.

100 highly effective hours with focused teaching and meaningful feedback consistently outperform 150 unfocused hours.

Signs of Insufficient Hours

• Persistent skill gaps

• Limited exam familiarity

• Poor time management

• Low confidence

Signs of Excessive Hours

• Resistance or reluctance

• Burnout symptoms

• Anxiety or stress

• Little improvement despite increased time

Alternative Tutoring Models

Different approaches suit different families.

Front-Loaded Model

• Intensive early phase

• Gradual reduction to weekly sessions

• Maintenance focus later

Best for: late starters or children needing rapid skill development

Consistent Model

• Weekly sessions throughout

• Steady increase in intensity

• Predictable routine

Best for: early starters and children benefiting from structure

Sprint Model

• Minimal early support

• Intensive final 6–9 months

Best for: strong, independent learners and less competitive schools

Adjusting Along the Way

Flexibility is essential.

Increase hours when

• Progress is slower than expected

• New weaknesses emerge

• Target schools are more competitive than initially planned

• Mock results raise concerns

Reduce hours when

• Targets are consistently met

• Stress or resistance appears

• Independent progress is strong

• Other commitments increase

Regular reviews with an experienced grammar school tutor ensure the plan remains appropriate.

Combining Tutoring Approaches

Some families successfully combine:

• Individual sessions with group tuition

• Online sessions with occasional in-person support

• Different specialists for English, maths, and reasoning

This can balance cost, expertise, and flexibility.

Subject-Specific Variations

English tutoring

• Comprehension: 50–70 hours

• Creative writing: 40–50 hours

• Grammar: 20–30 hours

• Exam technique: 20–30 hours

• Total: 130–180 hours

Maths tutoring

• Typically 120–180 hours depending on starting point

Verbal reasoning

• 40–80 hours depending on aptitude

The Realistic Minimum

Families sometimes ask, “What’s the absolute minimum?”

For capable students targeting moderately competitive schools:

• 60–80 hours of tutoring

• Strong independent work

• Solid starting foundations

However, minimal approaches carry higher risk, greater stress, and less confidence, particularly for competitive grammar schools.

The Long-Term Perspective

The hours invested in 11+ preparation develop skills far beyond the exam:

• Analytical thinking

• Clear communication

• Academic discipline

• Resilience and perseverance

These skills continue to support success at grammar school, GCSE level, and beyond.

Making Your Decision

When planning tutoring hours:

• Start with a professional assessment

• Set realistic targets and timelines

• Build in flexibility

• Review progress regularly

• Prioritise wellbeing alongside achievement

The Bottom Line

Most children targeting competitive grammar schools benefit from:

130–180 hours of quality tutoring over 18–24 months

However, individual needs may range from 80 hours (strong starters, less competitive schools) to 250+ hours (late starters, highly selective schools, significant development required).

Success comes not from fixed hour formulas, but from strategic planning, quality support, and regular adjustment.

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation

If you’re seriously considering structured 11+ support and want to understand what your child actually needs, a short consultation can help you make an informed decision.

In a free 15-minute consultation, we can:

• Discuss your child’s current level and starting point

• Clarify realistic tutoring hour ranges

• Talk through timelines, priorities, and target schools

• Decide whether further support would be appropriate

This call is designed for parents who value clarity, structure, and expert guidance when planning their child’s education.

👉 Book your free 15-minute consultation here