How Much Does Private 11+ Tutoring Cost?

Understanding the financial commitment involved in grammar school entrance exam preparation is essential for families planning their approach. As a specialist 11+ English tutor working with families targeting competitive grammar schools, I am frequently asked about costs.

The investment in quality preparation can be substantial. However, understanding the variables involved helps families budget appropriately and make informed, confident decisions about how best to support their child.

The Range of 11+ Tutoring Costs

Private 11+ tutoring costs vary significantly depending on a range of factors, including tutor experience, location, format, and level of specialisation.

Standard Hourly Rates

Independent Tutors

• Entry-level or newly qualified tutors: £30–£45 per hour

• Experienced tutors: £45–£70 per hour

• Specialist 11+ tutors: £60–£90 per hour

• Premium or highly sought-after tutors: £90–£150+ per hour

Agency Tutors

• Standard rates: £50–£80 per hour

• Senior tutors: £80–£120 per hour

• Premium services: £120–£200+ per hour

Tuition Centres

• Group sessions (4–8 children): £20–£40 per hour per child

• Small groups (2–3 children): £35–£60 per hour per child

• Individual attention: Often similar to independent tutor rates

Online Tutoring

• Typically 10–30% less than face-to-face rates

• Allows access to tutors outside your local area

• Usually ranges from £30–£100+ per hour

Geographic Variations in 11+ Tutoring Costs

Location plays a significant role in determining tutoring fees.

London and the South East

• Premium rates are common, often £80–£150 per hour

• High demand and living costs drive pricing

• Competition for selective grammar schools is particularly intense

Major Cities

• Typical rates range from £50–£100 per hour

• Strong demand in areas with grammar schools

• Established tutors command higher fees

Regional Areas

• Rates often fall between £40–£70 per hour

• Less competition can result in more accessible pricing

• Fewer specialist 11+ tutors may be available

Factors Affecting Individual Tutor Costs

Several elements influence what a particular private school 11+ tutor charges.

Qualifications and Experience

Tutors with advanced qualifications and specialist backgrounds are typically able to command higher fees particularly when their expertise translates into consistent, high-level outcomes.

At the premium end of the market, this often includes tutors who bring:

• Advanced academic or professional qualifications that support strong analytical and communication skills 

• Extensive experience in selective school and 11+ preparation, often spanning a decade or more

• Examiner-level insight or deep familiarity with how English is assessed at the highest levels

• A focused specialism in 11+ English, rather than general tutoring across multiple subjects

• A proven track record of supporting families targeting competitive grammar and selective independent schools

Fees at this level reflect far more than lesson time alone. They account for strategic planning, tailored materials, feedback, and an outcome-driven approach designed to maximise a child’s chances in a highly competitive process. 

Success Rates and Demand

Tutors who consistently help students secure places at highly competitive grammar schools can justify:

• Premium hourly rates

• Waiting lists for their services

• Selective intake of students

• Higher overall programme costs due to demand

Level of Specialisation

General English Tutors

• May tutor 11+ alongside other subjects

• Typically charge £40–£60 per hour

• Offer broad support rather than targeted exam expertise

11+ Specialists

• Focus exclusively on grammar school entrance preparation

• Usually charge £60–£100 per hour

• Deep understanding of exam formats and expectations

Subject-Specific Experts

• Focus on areas such as creative writing or verbal reasoning

• Rates vary depending on niche expertise

• Often work alongside a main tutor

Time Investment Beyond Sessions

High-quality bespoke English tuition includes far more than the lesson itself, such as:

• Session preparation

• Personalised resource creation

• Marking and detailed feedback

• Progress tracking and reporting

• Parent communication and strategy discussions

Tutors offering this level of support charge accordingly.

Total Investment: A Realistic Budget

Hourly rates alone do not reflect the true cost of 11+ preparation.

Duration of Preparation

18–24 Month Programme (Ideal)

• Weekly sessions

• Approximately 70–100 sessions

At £70 per hour: £4,900–£7,000
At £100 per hour: £7,000–£10,000

12-Month Programme (Common)

• Weekly sessions

• Approximately 45–50 sessions

At £70 per hour: £3,150–£3,500
At £100 per hour: £4,500–£5,000

6-Month Intensive Programme

• Often twice-weekly sessions

• Approximately 50–55 sessions

• Higher pressure and intensity

• Similar total cost to a 12-month programme

Frequency of Sessions

Most families follow a structure such as:

• One 60–90 minute session weekly in Year 4 or early Year 5

• Increasing frequency in Year 6 if required

• Additional sessions before mock exams

• Intensive revision in the final months

Some families pursuing intensive 11+ preparation opt for:

• Two sessions weekly from the outset

• Longer sessions (up to two hours)

• Regular mock exam practice

• Holiday intensive programmes

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond tuition fees, families should budget for:

Materials

• Practice books and past papers: £100–£200

• Subscription services: £50–£150 annually

• Printed resources: £50–£100

Mock Exams

• Professional mock exams: £30–£80 per sitting

• Multiple sittings recommended: £150–£300 total

Travel Costs

• Tutor travel fees (if applicable)

• Family travel expenses over time

• Estimated £200–£500+ over 12–24 months

School Application Fees

• Grammar school registration: usually free

• Independent school registration: £75–£150 per school

• Examination fees: £150–£250 per school

Premium English Tutoring: What Justifies Higher Costs?

Premium 11+ and private GCSE English tuition typically offers:

Proven Track Records

• Consistent success with competitive grammar schools

• High percentage of students achieving target outcomes

• Teaching methods refined over many years

Personalised Approaches

• Detailed diagnostic assessment

• Tailored learning programmes

• Custom-created materials

• Regular strategy reviews

Comprehensive Support

• Detailed feedback on all work

• Written progress reports

• Clear communication with parents

• Guidance on school selection and exam strategy

Efficient Results

• Faster progress due to expertise

• Fewer wasted sessions

• Higher success rates that can offset cost

As both a selective grammar school tutor and a GCSE English specialist, I consistently find that families who invest in quality support early often spend less overall than those who begin with cheaper options and switch later.

Cost-Effective Strategies for Families

Families can manage costs while maintaining quality support.

Strategic Timing

• Begin early with lower frequency

• Increase intensity closer to exams

• Use guided independent work between sessions

Hybrid Approaches

• Group tuition for general skills

• Individual sessions for targeted weaknesses

• Online tutoring for consolidation

Efficient Use of Tutor Time

• Complete homework thoroughly

• Arrive with clear questions

• Use sessions for guidance, not supervision

When Premium Costs Are Justified

Higher investment is particularly appropriate when:

Targeting Ultra-Competitive Grammar Schools

Schools with acceptance rates below 10% require:

• Exceptional preparation

• Deep knowledge of specific requirements

• Sophisticated writing and reasoning skills

Limited Time Available

Late starters often need:

• Intensive, expert-led support

• Focus on high-impact skills

• Efficient progress in limited time

Specific Challenges

Premium support may be especially valuable for:

• Children with learning differences

• Students lacking confidence

• Those with uneven skill profiles

• Families with limited availability

Understanding Value Versus Cost

The cheapest option is not always the most economical.

Consider cost per outcome, not hourly price.

• £3,000 for successful grammar school entry

• Years of high-quality state education

• Strong foundations for future academic success

Compare this with:

• Independent school fees of £15,000–£30,000 per year

• Property relocation costs to enter catchment areas

• Long-term educational alternatives

Hidden Costs of Inadequate Preparation

Attempting to economise excessively can lead to:

• Missed grammar school places

• Increased stress and anxiety

• Last-minute expensive interventions

• Switching tutors mid-process

• Higher overall spending

Payment Structures and Options

Tutors may offer:

Pay-As-You-Go

• Flexible, no long-term commitment

• Slightly higher per-session cost

Termly Packages

• Discounted rates

• Guaranteed session slots

• Clear budgeting

Annual Programmes

• Greater discounts

• Long-term planning

• Best value for committed families

Always check cancellation and holiday policies.

Making the Investment Decision

When evaluating private 11+ tutoring costs:

• Clarify your priorities

• Map total investment realistically

• Evaluate tutor quality, not just price

• Consider long-term educational value

The skills developed through high-quality 11+ English preparation extend far beyond the exam into GCSEs, A Levels, university, and professional life.

The Bottom Line

Private 11+ tutoring typically requires an investment of £3,000–£10,000 over 12–24 months, depending on:

• Tutor expertise and location

• Programme length and intensity

• Additional resources and support

• Your child’s individual needs

For families targeting competitive grammar schools, this represents strong value when compared with alternative educational costs and the long-term benefits of high-quality academic preparation.

Choose tutors based on expertise, outcomes, and fit, not price alone.

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation

If you would like clarity on whether private 11+ tutoring is the right investment for your child, a short consultation can help.

In a free 15-minute consultation, we can:

• Discuss your child’s current stage and goals

• Explore realistic preparation timelines

• Talk through suitable support options

There is no obligation  just clear, informed guidance.

👉 Book your free 15-minute consultation here