London, Online & Worldwide
13+ & Common Entrance Tuition
The 13+ is a demanding stage of senior school entry, requiring pupils to demonstrate secure academic foundations, strong exam technique and increasing independence. Alongside subject knowledge, schools are looking for confidence, maturity and the ability to perform calmly under pressure.
Our specialist 13+ tutors are selected for their academic expertise and their ability to work thoughtfully with pupils at this important stage. They understand how to stretch able children while maintaining motivation, balance and self-belief, and they tailor their approach carefully to each pupil’s temperament and needs.
By Years 7 and 8, preparation needs to be both focused and sustainable. Our tutors support pupils across English, Maths, Science and additional subjects such as humanities and languages, building subject mastery alongside exam technique, organisation and confidence. Lessons are structured, purposeful and encouraging, helping pupils feel prepared rather than overwhelmed.
Every senior school follows its own admissions pathway, from the ISEB Common Pre-Test and Common Entrance to bespoke papers and interviews. We guide families clearly through each step, offering realistic advice, careful planning and steady support so that preparation remains calm, well paced and effective.
Our 13+ provision is overseen by our director Sophie, who began her career as an 11+ and Common Entrance tutor and continues to work closely with families navigating senior school entry. Parents are welcome to arrange a complimentary consultation to discuss the most appropriate pathway for their child.
Our Testimonials
Meet Our 13+ Tutors
Each of our 13+ specialists is hand-picked for a distinguished success record, deep knowledge of Common Entrance, scholarship and school-specific papers, and first-hand experience preparing pupils for destinations such as Eton, Winchester, Harrow, Tonbridge, St Paul’s, Westminster and Wycombe Abbey. They blend high academic challenge with thoughtful encouragement, guiding pupils to master demanding syllabuses while building resilience and intellectual curiosity.
Featured Tutors
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools use the 13+?
Our tutors prepare pupils for leading boarding and day schools, including:
- Top boarding schools: Eton, Winchester, Harrow, Wellington, Radley, Tonbridge, Charterhouse, Marlborough, Oundle.
- London & Home Counties day schools: St Paul’s, Westminster, King’s Wimbledon, City of London, Dulwich College, Hampton, Highgate.
- Girls’ schools: Wycombe Abbey, St Mary’s Calne, Benenden, Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
What does the 13+ test?
- Core papers: English comprehension & essay, Maths (Algebra, Geometry, Statistics), Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
- Humanities & languages: History, Geography, Religious Studies, French, Spanish, Latin or Greek depending on the school.
- Scholarship papers: often include advanced problem-solving, critical analysis and unseen translation tasks.
- Interviews & assessment days: discussion of books, current affairs, and collaborative tasks to gauge curiosity and character.
When should we start preparing?
- Year 6 (autumn): gentle reading breadth, mental maths, and introduction to the ISEB Common Pre-Test if required.
- Year 7: weekly subject tuition to secure syllabus content, plus vocab and study-skills work.
- Year 8 (autumn): past papers, timed practice, scholarship coaching, interview preparation and mock exams.
Late starters can still succeed, but will follow a more intensive timetable; we can arrange holiday revision courses, residential tutors and online intensives if needed.
Can our child prepare from overseas?
Certainly. Many families in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America prepare entirely online. We also arrange short intensive stays in London or place residential tutors overseas for families who prefer in-person support.
How do you select your 13+ tutors?
We introduce a small, elite group who:
- Hold outstanding track records for Common Entrance and scholarship offers at top schools.
- Understand the latest ISEB specifications and individual school requirements.
- Deliver rigorous, age-appropriate lessons that develop independence as well as results.
All tutors are interviewed, vetted and matched to your child only after a detailed consultation to ensure rapport and subject fit.
Are more schools switching to online testing?
Yes. Several senior schools now run their own computer-based reasoning or subject papers to complement—or replace—traditional written CE scripts. The adaptive ISEB Pre-Test is already online, and we expect more schools to follow suit. Our tutors use secure practice platforms so pupils are comfortable with on-screen formats and timed multiple-choice interfaces.
My child is strong in Maths and Science but weaker in writing. Is that a problem for Common Entrance?
English carries significant weight at 13 +. Even STEM-orientated schools look for clear, structured writing and solid comprehension skills. We identify precise areas—spelling, syntax, planning, literary analysis—and build them methodically, so strength in one area isn’t undermined by weakness in another.
How are scholarships assessed and how do they differ from standard CE papers?
Scholarship papers are set by each school, normally two to three grades beyond the core CE syllabus. They test lateral thinking, wider reading and sophisticated problem-solving rather than rote knowledge. Interview panels may ask about current affairs, classical music, philosophy or advanced algebra. Preparation therefore combines deeper syllabus extension with wider cultural enrichment and mock interviews.
What if my child is bilingual or EAL—will that affect performance?
Bilingual pupils often excel in reasoning and languages but may need targeted support for English comprehension and essay writing. We pair EAL learners with tutors experienced in bridging that gap, focusing on academic vocabulary, exam-style grammar and idiomatic phrasing.
How do we balance heavy sport or music commitments with 13 + revision?
High-achieving schools value breadth. Our tutors map a realistic timetable that fits around fixtures, rehearsals and tours, often using shorter but more frequent online sessions and holiday intensives to protect weekday commitments.
Do senior schools still look at character references from the prep school?
Absolutely. A strong academic profile must be matched by a positive head’s report. Tutors reinforce good study habits, curiosity, and kindness in group tasks—traits a prep-school head will highlight in their reference.
Is there any benefit to sitting mock exams at an external centre?
Yes. External mocks mirror unfamiliar surroundings, invigilators and timings, giving pupils invaluable experience before the real exam day. We can recommend trusted centres or run in-house mocks under exam conditions.
Have another question? We are always happy to advise – simply book a complimentary call with our consultancy team.