Expert 11+ Tuition by Qualified Teachers

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire 11+ Tuition Courses

Our Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire 11 Plus Tuition Courses for Year 4 and Year 5 pupils are led by exceptional, fully qualified and experienced primary teachers (not 'tutors') and take place in Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Bushey, Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Reading (Winnersh, Wokingham) and Stoke Poges.

More of Your Fee Goes Towards Your Child’s Education

We do not own costly, dedicated tuition buildings. These buildings may be used for lessons for only a limited number of hours each week, but their ownership and maintenance create year-round costs that ultimately have to be covered through the fees parents pay.

We have chosen a different approach. Without those substantial property costs, we can offer longer lessons, smaller classes and lower fees than comparable providers with their own premises, together with fully qualified teachers, high-quality resources and individual support for your child.

• Expert teaching and typically 2½-hour, comprehensive lessons*: Every lesson is carefully planned and led by a fully qualified, experienced primary teacher. The additional teaching time enables us to cover each topic in depth using thoughtfully selected, high-quality resources. Children receive detailed instruction, learn how to apply key techniques, complete carefully structured practice and benefit from feedback and correction, all within the lesson. This develops genuine understanding rather than simply teaching shortcuts for the exam.
• Smaller, supportive classes: With an average of eight pupils and never more than ten, our teachers can get to know every child, understand their strengths, recognise when they need help and provide meaningful individual attention.
• Supporting our local community through the way we work: By hiring local schools, churches and community centres, we provide regular, valuable income to organisations at the heart of the communities we serve. Through the Sir John Madejski Scholarship, we also help children facing financial disadvantage access high-quality 11+ tuition and guidance.

For us, making a positive contribution is reflected in the quality of our teaching, the support we give parents, the local organisations we work with and the opportunities we provide for children who might otherwise miss out.

It is all part of the same commitment: kind, expert teaching; in-depth tuition; genuine support for families; and giving every child the time and attention they deserve.

*Most term-time lessons last 2½ hours. At our Bushey centre, Year 5 lessons last 2 hours 15 minutes and Year 4 lessons last 2 hours.

Uncompromising on Quality, Because Your Child’s Future Matters

At Marie Redmond Tuition, we believe every child deserves expert teaching delivered by fully qualified, highly experienced primary teachers. True quality comes from the depth of knowledge, skill, and care that teachers bring to each lesson, not from décor or presentation, but from the expertise guiding your child every week.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in everything we do. Our lessons are carefully planned, our resources are purposefully designed, and our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the 11+ curriculum and how children learn best. The 11+ is a significant milestone, and we ensure that every child is supported by professionals who know how to help them thrive.

Our long‑standing reputation has been built on consistency, excellence, and genuine care. Over the years, many tuition providers have appeared and disappeared, but our success endures because we focus on what truly matters: exceptional teaching, our exclusive Superbrain resources, and personalised support that gives every child the strongest foundation for success.

We Don’t Judge Children Before They Begin

Some providers assess children before they have even experienced a lesson and may reject students based on a single test that includes content they have never been taught, despite the fact that many children go on to make significant progress once they receive structured tuition

We don’t.

We believe it is only fair to give children time to settle, understand the pace of the lessons, and feel at ease before being assessed. Their initial assessment takes place shortly after they begin, typically in lesson 3 of the term-time course, so they are in the right frame of mind when it matters.

From there, we track progress every half term, giving you clear insight into how your child is improving. You will have full access to their results, their ranking, and how they compare to the level needed to pass.

In addition to weekly spelling tests, our students complete formal assessments twice per term; at half-term and at the end of term, covering all topic areas. This allows us to measure progress over time, rather than being influenced by short-term fluctuations. More frequent testing can often reflect an off week rather than true ability, so our approach provides a clearer, more reliable picture of progress.

We are always honest about where your child stands, but we never assume that where they start is where they will finish.

A starting score is just that, a starting point.

Year after year, we see students make significant progress between their first assessment and their final results, often exceeding expectations set at the beginning.

We don’t select the strongest students.
We help students become stronger.

That is why we focus on helping every child make real progress with confidence, because what matters is not where your child starts, but how far they can go.

See how we track your child’s progress in detail.

SuccessTrack is our structured system for tracking progress, performance, and readiness for the 11+.

Preparing Your Child for the 11 Plus

Our 11 Plus Tuition Courses have been designed to prepare pupils for all aspects of the 11 Plus exams in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and South West Hertfordshire. GL Assessment provides the tests used by Buckinghamshire, the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools and Kendrick School, as well as the Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics tests used by the the South West Herts Consortium. Future Stories Community Enterprise (formed by Reading School), produces the Reading School entrance test.

• Information about the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test (11 Plus)
• Information about the Hertfordshire 11+ (SW Herts Academic Ability Test)
• Information about the Kendrick School 11 Plus
• Information about the Reading School 11 Plus
• Information about the Slough Consortium 11 Plus

Independent School Entrance

Our courses are relevant to students preparing for independent school entrance. Many of our past students have performed exceptionally well in their independent school entrance exams and Common Pre-Tests in preparation for Common Entrance.

What Do Our 11+ Courses Cover

Every Relevant Subject, Every Week

Each of our courses is designed around the content of the specific 11+ examination for which children are preparing. We do not divide the year into separate subject blocks, with, for example, English taught in one term, maths in another and verbal or non-verbal reasoning in another, because we do not believe this provides effective preparation for the 11+.

Children need to practise every relevant subject regularly. If a subject is taught for one term and then set aside for several months, children will forget important knowledge and techniques before the examination. They also lose the opportunity to build steadily upon their understanding and develop their skills to the level required for 11+ success.

Instead, every lesson includes all the subject areas relevant to the examination being prepared for. For example, children preparing for the Buckinghamshire or Slough 11+ exams study English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning every week. Previously taught skills are revisited regularly, while new knowledge and techniques are introduced progressively, enabling children to improve continuously throughout the course.

* Not included in South West Herts exam, however, excellent vocabulary and spelling skills are required to complete Verbal Reasoning questions proficiently.

Equally, we do not believe that extremely small groups or one-to-one tuition are automatically better. Effective 11+ preparation requires a carefully structured programme that prepares for every area of the exam in a balanced and systematic way. Without that structure, there is a risk of focusing too heavily on isolated weaknesses, which can sometimes affect a child’s confidence and leave gaps elsewhere in their preparation. Children also benefit enormously from discussion, shared learning and working alongside motivated peers in a small academic group.

Discover the proven benefits of small class sizes.

When your child enrols on our 11 Plus tuition course, we will:

• Ask them to complete an assessment to understand their current level of ability
• Recommend key areas for improvement based on the assessment results
• Provide you with a personalised Tuition Plan – detailing your child’s specific targets

Course Structure

The course is divided into three terms, with around 11 lessons per term. If your child is unable to start at the beginning of a course, they are welcome to join later, subject to availability.

Teaching Methods

Our 11 Plus Tuition Courses are expertly designed by Marie Redmond MEd and delivered by an outstanding team of fully qualified local primary teachers. By combining proven strategies with engaging teaching methods tailored to meet the latest 11 Plus requirements, we ensure every child feels confident, prepared, and fully supported throughout their journey.

Unlike approaches that focus solely on teaching students how to answer questions, we ensure a balanced and comprehensive approach. Our courses not only cover the full syllabus, ensuring students fully understand all areas of the 11+ curriculum, but also thoroughly teach pupils the techniques required to tackle exam questions effectively. In addition, we go further-training them in essential exam techniques that empower them to excel under real exam conditions. By mastering both the content of the syllabus and the strategies for success, students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed not just to succeed in the exam but to manage the pressures and challenges it presents.

Guided by evidence-based insights, we recognise that children learn best when actively engaged, intrinsically motivated, and supported by positive emotions and social interaction. This philosophy is shaped by Marie’s Masters Degree in Education, specialising in child psychology and literacy development, and it influences every aspect of our work.

By blending traditional teaching methods with premium resources and incorporating educational games and activities, we create lessons that are both effective and enjoyable. Mental preparation is a cornerstone of our philosophy, helping to build confidence and resilience, fostering academic success, and creating a deeply fulfilling learning experience.

Superbrain Skills Videos – Reinforce Learning Anytime, Anywhere

Term-time students have access to video explanations of the key techniques taught in each lesson. These videos are designed to:

 Reinforce learning – Helping students revisit essential concepts covered in class.

 Provide step-by-step guidance – Breaking down techniques in a clear, structured way.

 Support independent review – Allowing students to study at their own pace, whenever they need.

Whether your child wants to refresh their understanding, master tricky techniques, or solidify their knowledge, these videos offer an invaluable resource to build confidence and success in their 11+ preparation.

Assessments and Progress Reports

In addition to weekly spelling tests, our term-time students undergo formal assessments twice per term, at half-term and at the end of the term, covering all topic areas. These assessments provide a valuable measure of progress over time, ensuring that we can track genuine improvements in attainment without being overly influenced by short-term fluctuations. Testing more frequently risks skewing results due to the occasional ‘off week,’ whereas our structured approach strikes the perfect balance between regular monitoring and meaningful insight.

Based on the initial assessment and your child's specific answers, we create a personalised tuition plan that sets individual targets for each subject area that is relevant to them, such as English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Every lesson is designed to develop these areas. We continuously monitor progress, allowing us to refine tuition plans to ensure they suit your child's needs and challenges.

Parents are always welcome to contact us at any stage during their child's 11+ course for feedback on their development. They can speak with their child's teacher after lessons or contact Marie directly by phone or email for further insight. As a smaller, truly independent provider, parents don’t discuss their child’s progress with a franchisee or a non‑teacher — they receive guidance from qualified teachers who understand their child’s needs. Our size allows us to offer truly tailored support and maintain a close, supportive relationship with families.

Homework Designed for Mastery and Confidence

At Marie Redmond Tuition, we believe in providing homework that is both meaningful and manageable. Our thoughtfully designed tasks reinforce the skills taught during each 11 Plus tuition lesson, ensuring pupils are fully prepared for success. Homework is set to be completed for the next lesson, where it is reviewed, giving students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and address any challenges.

With many years of experience and a history of successful outcomes, we’ve refined our approach to homework, striking a balance that encourages consistent progress without overwhelming students or families. Our longer lessons, compared to shorter ones offered by many other tutors, allow students to grasp key concepts in class-reducing reliance on excessive amounts of homework whilst ensuring it remains a valuable part of their learning.

Too little homework can leave students underprepared, whilst too much can lead to homework resistance, stress, and disengagement. The vast majority of parents say that we provide just the right amount of homework-carefully calibrated to meet students’ needs and prepare them thoroughly for the 11 Plus exams. Each task is purposeful, ensuring pupils work hard and make consistent progress whilst minimising unnecessary stress. Our balanced approach ensures that homework remains a valuable, manageable, and productive part of each pupil’s learning journey.

Additionally, we encourage parents to support their children by exploring a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books. This helps build the critical comprehension and vocabulary skills essential for 11 Plus success.

Marie Redmond Tuition 'Bag of Knowledge'

During your child's first term-time course lesson, they will receive a Bag of Knowledge, carefully curated to support their learning journey. This exclusive collection includes Marie Redmond's Superbrain resources and a selection of books from leading publishers (such as CGP, Bond, Schofield & Sims and Collins), ensuring they have everything they need to excel. As the course progresses, students are given additional books at the appropriate stages to support their learning throughout the year.

Each student receives their materials in a premium Marie Redmond Tuition rucksack, designed to reflect the exceptional quality of our tuition and resources. Inside, they'll find an electronic thesaurus, a tin of Marie Redmond's Superbrain vocabulary flashcards and a dry erase whiteboard.

Students also receive notebooks dedicated to spellings, vocabulary and maths, as well as a plain notebook for additional notes. Completing the set is a pencil case stocked with essential stationery including HB pencils, an eraser, sharpener and a dry erase pen.

Included in the Bag of Knowledge is a high-quality stainless steel insulated water bottle, complete with a fun vocabulary feature on the back, because we believe learning should be both effective and enjoyable. Research on UK primary school pupils shows that even mild dehydration can affect concentration and cognitive performance, so we always encourage them to attend with a full water bottle. We favour stainless steel over plastic to help reduce children’s exposure to microplastics.

Best of all, the cost of the Bag of Knowledge and all resources for the course is fully covered within the monthly course fees.

Marie Redmond's Superbrain

Students attending our Year 5 11+ Easter and 11+ summer holiday courses receive a Superbrain English and verbal reasoning holiday course book for each week they attend, further reinforcing their skills. Plus, all term-time students receive Marie Redmond's Superbrain 11 Plus Flash Cards upon joining—an interactive resource designed to supercharge their vocabulary and accelerate exam preparation.

Explore our full Superbrain collection and discover how these exclusive resources support students on their journey to 11+ success.

The Marie Redmond Tuition Book Club

Sharing our enjoyment of books is a fantastic way to encourage reading and therefore develop vocabulary and comprehension at home. The Marie Redmond Tuition Book Club is an excellent platform for discussions about books, opportunities for creativity and promoting reading for pleasure. Discover our book of the month.

Creative Thinking Course

The virtual Creative Thinking Course is particularly useful for boys preparing for the latest format of the Reading School 11+ exam but is open to all our term-time students.

Students attend one creative thinking lesson per week on Zoom, which lasts for 45 minutes. Students are taught to use innovation and problem solving. They will become adept at approaching situations in different ways, using diverse strategies.

Every lesson includes a fun thinking skills warm-up activity followed by the main focus of the lesson. Strategies like group discussions, questioning, mind mapping, and thinking 'outside the box' are employed to encourage creative learning approaches. Students learn various writing techniques and how to draft, review, and edit their work.

Homework is assigned weekly to consolidate the skills taught during the lesson. Homework is submitted via email, and the creative thinking teacher annotates the text and writes a short report. General points about the texts are reviewed at the start of the next lesson.

Course Details:

• One lesson per week on Zoom, lasting 45 minutes
• Fee, including books: £25 per lesson

For further information, including fees, term dates and FAQ's, please visit our Creative Thinking Course page.

Save 20% with Tax-Free Childcare

As we're registered with Ofsted, we accept payment by Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Vouchers for all our classroom-based courses. If your employer has a Childcare Vouchers scheme and you did not join it (these closed to new entrants on 4th October 2018), you may be eligible for the replacement scheme, Tax-Free Childcare.

With Tax-Free Childcare, you can save 20% on the cost of your child's course. For every £8 you pay into the scheme, the government will pay in £2, up to a maximum top-up of £2000 per year. Many of our students' parents take advantage of this scheme and you can find out here if you are eligible. You can select this payment method when you enrol, or you can switch to it at anytime.

Days and Times

There are a selection of 11 Plus Tuition Courses to choose from at our centres in Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Bushey, Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Stoke Poges and Winnersh.

We currently accept registrations for students starting up to and including the 2031-32 academic year. New students are welcome to join a course at any point, not just at the start of the year (subject to availability). If your child joins after the start of term, we will provide a personalised payment plan so that you only pay from their first lesson.

Fees

We offer a straightforward monthly payment plan for our term-time course, which you can see on our fees pages. Many parents take advantage of the government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme to save 20% on their fees.

Our term-time course fees include all books and resources to support your child's learning. Unlike some providers, we don’t bundle intensive holiday course fees into our term-time pricing, so parents only pay for the tuition their child truly needs. Mock tests are available to book separately to give families flexibility in how many they choose to book.

Some providers embed extra courses within their fees, meaning families may contribute to a mock test or holiday course their child never attends. Our approach is fair, flexible, and transparent, giving parents control over their child’s education. Before committing to intensive holiday tuition, we recommend assessing your child's progress-ensuring that any extra support is genuinely beneficial, rather than included by default.

Holiday Courses

Our 4-day 11 Plus Intensive Easter Course for Year 5 students takes place in Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Stoke Poges and Winnersh. Our 11 Plus Intensive Summer Courses consist of 4-day courses for Year 4 students or 5-day courses for Year 5 students and take place in Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Bushey (from 2025), Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe, Stoke Poges and Winnersh. The holiday courses concentrate on exam techniques and skills gaps, with educational games playing an integral part so that children remain engaged throughout. The 11 Plus Summer Courses for Year 5 students include a mock exam on the final day.

• The Amersham 11 Plus Tuition Centre is conveniently located for residents of Amersham, Chenies, Chesham, Little Missenden, Great Missenden, Little Chalfont, Chalfont St Giles and Chalfont St Peter.
• The Aylesbury 11 Plus Tuition Centre is conveniently located for residents of Aylesbury, Stoke Mandeville, Wendover, Weston Turville, Aston Clinton, Stone, Waddesdon, Quainton, Haddenham, Tring and Luton.
• The Beaconsfield 11 Plus Tuition Centre is conveniently located for residents of Seer Green, Jordans, Tylers Green, Penn, Wooburn Green, Bourne End and Cookham.
• The Bushey 11 Plus Tuition Centre is conveniently located for residents of Borehamwood, Bushey, Edgware, Hatch End, Harrow, Northwood (including Moor Park), Radlett, Rickmansworth (including Croxley Green) and Watford.
• The Gerrards Cross 11 Plus Tuition Centre is conveniently located for residents of Gerrards Cross, Fulmer, Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles and Denham.
• The High Wycombe 11 Plus Tuition Centre is conveniently located for residents of West Wycombe, Hazlemere, Marlow and Loudwater.
• The Reading 11 Plus Tuition Centre (Winnersh) conveniently located for residents of Woodley, Earley, Shinfield, Sonning, Wokingham, Twyford, Caversham, Bracknell, Theale, Calcot, Tilehurst and Henley-on-Thames.
• The Stoke Poges 11 Plus Tuition Centre is conveniently located for residents of Stoke Poges, Hedgerley, Fulmer, Slough, Farnham Common, Farnham Royal, Iver, Denham, Uxbridge, Hayes, Harrow and Windsor.

11+ Mock Exams With Marie Redmond 11+ Intelligent Video Learning®

Get exam ready with Marie Redmond Tuition 11 Plus Mock Exams for the Buckinghamshire, Kendrick, Slough, Kendrick and SW Herts exams.

Students who sat our mock exams in 2025 said they were very similar to the actual tests, which made them feel prepared and confident when sitting the exam.