Smart 11+ Tuition

Smart 11+ Tuition: 11+ exam preparation in Birmingham and Solihull

Smart 11+ Tuition is a British academy specialising in preparation for the 11+ exam, the entrance test for grammar schools. Its work is aimed at children aged between seven and twelve and combines face-to-face small-group tutoring with online materials and homework. The company presents itself as a support for families navigating the admissions process for selective secondary schools.

Subjects and exams covered

The programme covers the four areas assessed in the test: Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The academy states that its curriculum is designed to tackle 11+ exam-style questions and that it covers the content needed for the GL exam, as well as offering support for independent school exams and SATs.

Methodology: small groups and specialist teachers

Teaching is organised in groups of a maximum of six pupils, with two teachers per group, a format the company justifies by the improved results it attributes to a low pupil-to-tutor ratio. Each session lasts an hour and a half. The teaching team consists of qualified teachers with direct classroom experience, with subject specialisms. The academy describes its curriculum as bespoke and adapted to the most recent changes to the GL and CEM exams.

Online homework is unlimited and the company presents it as free and award-winning. The site also mentions a free initial assessment and a trial class or visit to the facilities.

Courses and formats

The main programme is the Smart 11+ Success Course, a personalised course that accompanies the pupil throughout their academic journey. It is complemented by Holiday Booster Courses. Face-to-face attendance can be once or twice a week, and the academy offers various membership options to suit each family's needs. During the covid-19 lockdown, according to the testimonials collected, virtual sessions were held.

Fees and financial assistance

The site indicated that fees start at £25.50 per session, or £20.40 when payment is made through Tax-Free Childcare. The academy offers discounts for multiple sessions, which according to its information exceed 20%, and accepts Childcare Vouchers, Childcare Grant, Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare. For new members it offers a two-week guarantee with no tie-in. The initial assessment is presented as free.

Team

The team structure includes Sam as founder, Emily as director, Katie as director of the Kings Heath and Harborne centres, and Amy as director of the Sutton Coldfield and Solihull centres.

Four centres in the Birmingham area

The academy operates at four face-to-face centres: Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Kings Heath and Harborne. Sessions are held at school facilities: Plantsbrook School in Sutton Coldfield, Tudor Grange Academy in Solihull, Woodthorpe Junior and Infant School in Kings Heath and Lordswood Boys' School in Harborne. The company states that more than a thousand families have trusted its services.

Reviews from families

The published testimonials highlight the teachers' attentiveness, the care given to pupils with special needs, the learning environment and the confidence the children gained. Several parents mention that their children secured places at King Edward schools in Birmingham. There are also references to the support during the covid-19 period, the virtual sessions and the encouragement materials sent during the course.

Centres and venues

Sutton Coldfield centre: Plantsbrook School, Upper Holland Rd, Sutton Coldfield B72 1RB

Solihull centre: Tudor Grange Academy Solihull, Dingle Lane, Solihull B91 3PD

King's Heath centre: Woodthorpe Junior and Infant School, Greenwood Close, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 6ET

Harborne centre: Lordswood Boys' School, Meadow Court, 310 Hagley Rd, Harborne, Birmingham B17 8DJ