Mumsnet Talk

Hi I'm new to all of this. DS about to sit entrance exams to top central London prep schools in January 8+. Just heard on the grapevine about 2 agencies: Mayfair Tutors and Gabbitas and was wondering if anyone had approached them about practise papers/exam technique. Found a new agency online knightsbridgementors.com and was very impressed but rather intrigued about who runs it? The site seems to be under construction every few days. Any ideas or advice warmly appreciated x

I am not familiar with knightsbridgementors or the other agencies. My DS is sitting London prep exams in January (7+) and we are not using any agencies/tutors.

Is your DS coming from the state sector or the private? If private, is your school not doing prep work for those sitting exams?

If you are coming from the state, you would be better off finding a tutor with a proven track record getting students accepted into the particular schools you are looking at, thus a familiarity with what they are looking for.

You can DIY by doing Bonds books, mental maths exercises, and story writing (coming up with a complete story in 20 minutes with beginning, middle, end, wow words, and a good handle on punctuation and speech marks).

Also worth just making sure your child is confident chatting about themselves and their hobbies and stuff and doesn't just sit and gunt that they like to watch the telly. I don't know about your area - but when I used to work with entrance exam kids that was something quite key to get them to be able to do.

I've never used a tutor, can't afford one, but SIL found a good one through the Good Schools Guide. Have just checked and on there website they have reviews of the best agencies that supply tutors - anyway they're checked out. I think they're in the good schools guide book too. I don't think they actually supply the tutors themselves. SIL's tutor apparently fabulous - have to admit I'm jealous. Am sure she would do it herself if she didn't work 60 hours a week.

i found the tutor website,it's here

www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/which-school-to-choosen /tutors/which-tutor-agencyn.html

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Pitlochry - I have a proven track recored of getting children accepted into top London private schools. However currently I do not have any spaces to take on any more children.

The bonds papers are great place to start. Make sure your child is also very confident in carrying out basic calulations - accuracy and speed both very important.

Also check with the school if alongside the written papers there is also some team games or physical element to the assesment.

Helllooooo mumteacher. Are you still doing this?

Hello mumteacher, we are interested in your service. Do you have any availability now or in the near future? Please let us know either way. Many thanks.

Hi! I know of a good tutor with a proven track record - he makes home visits or can work out of the local library in your area. His name is Robert and his number is 07896 653181
The boy he was tutoring this year has passed tests and has had interviews for Dulwich, Harrodian and King's College Wimbledon.

Good Luck!

The best way to find a tutor is word of mouth.

My sons tutor has a track record for getting children into Ibstock Place, the Harrodian, etc. She is not connected to any agency, parents find her by recommendation. We had to be on a waiting list, she was full when I first enquired. My son is very happy with the excellent one to one he is receiving.