Do you know which children will qualify soon after meeting them? Have you had many big surprises where someone has qualified/not done so against your expectations?
I can normally tell within a half term. For some, it becomes clear much quicker. I very rarely get surprised by the results if I know the student well and have been working with them for longer than a half term. I get the odd one who pulls it out of the bag on the day but generally my predictions are correct.
What kind of scores would you expect children to be getting on practise papers to have a good chances of passing their tests?
DD is averaging approx 80% on Maths, English and VR. NVR she struggles with and is achieving approx 60%.
This depends entirely on the area. If it is a region such as Kent, those scores would get you a pass assuming they are achieved with no help and you are using materials at the right level for the test. For some other areas, the bar is far higher and the NVR may be a problem. Lots of areas combine the reasoning scores to give an average score, so the NVR would pull the VR down.
When do most people start 11+ tutoring?
Either in year 4, if the child has gaps, or in year 5 if they are already attaining good levels at school. I personally do not reach reasoning before the end of year 4.
I had one, she would sit us down with the practice books them go cook dinner for an hour! Forty quid please. I’m sure you’re not like that, it just made me laugh.
With respect, she was not a tutor. She was a very expensive babysitter and a fraud. I don't find it funny at all. What an awful way to behave.
Do you get paid by results?? On a serious note do you let parents know if their child has no hope of passing the test.
No I get paid for providing tutoring and never guarantee a certain result. Anyone who does must filter their students very carefully.
Passing depends on more than just having a tutor once/twice a week. It is a joint/team effort and if the parents and child are not on board, the chances of passing decreases massively.
Yes, I make it very clear if I feel parents are wasting their money. There is nothing worse than having to tutor a child who doesn't want to be there or who has no chance of passing. No amount of money would make me hide that from parents.
Do you tell parent's if their child really has no chance of passing?
Yes. I make it crystal clear. Many choose to ignore me though.
I’m a retired teacher (although currently teach 2 days a week!) and am thinking of getting into tutoring. Where I live there are a few selective schools that have entrance exams. How would I get into tutoring for this? Is there a Facebook page or website or something I could join?
There are some great FB groups. Search independent tutors for one very popular one which is not specifically 11+ but very useful. You need to know the syllabus inside out to be good at 11+. Get some practice papers and watch youtube videos and make sure you are very confident at teaching the content, but also the associated exam technique before attempting it.
Also, when do you actually do your tutoring?
Evenings, weekends and school holidays. I also have some overseas students who I see during the day UK time as they time difference is in our favour.
How long do children need to be tutored for to get to the right level?
Year 4 onwards if they lack confidence or have gaps. Year 5 if they are achieving well at school.
Even if very capable do most children need tutors?
They need familiarisation, test technique and confidence. You can do this yourself at home if you have the time and patience. Many parents outsource it for obvious reasons.