7+ group classes in London

[javaprogrammer]

While I can prepare at that level by myself, there are tips and techniques that I don't know. Also, it will be better to learn from another tutor sometimes.

I have got all the exercise books for KeyStage1 and Bond books up to Y3.

I am looking for a weekly group class in London (W/SW) during term times to start preparing for the 7+ a year ahead.

Firstly, can you suggest some names?

Secondly, what is a fair cost for such weekly (once a week) group class? I see some classes are super expensive (like £100/hr) while I was assuming more like £30/hr on average.

Thirdly, what is the major value-add of a 7+ tutor? Maths and reasoning I can teach, comprehension and writing I can help practise.

@javaprogrammer are you looking for group sessions because of cost, or were you thinking it will help with the group elements of the 7+ assessments? The majority of 7+ group session are just sitting at a desk being taught and practising papers.
It sounds like you have the time and know how to help support your child with their 7+ prep. A tutor/teacher can sometimes help with explaining concepts in a different way that might help the child to retain the information. They can also teach exam technique, question styles and time management. Also, (no disrespect of course!) I think a tutor/teacher might be useful to teach something like creative writing as there are lots of elements to this and it can be separated out and taught in a sequenced way by focussing on different areas in story writing, spelling, grammar and content! A tutor/teacher can also support the interview or group element of the assessment too as they may have some insider knowledge on typical questions asked or previous group tasks set.

Just my thoughts! (I do tutor in case you wondered) 😂

@MyTwoDads
But still, why is it that expensive?

@javaprogrammer I think the other poster was saying if you go for 11+, you have not paid fees until they get to Y7, but if you join at Y3 you would have four more years that you would have paid fees for (if you went for 7+ instead of 11+).

Maybe I'm not explaining myself properly 😆does it make sense?

An experienced tutor will have guided many students through the process before; if this is your first time, with all due respect, you're much more likely to make rookie mistakes. They should be more familiar with the marking schemes; indeed, some of the most sought after ones are former teachers who have had direct experience marking papers and conducting interviews at specific target schools so they'll know better how to maximize your DC's overall score under time constraints. They often have access to more past papers and questions; many tutors debrief their students after exams and keep the questions for future years. Someone with pedagogical training, or good experience, may be able to help your DC improve more quickly than you can; just because you understand something well does not necessarily mean you can teach it well. Finally, depending on your relationship with your DC, an external tutor might be able to get more work out of them with less resentment.

As for why tutors charge so much? They charge what they can. Would you work for less than what someone is willing to pay you? As you point out, there's a wide range of prices. There are more than enough people who are able and willing to pay the top end prices for reputable tutors whom they think can give their DC a little (more) advantage; the more expensive ones I've heard of don't advertise, relying purely on word of mouth, sometimes need to be booked a year in advance, and have waiting lists.