11 plus tutoring with 14 kids in classroom

[confusedinlondon]

Hello
i have enrolled my son in a 11 plus prep course however I am having doubts.

I have asked around my local area and most parents have used tuition centres rather than 1 2 1 tutors.

A few of the centres appeared to have a pressure cooker atmosphere based on their online reviews etc. I selected one based on a personal recommendation from a parent and speaking to a few people.
however, I am starting to have my doubts as they will have up to 14 kids in the class- some of the other centres have 22 students.

They will have 1 teacher and 2 to 3 assistants in the classroom.

I am starting to have my doubts, in particular if my child gets left behind or needs things explained again.
I have tried to find a local tutor but cannot find anyone other than a level or uni students. I have found some online but their responses have been limited ie won’t reply to an email.

I was wondering if anyone had personal experience of this and what their suggestions would be.

Obviously all children are different but I think most prefer to be in a classroom type atmosphere. Mine certainly did. The teacher probably just goes over the types of questions they will be asked and the answers to the class in general. They can do that in a classroom of 14 as well as one to one. The assistants will help with any children that have specific problems (most won't).

Whereabouts are you based? Does it have to be F2F tutoring? I do online only if you're interested!

Whereabouts are you based? Does it have to be F2F tutoring? I do online only if you're interested!

I would have preferred a classroom environment for my youngest but it was during the Covid restrictions. Middle one always had group, 6 though. Sure 14 would be fine though and have a social element too.

Mine had 1-2-1 and really benefitted. It's the same with anything really - 1-2-1 gets tailored to what you need and the teacher is 100% focused on you so you can learn twice as much in half the time. Our tutor was a retired teacher and also did GCSE and A Level prep for some subjects. She was an all around fantastic teacher and she always had supplies of their favourite biscuits.

DH runs an 11+ tutoring company. Online his max is 3 per class, in person 10-15 as they can thrive. But also it’s different to an intensive course. His bread and butter is 1:1 and they always pass so must work.

1 to 1 can be a bit inefficient, depending on the subject and how well planned the session is, eg if it's English composition then the tutor can end up spending time reading the newspaper or whatever whilst the student writes. but 14, even with 2-3 staff, sounds like too many.