Welcome to the Autumn term at Tutorsquared!
We hope you and your children have had a lovely, relaxing summer break. It was wonderful to welcome new and familiar faces at the door today.
Little and often is best
When it comes to 11+ preparation, short, regular practice is far more effective than long, stressful study sessions.
For Year 5, there is still plenty of time to learn, develop and grow. The 11+ is a marathon rather than a sprint, and a calm, consistent approach will serve children far better than last-minute pressure. Establishing a routine now will make the year ahead much easier.
For Year 6, the exams are now only a few months away, so this is a time to consolidate their learning, practise regularly and approach the coming months with confidence. A consistent routine provides an opportunity to keep key skills fresh and strengthen areas that need a little more attention. Try to make homework a calm and manageable part of the daily routine, rather than something that becomes a last-minute task.
Wherever your child is on their 11+ journey, our aim is to support them without making the process feel overwhelming. We always emphasise that school homework takes priority over Tutorsquared homework.
Reading really matters
Regular reading is one of the most valuable things you can do to support your child’s 11+ preparation. Reading widely helps children develop vocabulary, comprehension, concentration and an understanding of different styles of writing — all skills that can make a real difference in the exam.
Encourage children to read books they enjoy, while also introducing them to a variety of genres and authors. Even 15–20 minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference over time. For Year 5 children, this is a wonderful opportunity to build their vocabulary and reading confidence over the coming year. For Year 6 children, continuing to read regularly can help maintain and strengthen these important skills as the exams approach. It is also an excellent way of relaxing at bedtime.
Keep the balance
It can be tempting, particularly as exams get closer, to think that more work must mean better preparation. However, children also need plenty of time to relax, play and switch off. Avoid overloading your child with extra work, particularly if they are becoming tired or anxious.
Good sleep, regular exercise and downtime are just as important as academic practice when it comes to helping children learn effectively. This is especially important for our Year 6 children, who are entering the final months of their preparation.
Dates for the Diary - Senior School Open Days
Tuesday 15th September 2026
City of London School for Girls
Francis Holland School (Regent's Park)
Marylebone Girls (St Marylebone CoE School)
The London Oratory School
Wednesday 16th September 2026
JFS (Jewish Free School)
Queen’s College London
Thursday 17th September 2026
Queen’s College London
The Archer Academy
The King Alfred School
The London Oratory School
UCS (University College School)
Saturday 19th September 2026
St Paul’s Boys (St Paul's School)
Lesson Content: Saturday 12 September.
Year 5
English - Vocabulary. Noun types.
Maths - Place Value and Rounding numbers
Verbal Reasoning - Find the missing letter.
Non-Verbal Reasoning - Similarities
Interview Practice - How would you describe yourself as a person?
Year 6
English - ISEB Paper Autumn 2018
Maths - ISEB Paper Spring 2018
Verbal Reasoning - Timed test on variety of question types.
Non-Verbal Reasoning - Analogies, Matrices and Series.
Interview Practice - What are Ethics?
