Welcome to

Tutorsquared

At Tutorsquared our goal is to meet the needs of parents and pupils working towards the 11+ exams. We aim to create confident, independent thinkers. We offer classes for children in Years 4, 6 and 6.

By teaching the core concepts, promoting problem solving skills and practising exam technique we will enable your child to perform to the best of their ability in the 11+ exams.

Our focus will be on the four subjects of Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non- verbal Reasoning which are common to the ISEB Pre-test, GL & CEM assessments.

Our 11+ course will also cover all important interview technique.

Welcome

Meet the Team

We are two fully qualified teachers who have enjoyed working closely with each other for fourteen years.

Together we have a total of fifty years teaching in North London independent schools.

As educators we create a positive learning environment where children are motivated and supported to face challenges and achieve their full potential.

We believe passionately that happy children are successful children.


  • Co- Founder

    I was born in London but my family emigrated to Melbourne, Australia when I was seven years of age. Upon finishing my secondary education I completed a BSc at Monash University and then travelled in Europe. Having completed a TEFL course I taught English in Spain for a year and discovered my love of teaching. I returned to Australia and completed a Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne . Returning to London I enjoyed many years preparing pupils for the 8+ exams at Hampstead Hill School. In my spare time I completed an Advanced Certificate in Psychology and a BA in Hispanic Studies. I have just completed 14 years teaching at Lyndhurst House School where I was Head Of Maths for the last six years, preparing students for the 11+ exams, Common Entrance and Scholarship.

    I live in Highgate with my husband, 21 year old son and cockapoo, Ziggy.


  • Co Founder

    I was born in London. Following A levels, I completed a Bachelor of Education with Honours at London Southbank University. I started my career in Hillingdon teaching Year 5 and 6 in a coeducational school. I then took a delayed gap year travelling around Australia. For the past 19 years I have enjoyed teaching at an independent boys Preparatory school in Hampstead. I started as a Form teacher and was soon promoted to Head of Lower School, responsible for monitoring academic progress and pastoral care for Years 3, 4 and 5. I have worked closely with pupils and parents guiding them through all the recent changes in senior school admissions and the introduction of the pre test. For the last four years I was the Deputy Head Pastoral of the Preparatory School and Safeguarding DSL. Promoting the importance of developing strategies for positive mental health is something I am keen to bring to the forefront of children’s education.

    I live in Willesden Green with my partner, two sons and our Jack Russell called George.

  • KNOWLEDGE

    A sound knowledge of the 11+ curriculum is the foundation of what we offer.

  • CONFIDENCE

    Nurturing self belief is essential. We will encourage and stimulate your child’s ability to tackle a challenge.

  • TECHNIQUE

    We will hone their skills and exam techniques as the final piece in the jigsaw.

Our programme

Ideally your child’s journey towards the 11+ exams would start with us in Year 4 with our Foundation course which lays down the basics. The Year 5 course goes beyond the school curriculum and introduces exam technique..

As experienced teachers we have seen the damage that last minute cramming can do to both pupils and families. We believe that a structured programme is more beneficial for a child’s mental health, happiness and academic success.

We will focus on teaching the core concepts of the 11+ syllabus in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning. Our programme will cover the requirements for the ISEB pre-test, GL and CEM assessments and written examinations.

We will ensure progression through regular teacher assessment to address any gaps in knowledge and understanding.

We will perfect exam technique and interview skills.

We believe:

  • Small groups have the advantage of fostering an environment where questions are encouraged and strategies are shared.

  • There is no substitute for excellent in person teaching.

  • Regular brain breaks are essential for concentration and focus.

  • Homework set by the school should be prioritised before tutoring homework.

  • Just doing past papers doesn’t always work.

  • Open and honest communication with parents is vital.

  • Above all your child’s mental health is of upmost importance to us.

Our Courses

  • Year 4 Foundation course

    Two hours per week at £60.

    Saturdays

    11 am - 1pm

    Year 5 11+ course

    Four hours per week at £120

    Saturdays

    9am-1pm

    OR

    1:30pm-5:30pm

    Alternative session times may be added in the future, please do get in touch with suggestions.

  • Mock test sessions for Year 6 pupils.

    Times and dates to be confirmed.

  • 11+ Intensive course for Y5 pupils

    English, Maths, VR and NVR

    4 days for £420.

    St Michael’s School

    Highgate N6 4BG

    Tuesday 25th - Friday 28th July

    Morning session 9am - 12:30pm

    OR

    Afternoon session 1pm-4:30pm

    also

    Tuesday 29th Aug - Friday 1st Sep

    Morning session 9am - 12:30pm

    OR

    Afternoon session 1pm-4:30pm

Our location

We have secured the perfect venue in leafy Highgate.

We have sole use of the premises during our lessons.

The modern, bright classrooms are impressive.

There is a large garden for fresh air breaks.

Only 7 mins walk from Highgate tube station.

No parking restrictions at drop off and pick up times.

St Giles College

51 Shepherds Hill

N6 5QP

How it works:

  • Complete the enquiry form below.

  • Bernie or Jane will contact you for a telephone consultation.

  • If we feel your child would benefit from our programme we will be very happy to sign you up.

  • This is a new venture - if there is something different you think Tutorsquared could offer we would be interested to hear.

I have known Bernie Conway and Jane Lihou since 2008 and they are both the most professional and dedicated teachers you could find. They go above and beyond in terms of lesson preparation and getting to know each pupil's needs and then tailoring their lessons to the pupils' requirements. They have an excellent and detailed knowledge of what is asked for at 11+ and 13+ pre-test exams. They are very experienced and are always open to new ideas. They communicate very well with parents and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Andrew Reid, ex-headmaster Lyndhurst House School.

Testimonials

“Bernie and Jane taught both my sons and prepared them for the 11+. They are the most attentive, patient, hard working and kind teachers a child could ever wish for. Both my sons still talk about them with much fondness. I will never be able to thank Jane and Bernie enough for instiling such self belief in them both.”

Marie Charalambous.

Ms Conway and Mrs Lihou were instrumental in helping prepare both my boys for their 11+ exams, and never hesitated to provide them -and me - with additional assistance as needed. In consequence both boys performed extremely well and received offers to interview from their top choice schools. I would not hesitate to engage their services again in the future as needed.

Valerie, mother of two boys at UCS.

“It would be hard to find two more outstanding teachers than Jane Lihou and Bernie Conway.

For me it was a great privilege to work with them. They are warm, friendly and positive teachers who have the ability to get the best out of children. Bernie and Jane bring a wealth of classroom experience and both are very strong in pastoral as well as academic aspects of education. I commend them both without reservation."

Simon Stringer

Former Deputy Head of Lyndhurst House Prep School.

My two sons were taught by Mrs Lihou and and Ms Conway at school. Each inspired the boys with a natural love of learning and a keenness for their subject. Separately, they are both patient, nurturing and no-nonsense people with a passion for their subject and an ability to warmly encourage the kids, instilling confidence and a sense of pride in a job well done. They work hard to ensure they really know your kids, what makes them tick, how they will learn best and what they need as individuals. Together, they make a formidable team.
They really know their 11+. They guided me through not just the process itself but the emotional stress that comes with it. They were always on hand and able to provide clarity, calm and keep me buoyant through what is a testing time for both the parents and the kids. I can’t recommend them enough.

Gina, neurotic mother of 2 boys

“My two sons were taught by Mrs Lihou and Ms Conway and their experiences were great because they had the best education and thorough attention from both teachers. During academic years we as parents get to know teachers closely and from my experience as an overwhelmed mum I always went back to both of them to take their advice on how I should handle my challenges and obstacles and what was best for my kids for me to do. I can’t thank those two brilliant teachers and academic advisors that left a big impact on my family.”

Abir Chatila

“Having been taught by both Mrs Lihou and Ms Conway nearly 10 years ago the impact they both had on me as teachers and mentors remains to this day. I’ll be forever grateful to have been taught by two incredible teachers that helped shape me as a young man.”

Ryan - ex UCS now at Queen Mary, Univ London.

"Both my sons have had the pleasure of being taught by Ms Conway who is a caring and passionate teacher with high standards. Throughout lockdown, I watched/listened in on the online lessons given by Ms Conway and was impressed by her patience and ability to explain and help the children complete the work assigned. She gives adequate attention to each and every child and I have seen vast improvements in both my sons' academic achievements"

L. Ouertani

Jane Lihou has the perfect balance of knowledge, patience and authority, my son really respected her and worked hard to ensure he did well.

Hampstead mother.

Ms Conway has been instrumental in my son’s 11+ preparation. A wonderful teacher, she is kind, supportive and patient. She has encouraged my son to be tenacious and has given him a fantastic sense of self confidence. I highly recommend her and Tutorsquared.

Miriam

Jane and Bernie were the foundation in the making of my son Oliver and the very best teachers you could wish for. They are not only excellent teachers with a wealth of knowledge but also exceedingly kind and encouraging individuals who bring the best out in pupils. It has truly been a privilege knowing them and we will be ever grateful to have been taught by two amazing teachers. My son is now 20 and he still talks kindly about his prep school years. I wish them all the success they truly deserve.

Sharon.