At Plus Learning, children prepare for the 11+ entrance exam in small, supportive groups. Every session is taught by me personally. I am a fully qualified teacher with 30 years of classroom and tuition experience. Lessons are designed to help pupils become familiar with the question styles, pace and skills needed for the exam.
Booking for sessions for children in year 5 in 2026-27 is now open. Sessions will commence on 7th and 8th October 2026. Tuition includes one session per week plus homework:
Wednesday – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 6:15pm
Thursday – 4:00pm (now full)
Thursday – 5:15pm
To join the waiting list for a future year group, please click the button below:
Who the Sessions Are For
Tuition is for children entering Year 5 in September 2026
Children learn in small groups of up to 8, giving them individual support while also benefiting from group learning, discussion and friendly competition. Many students build friendships that continue into high school.
Fees and Cancellations
Fees are £30 per session (2026/27 cohort) payable monthly in advance by direct debit. All resources are included, so there is no need to buy any extra books or software unless you choose to.
If your child misses an in-person session, I’ll try to offer an alternative session if space allows. Fees are not refunded for missed sessions, but your child will still have access to any materials and homework.
During online weeks, children can join an alternative session if needed, as there are no space limits.
You will not be charged for sessions I cancel or for weeks when tuition is not running.
Lesson Structure
We meet weekly for an hour.
Sessions run throughout the year, apart from half-term, Christmas and Easter breaks. From July and throughout the summer holidays, sessions move to weekly in-person mock test practice, with a focus on timing, exam technique and confidence ahead of the September test. Optional online subject booster sessions are also available during the summer holidays.
Homework: Set weekly (up to 1 hour), with optional extra work available for students who would like to do more.
What children learn
Lessons cover all areas needed for 11+ preparation including:
• Verbal reasoning
• Maths
• English comprehension
• Vocabulary development
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar
• Problem solving
• As the year progresses, the focus gradually shifts from learning new skills to improving speed, confidence and exam technique through timed sections and practice papers.
Learning Tools and Materials
I use a mix of carefully selected 11+ resources and my own materials to help children build confidence across Verbal Reasoning, English and Maths. Over the year, children become familiar with a range of GL-style question formats, helping them feel more prepared for both the entrance exam and the demands of Year 6.
For online learning, I use Zoom alongside Formative, an interactive platform used for both lessons and homework. I’m also a Formative-certified educator. Online sessions finish with a short Blooket quiz linked to the work we’ve been covering, which is very popular!
For online sessions, children will need a laptop or PC, preferably with a headset and microphone, and a reliable internet connection. Tablets and phones are not recommended because the screens are too small for many of the activities.
✔ Fully qualified teacher with 30 years of classroom and tuition experience
✔ Small, supportive groups
✔ Weekly homework and feedback
✔ Interactive lessons using Zoom, Formative and online learning tools
✔ Structured preparation throughout the year
✔ Continued support right up to the exam
✔ Summer lessons, including mock-style practice
✔ Feel more familiar with question styles
✔ Develop confidence with timed work
✔ Improve speed and accuracy
✔ Build vocabulary and reasoning skills
✔ Feel prepared for the exam and Year 6
Please contact me by emailing [email protected] if you’d like more information.
| Wednesdays | Thursdays |
|---|---|
| 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Jul 2026 – in-person session | 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Jul 2026 – in-person session |
| 5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug 2026 – in-person session | 6, 13, 20 & 27 Aug 2026 – in-person session |
| 2, 9, 16 & 23 September – in-person session | 3, 10, 17 & 24 September – in-person session |
| Wednesdays | Thursdays |
|---|---|
| 7 & 14 Oct 2026 – in-person session | 8 & 15 Oct 2026 – in-person session |
| 21 Oct 2026 – online via Zoom | 22 Oct 2026 – online via Zoom |
| 28 Oct 2026 – holiday | 29 Oct 2026 – holiday |
| 4 & 11 Nov 2026 – in-person session | 5 & 12 Nov 2026 – in-person session |
| 18 & 25 Nov 2026 – online via Zoom | 19 & 26 Nov 2026 – online via Zoom |
| 2 & 9 Dec 2026 – in-person session | 3 & 10 Dec 2026 – in-person session |
| 16, 23 & 30 Dec 2026 – holiday | 17, 24 & 31 Dec 2026 – holiday |
| 6 & 13 Jan 2027 – in-person session | 7 & 14 Jan 2027 – in-person session |
| 20 & 27 Jan 2027 – online via Zoom | 21 & 28 Jan 2027 – online via Zoom |
| 3 & 10 Feb 2027 – in-person session | 4 & 11 Feb 2027 – in-person session |
| 17 Feb 2027 – holiday | 18 Feb 2027 – holiday |
| 24 Feb 2027 – online via Zoom | 25 Feb 2027 – online via Zoom |
| 3 & 10 Mar 2027 – in-person session | 4 & 11 Mar 2027 – in-person session |
| 17 & 24 Mar 2027 – online via Zoom | 18 & 25 Mar 2027 – online via Zoom |
| 31 Mar & 7 Apr 2027 – holiday | 1 & 8 Apr 2027 – holiday |
| 14 & 21 Apr 2027 – in-person session | 15 & 22 Apr 2027 – in-person session |
| 28 Apr 2027 – online via Zoom | 29 Apr 2027 – online via Zoom |
| 5 & 12 May 2027 – in-person session | 6 & 13 May 2027 – in-person session |
| 19 & 26 May 2027 – online via Zoom | 20 & 27 May 2027 – online via Zoom |
| 2 June 2027 – holiday | 3 June 2027 – holiday |
| 9 & 16 Jun 2027 – in-person session | 10 & 17 Jun 2027 – in-person session |
| 23 & 30 Jun 2027 – online via Zoom | 24 Jun 2027 & 1 July – online via Zoom |
| 7, 14, 21, 28 Jul 2027 – in-person session | 8, 15, 22 & 29 Jul 2027 – in-person session |
| 4, 11, 18 & 25 Aug 2027 – in-person session | 5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug 2027 – in-person session |
| September sessions tbc when test date is set | September sessions tbc when test date is set |
Online/Rising Bridge Rd, Haslingden, BB4 5BL.
Tuition for the Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School entrance exam
Plus Learning provides specialist 11+ preparation for children aiming for Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School and other local grammar schools. Sessions are held in Haslingden and are suitable for pupils from schools in Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom, Helmshore, Edenfield and the surrounding areas.