At Plus Learning, children prepare for the 11+ entrance exam in small, supportive groups of up to 8. All sessions are taught by Francesca and are designed to help pupils become familiar with the question styles, pace and skills needed for the exam.
Tuition includes one session per week plus homework:
Wednesday – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 6:15pm
Thursday – 4:00pm
Thursday – 5:15pm
Booking for summer sessions for current Year 5 Students are now open. They will run from mid-July until the test. The sessions will help children to:
• practise a wide range of exam-style questions
• improve their timing and learn when to move on
• become more familiar with the format of the test
• learn useful techniques for tackling difficult questions
• build confidence through regular practice
• identify areas that need more work before the test
Or use this link to book: https://pluslearningtuition.setmore.com/francescagrimshaw
To join the waiting list for a future group, please click the button below:
Who the Sessions Are For
Tuition is for current Year 5 children preparing for the 11+ entrance exam.
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 £28 per session, 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.
Sessions often finish with a short Blooket quiz linked to the work we’ve been covering, which is very popular!
For online tuition, children will need a laptop or PC, ideally with a headset and microphone.
A reliable internet connection is important. Sitting close to the router usually helps, and it’s best that family members avoid gaming, streaming or large downloads during the session.
Tablets and phones are not recommended, as the screen can be too small for the activities we use.
✔ 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 Oct 2025 – in-person session | 2 & 9 Oct 2025 – in-person session |
| 15 & 22 Oct 2025 – online via Zoom | 16 & 23 Oct 2025 – online via Zoom |
| 29 Oct 2025 – holiday | 30 Oct 2025 – holiday |
| 5 & 12 Nov 2025 – in-person session | 6 & 13 Nov 2025 – in-person session |
| 19 & 26 Nov 2025 – online via Zoom | 20 & 27 Nov 2025 – online via Zoom |
| 3 & 10 Dec 2025 – in-person session | 4 & 11 Dec 2025 – in-person session |
| 17 Dec 2025 – online via Zoom | 18 Dec 2025 – online via Zoom |
| 24 & 31 Dec 2025 – holiday | 25 Dec 2025 & 1 Jan 2026 – holiday |
| 7 & 14 Jan 2026 – in-person session | 8 & 15 Jan 2026 – in-person session |
| 21 & 28 Jan 2026 – online via Zoom | 22 & 29 Jan 2026 – online via Zoom |
| 4 & 11 Feb 2026 – in-person session | 5 & 12 Feb 2026 – in-person session |
| 18 Feb 2026 – holiday | 19 Feb 2026 – holiday |
| 25 Feb 2026 – online via Zoom | 26 Feb 2026 – online via Zoom |
| 4 & 11 Mar 2026 – in-person session | 5 & 12 Mar 2026 – in-person session |
| 18 & 25 Mar 2026 – online via Zoom | 19 & 26 Mar 2026 – online via Zoom |
| 1 & 8 Apr 2026 – holiday | 2 & 9 Apr 2026 – holiday |
| 15 & 22 Apr 2026 – in-person session | 16 & 23 Apr 2026 – in-person session |
| 29 Apr 2026 – online via Zoom | 30 Apr 2026 – online via Zoom |
| 6 & 13 May 2026 – in-person session | 7 & 14 May 2026 – in-person session |
| 20 May 2026 – online via Zoom | 21 May 2026 – online via Zoom |
| 27 May 2026 – holiday | 28 May 2026 – holiday |
| 3 & 10 Jun 2026 – in-person session | 4 & 11 Jun 2026 – in-person session |
| 17 Jun 2026 – online via Zoom | 18 Jun 2026 – online via Zoom |
| 24 June – holiday | 25 June – holiday |
| 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 |
All sessions may be subject to change.
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 Rossendale and are suitable for pupils from schools in Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom, Helmshore, Edenfield and the surrounding areas.