Online 11+ English tutors
Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and creative writing taught by a tutor who knows what entrance papers ask for.
- Every tutor interviewed
- Live one-to-one lessons
- Weekly progress updates
About 11+ English
Not every 11+ includes English, but many do, especially independent school papers and some grammar school tests. Where it is tested, it is usually a comprehension passage with questions, sometimes with spelling, punctuation and grammar tasks.
Some schools also ask for a piece of creative writing, written to a time limit from a prompt. Examiners look for clear structure, varied sentences, strong word choice and accurate punctuation. Handwriting and planning matter too.
English is a skill that grows slowly, which is why starting early helps. Reading widely, building vocabulary and practising writing under timed conditions all make a big difference by September of Year 6.
Exam boardsSet by each school or provider. Often comprehension, with grammar and spelling tasks, and creative writing for some independent and grammar schools.
What we cover
Comprehension
Reading fiction, non-fiction and poetry, then answering literal and inference questions.
Vocabulary
Word meanings, synonyms, antonyms and working out unfamiliar words from context.
Spelling
Patterns, prefixes and suffixes, homophones and commonly misspelt words.
Grammar and punctuation
Word classes, clauses, tenses, commas, apostrophes and speech punctuation.
Creative writing
Planning and writing stories and descriptions to a time limit, with strong openings and endings.
Persuasive and descriptive writing
Choosing the right tone, imagery and techniques for the task.
Proofreading
Checking and improving work in the final minutes.
How a Nerdely 11+ English tutor helps
Builds a wide vocabulary
Tutors introduce and revisit new words through reading and short exercises.
Teaches how to answer
Children learn to find evidence, use the question wording, and write answers that earn marks.
Coaches timed writing
Planning in a few minutes, writing clearly, and leaving time to check.
Keeps you in the loop
Homework, quick quizzes and a short weekly test, with scores and tutor notes in your account.
How Nerdely works
Tell us what your child needs
Subject, level, exam board and the times that suit you. It takes a couple of minutes.
We find and interview a tutor
We shortlist tutors who teach that subject and level, interview them ourselves and match the right one.
Lessons are booked in
Live, one-to-one, 50-minute lessons in our online classroom, with video, chat and a shared whiteboard.
You see the progress
Homework, quizzes and weekly test scores in your account, plus a short report every month.
11+ English tutoring questions
Do all 11+ exams include English?
No. Some areas test only reasoning and Maths. Others, including many independent schools, include English. Check each school’s admissions page and tell us what is tested, so we plan the right lessons.
How can we prepare for creative writing?
By practising short, timed pieces and getting feedback. A tutor helps your child plan quickly, vary sentences and use vocabulary naturally, without forcing fancy words.
Does reading for pleasure help?
Yes, a lot. Regular reading builds vocabulary and comprehension faster than anything else. A tutor can suggest books at the right level and talk them through with your child.
Is the comprehension harder than school?
Often. Passages can be longer and older in style, and questions ask for more inference. Practice with unfamiliar texts makes it more manageable.
Related tutoring
English at other levels
Other 11+ subjects
Find your child’s 11+ English tutor
Tell us their exam board, target grade and the times that suit you. We will find, interview and book the right tutor.