How much does 11+ tutoring actually cost in 2026? Prices vary widely by region and type of tutor. Here's a realistic picture.
Private 1:1 tutoring (the standard)
- London: £40-£90/hour. Top-tier specialists charge £75-£100/hour.
- Home Counties / Kent / Sutton / Bucks: £35-£60/hour.
- Cheshire / Trafford / Wirral: £30-£50/hour.
- Yorkshire / Lincs / Midlands: £25-£40/hour.
- Online sessions: 10-15% cheaper than in-person, similar quality if the tutor is good.
Group / small-group tutoring
Tutor centres typically run 4-8 children per session. Costs:
- Term-time small group (4-6 children): £20-£30 per child per 90-min session.
- Summer crash courses: £200-£500 per week (5 days).
How long do parents typically tutor for?
Most families with a tutor do 1 hour weekly from Easter of Year 5 until the test in September of Year 6 — about 60-70 sessions. At £40/hour, that's around £2,400-£2,800 total.
Is it worth it?
Honest answer: for some families yes, for others no. Many children get into grammar schools without ever having a tutor, using free mock papers and practice worksheets plus parent support. Others need the structure and accountability a tutor provides.
How to save money
- Use free resources (Quest Arena has every worksheet and mock free).
- Hire a tutor only for weak areas (e.g. NVR or creative writing), not all subjects.
- Consider online tutoring — same quality, lower price.
- Avoid year-round tutoring from Year 4 — most children only need 6 months of intensive help.
If you want a tutor recommendation in your area, contact Edu Archives.