Parents' Knowledge Bank

Question 1

What Is the 11 Plus?

Answer

Get an overview of the 11 Plus and its role in the education system. Find answers to the questions most frequently asked by parents

Question 2

Can My Child Take the 11 Plus?

Answer

Let's determine if your children are likely to encounter the 11 Plus. If they are, let's explore whether or not they are eligible to sit it

Question 3

Should My Child Take the 11 Plus?

Answer

In this feature we look at the pros and cons of your child taking the 11 Plus with a view to gaining a place at a grammar school

Question 4

Why Do Schools Use the 11 Plus?

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An explanation of why grammar schools use the 11 Plus. Understand the principles of selective education and why some people think it is unfair

Question 5

How do Schools Use the 11 Plus?

Answer

Discover when and how the 11 Plus exam is taken, how it's marked, and what happens after. Insights into interviews, parental statements, and school preferences

Question 6

11 Plus In Primary Schools

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Discover how, when and where the 11 Plus is used in primary education. Will your school prepare your child for the exam or will you need to assume the responsibility?

Question 7

11 Plus Regions

Answer

The 11 Plus is important only in regions with available grammar schools, but their distribution varies widely. Explore the reasons behind this uneven distribution

Question 8

11 Plus Subjects

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Explore how grammar schools use different combinations of tests for entrance exams. Details include Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Question 9

Examples of 11 Plus Questions

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Your chance to see samples of the questions asked in the 11 Plus exam; Difficulty levels of Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Question 10

11 Plus Courses and Materials

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Discover valuable resources and guidance for parents preparing their children for the 11 plus exam. Get expert-recommended online tools and tips to ensure success

Question 11

The Day of the 11 Plus

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Prepare your child for the 11 Plus exam with these essential tips. Learn how to manage stress, handle distractions, and ensure exam success

Question 12

After the Day of the 11 Plus

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Navigate 11 Plus results, secondary school choices, appeals, and valuable insights for parents in this comprehensive guide

Question 13

Appeal Procedures for the 11 Plus

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Explore the process and considerations for appealing your child's 11 Plus results. Discover if it's the right choice for your family

Question 14

Questions to Ask Locally

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Important questions for school research when moving from primary to secondary school. 11 Plus preparation, selection process, and local insights

Question 15

Politics and History of the 11 Plus

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Understanding the controversial history of the 11 Plus exam | from 19th century origins to present debates - a comprehensive guide

Question 16

Bite Sized 11 Plus

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Secure a grammar school place using the expert resources at Education Quizzes. Only £49.99 a year or absolutely free – you choose which!

Question 17

11 Plus Tutors at Education Quizzes

Answer

Find tutors who use Education Quizzes as a prime resource. Using one of these tutors provides students with complimentary access to Education Quizzes

Question 18

Grammar School Regions

Answer

Table - Alphabetical list of the counties in the UK that have grammar schools. The list has columns for towns (within the counties) and names of individual schools

Question 19

Grammar School Ofsted Ratings

Answer

Table - Alphabetical list of the towns in the UK that have grammar schools. The list has columns for individual schools within the towns

Question 20

Grammar School Student Numbers

Answer

Table - Alphabetical list of the towns in the UK that have grammar schools. The list has columns for student numbers and whether boys or girls

Question 21

Grammar School Types

Answer

Table - Alphabetical list of the towns in the UK that have grammar schools. The list shows details of the type of school – Academy Converters, Community Schools, Foundation Schools, etc.

Question 22

Grammar School Admissions

Answer

Table - Alphabetical list of the towns in the UK that have grammar schools. The list has clickable links to the admissions policies of each school

Question 23

Grammar School Exam Subjects

Answer

Table - Alphabetical list of the towns in the UK that have grammar schools. The list shows the subjects required during the 11 Plus entrance exam(s)

Question 24

Grammar School Exam Providers

Answer

Table - Alphabetical list of the towns in the UK that have grammar schools. The list shows the URN for each school and the provider of the 11 Plus exam papers

Question 25

11-Plus Subject Requirements - Grammar School Entrance Exams

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Question 26

11-Plus History and Politics

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Question 27

What is the 11-Plus (Eleven-Plus)?

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Question 28

Is the 11-Plus Different to the "Eleven Plus", "11+", and "11 Plus"?

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Question 29

What Sort of Questions are Asked in the 11-Plus?

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Question 30

How do I Prepare for the 11-Plus Exam?

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Question 31

What Happens on the Day of the 11-Plus Exam?

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Question 32

What is the 11-Plus Verbal Reasoning Exam?

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Question 33

What is the 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning Exam?

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Question 34

What Online Resources are Available for 11-Plus Learning?

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Question 35

What is a Grammar School Test?

Answer

To be selected for grammar school children aged ten must be amongst the highest performers in the eleven plus exam. There are only 163 grammar schools in England so competition is fierce

Question 36

How does the National Curriculum Affect Primary Schools?

Answer

The National Curriculum, chosen by the Government, applies to all state primaries. It’s a set of guidelines telling schools the subject areas they must teach to children of different ages. It also decides how and when they should assess their pupils.

Question 37

What is the Primary School Curriculum?

Answer

An explanation of how schools decide what to teach in Years 5 to 11

Question 38

What is KS1 (Key Stage 1)?

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Key Stage 1 is a part of the National Curriculum. It covers children between the ages of 5 and 7 in Years 1 and 2, and sets out which subjects have to be taught. It also determines how children should be tested.

Question 39

What is KS2 (Key Stage 2)?

Answer

Every child’s education is split into 4 key stages, starting in Year 1 and going all the way to Year 11. Key Stage 2 (KS2) is the key stage taught in Years 3 to 6, when children are between 7 and 11 years-old.

Question 40

How does the National Curriculum Affect Secondary Schools?

Answer

Most secondary schools follow the government’s National Curriculum, which provides a diverse range of subjects to teach. In the state system, all schools have to teach the National Curriculum but private, academy and free schools do not.

Question 41

What are GCSEs?

Answer

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It’s the part of the National Curriculum taught to pupils aged 14 to 16 in years 10 and 11. It also includes exams, the results of which have a significant bearing on a child’s future career.

Question 42

What does a Progress 8 Score mean for Schools?

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The Progress 8 score is a new rating for English secondary schools which shows how well students have progressed academically during their time there. It compares results from different schools so that their performance can be easily seen by parents.

Question 43

What is KS3 (Key Stage 3)?

Answer

Key Stage 3 (KS3) is the part of the National Curriculum taught to children between the ages of 11 and 14 in the first 3 years of secondary school. It sets out the subject areas covered and also how pupils are tested and the standard they should achieve.

Question 44

What is the Best Way to Revise for GCSE Exams?

Answer

Exams are a part of school whether you like it or not and your results can affect your future. The best way to prepare for GCSE exams is by revising and this guide has useful tips to help you to revise well and get the most out of your hard work.

Question 45

What is the English Baccalaureate (EBacc)?

Answer

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a performance measure showing the proportion of children in a secondary school who achieve a Grade C or more in core academic subjects - English, maths, a science, history or geography and a language.

Question 46

What is the Secondary School Curriculum?

Answer

The vast majority of secondary schools follow the National Curriculum, the programme of study set by the Government. However, academies and free schools are free to choose their own curriculums. Despite this, in reality most do not.

Question 47

How Much does it Cost to go to University?

Answer

The cost of a degree varies depending on the university. Prices range from £1,820 to £15,950 per year. The vast majority of universities charge £9,250 per year. This, and the cost of living, mean that most students leave university with considerable debt.

Question 48

What are AS and A-Levels?

Answer

AS and A-Levels are the next stage of learning after GCSEs. They’re studied over 1 or 2 years and can open doors - to further education and to future careers. Colleges of further education have taken on the role previously occupied by secondary schools.

Question 49

How can I Build Self-confidence in my Child?

Answer

A confident child is a happy child and, along with health, what more could we want for our children? Confidence and self-esteem give us so much and, by communication, responsibility and setting goals, you can give them to your child

Question 50

How can I Help with my Child’s Self-esteem?

Answer

Self-confidence will help your child to be resilient and good self-esteem will stop them focusing on any flaws or comparing themselves unfavourably with others. Through communication, praise and support you can help them to feel good about themselves

Question 51

How can I Keep my Children Active?

Answer

Exercise is vital for good physical, mental and emotional health. To keep your children active, give them opportunities to complete daily physical activity and lead by example - let them see you being active, too

Question 52

How can I Keep my Child's Brain Healthy?

Answer

To maintain a healthy state of mind, children need to be set challenges. Expanding their skills gives them focus and forces their brains to concentrate on something previously unknown. Learning a new skill teaches discipline and pushes brains to the limit

Question 53

How can I Make my Child Emotionally Resilient?

Answer

To build strong foundations for your child’s emotional resilience and wellbeing, encourage them, be consistent and let them know they are loved. This will prepare them for the pressure and stresses of life

Question 54

How can I Protect my Child from Drugs and Substance Abuse?

Answer

Addiction is a disease which you can protect your child from. Parents have a huge influence on children’s behaviour. Just make sure that you set a good example and communicate well with your child. Talk about the risks and don’t be afraid to seek help

Question 55

How Important are Friendships During Childhood?

Answer

Relationships with other people are important for children’s emotional development. Having friends will help your child immensely - and you can help! This guide will show you how to assist their development, especially if your child is shy

Question 56

How much Sleep do Children Need?

Answer

The amount of sleep children need varies between ages and individuals. Toddlers might require 11 hours each night and 3 during the day while teenagers need about 9. Getting enough rest is essential for their physical and mental development

Question 57

What are Special Educational Needs?

Answer

Special Educational Needs is a legal term describing the needs of children with learning problems or disabilities. Many children have special needs of some kind, whether they have behavioural problems, mental health conditions or physical disabilities

Question 58

How can I Choose the Right School for my Child?

Answer

To find the best school for your child, do some research on the school and its quality, carefully check the school’s admission criteria and take care with your formal application. But be aware that places are limited

Question 59

How can I Encourage my Child to Read More?

Answer

Even in the modern world of computers, reading is a vital skill but many children regard it as a chore. By reading yourself, talking about books and setting aside time to read, you can make reading fun!

Question 60

How can I Help my Child Concentrate at School?

Answer

When children enjoy what they are doing their focus and concentration is high and they become eager to learn. To help your child, give them plenty of opportunities to try new activities and expose them to different ways of working

Question 61

How can I Help my Child Settle in to their New School?

Answer

The vast majority of children change schools at some stage, when they move up from primary to secondary school or if the family moves house. You can support them by helping them get organised and boosting their confidence

Question 62

How can I Help my Child with Homework?

Answer

Most schools give pupils a homework diary or timetable. Check this regularly to see what work your child has. Get them to show you what they have done at school and ask them to explain projects and assignments

Question 63

How can I Help my Child with Revision?

Answer

Tests and exams are never too far away and they could have a profound influence on your child’s future. But, no matter how well they do, reassure your children that you love them for who they are, not for what they achieve

Question 64

How can I Keep my Child Safe Online?

Answer

The internet is a great educational tool but it comes with hidden dangers. If you don’t keep your eye on them, children may be exposed to inappropriate material. You can protect them and help them take responsibility for their own safety

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A positive experience makes learning easier and boosts your child’s resilience, social skills and confidence. By making the most of what’s on offer, and talking regularly, you can help to make school the best days of their life!

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To make the most of parents’ evenings, make a list of questions, take notes, form a friendly relationship with the teacher and listen to what they say. Follow these steps and you’ll find out about your child’s education, and how you can help

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It can be a challenge encouraging children to complete school and homework (or other things!) but a child who is motivated is set for life. If your child has a positive attitude and works hard to achieve their dreams that’s a great start

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Exams and tests are often stressful for both students and parents. Emotions can run high and children feel under pressure to achieve. But with diet, exercise, relaxation and time management, you can help your child to achieve their best

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Bullying and cyberbullying should always be taken seriously. To help to protect your child, first of all, you should watch out for warning signs. If you spot any then talk to them and see if you can get them to confide in you

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Seeing positives in any experience will develop children’s resilience and an optimistic outlook will help them to recover from set-backs that might knock other children down for life

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To teach money management to your child, start when they are young. Get them to save up and let them make their own mistakes. Don’t shy away from talking about money – it’s vital that children understand finances before they face the big wide world

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Teach children to manage their time and they will be equipped for life. Your child will need to get dressed in time for school, or prioritise answers to questions in an exam. You can help them by getting them organised

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Children’s brains change significantly during their development, and this has an impact on learning and behaviour. Parents are the child’s most significant influences in their early years. Later, their friends become more important

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Holidays are great but before long it’s time to go back to school. Crazy as it may seem, it’s best to plan for the new term from the very start of the holidays – especially if your child has homework to do over that time

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Education brings many benefits, for the individual, and for society as a whole. It improves career prospects, boosts the economy and even extends our lifespans. And, believe it or not, education actually makes us happier!

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Parents face many challenges and can be pushed to their limits, especially when their children behave badly. By setting clear boundaries, removing privileges and rewarding positive behaviour, your children can be encouraged to do as they are told

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Most schools welcome parental involvement and encourage communication with parents because this supports children’s learning. This guide will help you to keep the lines of communication open

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If a child seems a little eccentric or quirky or you can’t understand how they operate at times, there is a possibility that they might be somewhere on the autistic spectrum. Maybe they have high functioning autism, or Asperger’s Syndrome

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Studies show that a child’s academic performance is linked to their home life and the amount of parental support. The students who perform best tend to have happy and stable homes and good communication with their parents

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There may be times when children fall behind at school. To help them, find out why they are struggling. Communication is key. Then you can work with your child, and their teachers, to put things right

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Positive parenting is a lifestyle and method of parenting which relies on communication and love rather than strict punishment. It’s claimed that positive parenting results in calmer parents with happier children

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Education Quizzes is not like most businesses. There are some things we just won’t do, like advertising, forums, cold calls and junk mail. The information you give us will be used only by us.

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We all have a preferred way of learning. Some people learn best by doing practical activities, others by listening, reading or through pictures. To find out which one suits your child you’ll have to observe them to see how they naturally act

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One tool becoming more common, especially in online education, is quizzes. They help with concentration, identify gaps in knowledge, build confidence and help children retain information. What's more - they're fun!

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One of the most obvious pros of multiple-choice questions is that the actual answer is visible. Seeing it could well trigger a student’s memory and enable them to give a correct answer if it’s eluding them. Also, more of them can be posed in a test.

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Children often seem to lose interest in school. They may find the work boring or too hard, or they might have more serious problems, such as bullying. Thankfully, the reason is usually something less dramatic and the situation only temporary.

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See why an understanding of charities plays a key role in children’s education. Understand the subjects and stages where charities are likely to be encountered

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Some people say homework has many benefits whilst others believe it actually has detrimental effects on academic performance. We look at the pros and the cons in detail so you can make up your own mind

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You must make sure your child receives a full-time education from the age of five, but you don’t have to send them to school. Around 80,000 children in the UK are currently home-schooled by their parents.

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Independent (also called private or public) schools are schools which you have to pay for your child to attend. They may get a better education there but, wherever they go, a motivated, bright child will succeed – with your support.

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There are two types of educational websites. Online tuition sites provide children with actual tutors who they speak to over the internet. Educational websites are more of a support to formal education.

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There are three main types of school – state (funded by the Government and run by local authorities), academies (funded by government but not run by local authorities) and independent or private schools (funded by parents and run independently).

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It’s lovely to spend time with your child but you might be wondering how to keep them occupied during the long school holidays. There are plenty of learning and leisure activities that are both educational and fun

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The Department for Education (DfE) publishes league tables every year to reflect the exam results of children in primary and secondary schools. The aim is to motivate teachers to improve academic performance.

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As a parent it’s your duty to ensure your child is educated. If you don’t, then you may well find yourself on the wrong side of the law! Missing school affects children’s academic performance, their exam results and their future career

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An academy school is a publicly-funded independent school. In a lot of respects they are the same as state schools - they are required to follow the same rules on admissions, on children with special educational needs and the policy for excluding pupils.

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Ofsted is an abbreviation of the Office for Standards in Education. It’s an independent, non-ministerial government department which reports directly to Parliament and its job is to inspect and rate schools.

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The Department for Education is one of 25 ministerial departments in the UK government and it is responsible for children’s services and education. It also has responsibility in England for policy in higher and further education and for apprenticeships.

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The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a part of the National Curriculum and it applies to all children aged under five in England. It protects young children’s welfare and sets out the areas of learning which should be covered.

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When most of today’s parents think back to their school days they will recall using text books in the majority of their lessons. Today, online resources are becoming much more common place in schools up and down the land.

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When children first start to learn to read at school in KS1, the preferred practice to help them is through the use of phonics.

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Fractions are to maths what spelling is to English - the fundamental building blocks to the whole subject. Discussing fractions, and playing games that involve them, are the best ways to get children off to a flying start in mathematics.

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BODMAS, BIDMAS and PEMDAS are acronyms for remembering the order of operations in mathematics. BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. BIDMAS and PEMDAS do exactly the same thing but using different words.

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Active Recall is the grandiose name that academics give to a relatively simple concept that all of us understand but most of us don’t know its name. It is probably the most valuable educational tool for every student preparing for tests and exams.

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A fun, quick game that will help your children remember facts about famous people from the past.

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A fun stacking game that can be played by anyone of any age and requires a minimum amount of skill.

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Jigsaw puzzles are a great favourite at Christmas. However, why only do them once a year? They have many benefits and are educational for children too.

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Don't hesitate to introduce this game to young children. It teaches counting in a fun way and, unlike many maths games, it has very few parts for tiny hands to lose.

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A one-person game that takes no time to learn, but is a real challenge to succeed!

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Having an online presence is vital for all businesses in this technological age. Education Quizzes can help you do that and we can also help get you onto the first page of an internet search. This article explains how.

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The easiest way to get a job tutoring is for you to become self-employed. There are tutoring agencies but most put self-employed tutors in touch with clients. Generally schools are the only places that employ tutors full-time.

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There are many considerations involved in starting your own tutoring business, from the legal requirements to building a reputation. This article explains how to set yourself up as a private tutor and rid yourself of agencies and their commissions.

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Tutoring difficult students is all about encouraging them to learn, boosting their confidence and getting the very best out of them. Patience and understanding are key.

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Private tutoring can be a good source of income. The hourly rates are very good compared to many other professions. The only thing that limits them is having sufficient clients and the number of hours you can work.

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Tutoring is a pretty risk-free profession but there are some dangers to yourself, your finances and your clients, all of which you should protect yourself against. The recommendations in this article will help you to do just that.

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This may surprise you but you don’t need any qualifications at all if you want to be a tutor. That said, you may find it very difficult to find work if you do not have any. Employers and clients will be much more impressed with a degree.

Age	Year	Curriculum
4 to 5	Reception	Early Years
5 to 6	Year 1	KS1
6 to 7	Year 2	KS1
7 to 8	Year 3	KS2
8 to 9	Year 4	KS2
9 to 10	Year 5	KS2
10 to 11	Year 6	KS2
11 to 12	Year 7	KS3
12 to 13	Year 8	KS3
13 to 14	Year 9	KS3
14 to 15	Year 10	KS4 (GCSE)
15 to 16	Year 11	KS4 (GCSE)

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