11+ Level-Up course
The 11+ exam is one of the most significant assessments a pupil will undertake, as the results directly shape their future educational path. However, most UK primary schools do not offer specific preparation for these exams, which are typically taken in September or January of Year 6. Compounding this challenge, while much of the 11+ mathematics content is drawn from the Year 6 national curriculum, many independent schools set papers that extend well beyond these standards, making dedicated and focused preparation essential for success.
Clare Blanchard (an Oxford graduate and former teacher) and Damian Armitage (a Cambridge graduate and former Head of Maths) have combined their unique insights and wealth of experience to create the 11+ Level-Up Course, designed to accelerate a pupil's journey to success. This intensive one-week course provides 10 hours of comprehensive tuition across the four key disciplines: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. In English, pupils will master the core skills for the 11+, learning how to analyse texts and interpret narrative effectively. In Maths, they will explore key concepts to a higher level than the standard classroom and be introduced to new, exam-critical topics they are unlikely to have encountered in school. The course also develops essential critical thinking skills and techniques for tackling both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions, with a strong emphasis on practical application through past papers from some of the most competitive entrance exams.
To consolidate learning, well-thought-out Maths and English homework is set after every lesson. Damian and Clare personally review this work before the following session to provide tailored feedback. Pupils also receive access to a bank of carefully curated materials to support their independent study. With small group sizes ensuring a highly personalised experience, every pupil leaves the course having made significant progress and is exceptionally well-prepared for the challenges of the 11+ exam.
Schedule
Day 1
Levelling up with with key-vocabulary
Shape and Measure
Day 2
Accurate information retrieval for comprehension questions
Ratio and Proportion
Day 3
The art of language techniques
Advanced percentages
Day 4
Creative writing
Algebra
Day 5
Verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning
Course information
This course is thoughtfully scheduled during the school holidays, so students can engage deeply without the pressure of their regular schoolwork.
Held over five convenient mornings from 9–11 AM, it provides a productive and enriching start to the day, leaving plenty of time for family and rest.
The same runs on the following dates, pupils should sign up to only one block:
20th December - 24th December (FULL)
29th December - 2nd January
Price: £500 per pupil
Meet the Oxbridge duo
She has a proven track record of successfully guiding students into top-tier schools, including Eton, Winchester College, Charterhouse, and Cheltenham Ladies' College, and continues to mentor pupils through their GCSE and IB Diploma courses.
Her teaching philosophy is built on the principle that clear writing is inseparable from clear thinking. Clare’s unique Read Smart, Write Smart method develops accurate and confident reading skills as the essential foundation for exceptional writing. This approach not only prepares students for the immediate demands of the 11+ exam but also equips them with critical skills for their entire academic career. Her lessons are engaging and dynamic, using sophisticated texts rich in challenging vocabulary, varied narrative perspectives, and lively imagery to build advanced comprehension and writing abilities. This live instruction is reinforced with self-access materials on a custom Padlet board, an online resource that is continually updated for each cohort and remains accessible long after the course concludes.
Clare Blanchard is an Oxford graduate and professional writer with several decades of distinguished experience in the private and international education sector. Her career includes roles at prestigious UK institutions such as St. Swithun’s and St. Mary’s Ascot, as well as international leadership positions, including Head of ESL and MFL at the Prague British School.
Damian Armitage graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Masters in Chemical Engineering and brings over a decade of experience in classroom teaching and online mathematics education. His distinctive clarity and precision are honed from his experience as the Head of Mathematics at a top London independent school, where he was responsible for all secondary
Maths education and oversaw the 11+ Mathematics admissions process. This insider's perspective on what leading schools are looking for is a cornerstone of his teaching.
He is a published author of Maths textbooks and has contributed to the international ISEB 13+ examinations. Damian has a remarkable record of mentoring scores of pupils into STEM Oxbridge courses and has helped countless 11+ pupils secure places at their first-choice schools, supported by the delivery of thousands of hours of specialised online education. His online 11+ maths course is a direct synthesis of this extensive expertise, combining deep knowledge of senior school admissions with masterful curriculum development to provide an unparalleled learning experience.
Enroll for the 11+ Level-Up course
Spaces are very limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Within 48 hours of signing up, you will receive a welcome email from Clare and Damian with all essential course information and the link to join the live online sessions.
This course is now fully booked.
If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please use the contact form below
FAQs
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Yes, the course has been specifically designed to challenge and enrich every pupil, regardless of their starting level. It is equally effective for children who are just beginning their 11+ preparation as it is for those who have already started, serving as both a perfect introduction and a powerful booster.
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Maths and English homework is set daily, following each one-hour lesson. The purpose of the homework is to consolidate the day's learning, practice new techniques, and help embed this knowledge for the long term. Homework is assigned via Padlet, which also hosts a wealth of useful resources to support the tasks and enable further skill development. All homework is personally reviewed by Clare and Damian before the next lesson, and any misconceptions are followed up on directly.
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The live lessons run daily from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The corresponding homework is made available on Padlet immediately after each lesson concludes.
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The key to a successful intensive course is maintaining small class sizes. This allows pupils to benefit from group learning while ensuring they receive plenty of personal attention. To achieve this, we adapt to the specific pupils in each class, with typical class sizes of 4 or 5 and an absolute maximum of 6 pupils.
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The 11+ Level-Up course is a comprehensive, stand-alone programme. However, for those wishing to continue their preparation right up to the 11+ exams at the start of Year 6, Clare and Damian do offer a follow-on course. All pupils who complete the Level-Up course are entitled to a 20% discount should they choose to sign up for the subsequent course.
Testimonials
Contact us
If you have any questions for Clare or Damian, please do not hesitate to be in touch