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About Us

We are 11+ specialists with a bank of knowledge and experience, aiming to give as many children as possible the chance to go to grammar school.

The Smart 11+ Story

Smart 11+ History

In 2015 our Founder, Sam, decided to combine his passion for education with his love of teaching. Beginning with 1 to 1 tuition sessions, and then growing to small group tuition under the name Solihull 11+ Tuition, Sam set about tutoring children for the 11+ exam. 

This led to great success, with incredible results from the 11+ examination, and consequently Sam was inundated with pupils wanting to attend.

Smart 11+ Tuition was then launched in 2017, within the Solihull Sixth Form College. The company went from strength to strength, enriching young children’s lives across the West Midlands.

Fast forward to today, and we have grown to ensure more children have greater opportunities and success. Smart 11+ Tuition now has four branches, in four locations, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Harborne and Kings Heath.

In 2021 we started creating a brand-new Smart 11+ Success™ curriculum in line with the 11+ requirements and born out of our experience of what works. 

The Smart 11+ Success Course™ for 2024 has been built based on a breadth of information we gain on the 11+ exam, including all GL type questions.

We keep the groups small, as we believe in early intervention and giving pupils guidance as well as a mildly competitive environment. 

But, best of all, after all these years – we are still seeing children achieve fantastic results!

Smart 11+ Centres

We have 4 fantastic centres across Birmingham and Solihull. Smart 11+ started in Solihull and following fantastic results we opened in Sutton Coldfield. Once these centres were established Harborne opened, closely followed by Kings Heath.

We combine extensive knowledge and over 8 years’ experience setting professional standards in 11+ specialist tuition.

We are constantly eager to learn more about the 11+ exam and frequently update our advice, curriculum, and resources based on the current 11+ needs. 

Our expertise and continued research will allow us to change children’s scholastic opportunities at a young age, and really make a difference to their academic prospects.

With honesty, integrity, and perseverance, we are dedicated to ensuring that what your child learns with Smart 11+ Tuition, remains with them for life.

Smart 11+ Tutors

Our handpicked tutors are highly skilled and specialists in their subjects. This is not just any classroom though. 

At Smart 11+ we value tutors that are not only skilled and well versed in the areas they are teaching, but also ones that are able to create a fun and enjoyable environment that makes children excited to come to tuition. 

This approach to tutoring is a vital part of our mission, we want children to enjoy their time at tuition so that they are more engaged and involved in their learning, which ultimately helps them to achieve their individual academic success.

Our tutors are not just great for your children, they are great for you too. They are on hand at the end of every session to give feedback to help you and your child continue their learning at home! 

They will work with you to help you ascertain which areas your child is excelling and which areas they may need further support and development at home.

Meet the Team

We employ teachers with qualifications and first-hand experience of working in schools with pupils. Our belief is that by having subject specialists with fantastic knowledge in their area, that pupils will be given the support they need to improve and achieve their potential.

Sam

Founder

Our founder, Sam is a qualified teacher, with over 15 years’ experience in education. He is dedicated to empowering opportunities for children to learn and develop in a friendly and resourceful environment. Sam is focussed on Smart 11+ Tuition and has been working on providing further access to our outstanding resources and development prospects for children across the West Midlands.

Recently, Sam and the curriculum team at Smart 11+ have remodelled the 11+ curriculum at the company and have created The Smart 11+ Success Course™. This labour of love has paid off with more children going to their preferred school as a result.

Sam has 3 children of his own and loves spending time with them. He is a parent governor at his children’s primary school and is thrilled by the challenge of overseeing the educational performance at the school. Sam is also an enthusiastic trustee of a local charity who distribute funds to a wide range of social causes.

Emily

Principal

Emily is in experienced in educational development, having worked for high-end retail chains and then youth education charities. Emily graduated from University of Birmingham with a BSc in Geography. 

Her biggest role to date has been becoming a mum to two beautiful children and has really focused Emily’s personal aim to expand on the academic opportunities for young people, whilst providing exceptional support and guidance to parents and carers.

Having worked at Smart 11+ Tuition since its infancy, Emily has been integral to the development, planning, and implementation of the company’s ethos and growth. With care and integrity at the heart of everything Emily does, she has directed the company to change children’s lives through bespoke educational support, resources, and opportunities. 

Across all the branches at Smart 11+ Tuition, Emily aims to get best possible outcome for each and every one of our pupils.

Emily-Steimle
Amy1

Amy

Area Manager – Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
Head of Curriculum Development

Amy is a qualified teacher with 15 years experience.  She did her PGSE following her BA Hons in Education and more than anything Amy is ardent about curriculum and developing unique resources to support children on their educational journey. 

In one of her previous roles, she created and delivered a bespoke curriculum to help children with additional needs reach the national standards in SATs tests. 

Here at Smart 11+ Tuition, with a team of 11+ experts, Amy has implemented the creation, design, and release of the Smart 11+ Success ™ Course.

Katie

Area Manager – Kings Heath and Harborne

Katie is currently completing her Doctorate in Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama at Kings College London, following from her Masters and Undergraduate from two red brick Universities. Katie is passionate about writing and encouraging others to develop their love of all things English! 

Katie loves working in the educational sector. Having qualified as a teaching assistant in 2021, Katie has built up her experience training both adults and children and is eager to support young children in their aspirational career paths.

Katie1

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Why we have been
trusted by thousands of parents..

At Smart 11+ Tuition, nurturing children and encouraging their love of learning is at the heart of what we do. 

We will help your child build their confidence and develop their skills, preparing them for their individual academic success. 

With us helping you to navigate the 11+ world, prepare to launch their 11+ journey, and beyond!

The 11+ Success™ Curriculum

We use a bespoke, in-house created 11+ curriculum, tailored to the GL examination, reflecting the most recent changes.

Small
Groups

We believe that a low ratio of pupils to teachers gets the best outcomes. Our class sizes are kept to a maximum of 6 and we have 2 teachers working with each group.

Subject Specialist Teachers

Two dedicated tutors per child with subject specialisms in maths, English, Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning.

Unlimited Online Homework

Free and award-winning homework, bespoke for your child, to support in-centre learning.

Affordable and Flexible Fees

As an Ofsted registered provider we can accept payment by Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Vouchers.

Reviews

CHRIS NORTHALL
11/10/2022
Read More
Our daughter enjoyed her experience with tutoring and always felt happy to attend. The tutors were approachable and knowledgeable. As parents we found it to be professional, friendly and a happy space for the children. Any questions were always well received and the the team dealt with queries swiftly and competently. It was a nurturing environment where she felt comfortable and gained confidence. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the services on offer and I am grateful for such a positive approach to supporting her. All employees we interacted with had an authentic passion for learning and were a positive influence on the children and the parents / guardians.
ELAINE JAMES
year ago
Read More
Our daughter enjoyed her experience with tutoring and always felt happy to attend. The tutors were approachable and knowledgeable. As parents we found it to be professional, friendly and a happy space for the children. Any questions were always well received and the the team dealt with queries swiftly and competently. It was a nurturing environment where she felt comfortable and gained confidence. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the services on offer and I am grateful for such a positive approach to supporting her. All employees we interacted with had an authentic passion for learning and were a positive influence on the children and the parents / guardians.
ELAINE JAMES
year ago
Read More
Our daughter enjoyed her experience with tutoring and always felt happy to attend. The tutors were approachable and knowledgeable. As parents we found it to be professional, friendly and a happy space for the children. Any questions were always well received and the the team dealt with queries swiftly and competently. It was a nurturing environment where she felt comfortable and gained confidence. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the services on offer and I am grateful for such a positive approach to supporting her. All employees we interacted with had an authentic passion for learning and were a positive influence on the children and the parents / guardians.
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Smart 11+ Case Study

Hear from Zoe and her son Euan about their time at Smart 11+ Tuition

‘Smart 11+ was a really welcoming company. They were really flexible with us, and it was really easy to get in touch with them. We sent them a private message and within minutes I got a response. So, Euan sat the
11+ for grammar schools which he passed and got offered Fiveways!

The tutors have been really friendly, almost like a role model to my son. I would definitely recommend Smart 11+ to any parent thinking of sending their child to grammar school or preparing them an independent school assessment.

You get an idea about where they’re starting from, and you know if it’s going to be suitable for them.’

Zoe

‘Smart 11+ has helped me achieve the grades for the exams that I tried for.

I got into the King Edwards grammar school, and I also passed the Solihull school test. It has helped me achieve the grades for that and it’s been really helpful throughout the six months that I did the course.

The tutors at Smart 11+ are friendly and interactive. They always tried to help me with a question if I got stuck on one. It helped me a lot in school as well, it’s not just for the 11+ test so it would you all round!’

Euan

Achieving Individual
Academic Success

We understand that choosing the right tuition provider for your child is an extremely important decision. 

At Smart 11+ Tuition we offer a completely FREE tour of our centres and an initial assessment, with no obligation to sign up. 

This opportunity allows you and your child to meet us and see your sessions in action for yourselves, and it allows us to gain a solid understanding of your child’s current academic ability. 

Following the free initial assessment, we provide honest and detailed feedback about your child’s potential for the 11+ exam. 

Our aim is to help you make an informed decision about your child’s education, whether this is choosing us or not, and whether this is for the 11+ exam or building self-confidence and developing a love of learning. 

Every child is unique, and we want to help them improve their academic ability and reach for their own personal academic goals – whatever they may be!

Book a free initial assessment to learn more and get expert advice.

Book your Free Initial Assessment

Speak to an 11+ Expert

Request a Free Discovery Call

Amy1

Amy

Area Manager – Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
Head of Curriculum Development

Amy is a qualified teacher with 15 years experience.  She did her PGSE following her BA Hons in Education and more than anything Amy is ardent about curriculum and developing unique resources to support children on their educational journey. 

In one of her previous roles, she created and delivered a bespoke curriculum to help children with additional needs reach the national standards in SATs tests. 

Here at Smart 11+ Tuition, with a team of 11+ experts, Amy has implemented the creation, design, and release of the Smart 11+ Success ™ Course.

Katie1

Katie

Area Manager – Kings Heath and Harborne

Katie is currently completing her Doctorate in Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama at Kings College London, following from her Masters and Undergraduate from two red brick Universities. Katie is passionate about writing and encouraging others to develop their love of all things English! 

Katie loves working in the educational sector. Having qualified as a teaching assistant in 2021, Katie has built up her experience training both adults and children and is eager to support young children in their aspirational career paths.

Emily-Steimle

Emily

Principal

Emily is in experienced in educational development, having worked for high-end retail chains and then youth education charities. Emily graduated from University of Birmingham with a BSc in Geography. 

Her biggest role to date has been becoming a mum to two beautiful children and has really focused Emily’s personal aim to expand on the academic opportunities for young people, whilst providing exceptional support and guidance to parents and carers.

Having worked at Smart 11+ Tuition since its infancy, Emily has been integral to the development, planning, and implementation of the company’s ethos and growth. With care and integrity at the heart of everything Emily does, she has directed the company to change children’s lives through bespoke educational support, resources, and opportunities. 

Across all the branches at Smart 11+ Tuition, Emily aims to get best possible outcome for each and every one of our pupils.

Sam

Founder

Our founder, Sam is a qualified teacher, with over 15 years’ experience in education. He is dedicated to empowering opportunities for children to learn and develop in a friendly and resourceful environment. Sam is focussed on Smart 11+ Tuition and has been working on providing further access to our outstanding resources and development prospects for children across the West Midlands.

Recently, Sam and the curriculum team at Smart 11+ have remodelled the 11+ curriculum at the company and have created The Smart 11+ Success Course™. This labour of love has paid off with more children going to their preferred school as a result.

Sam has 3 children of his own and loves spending time with them. He is a parent governor at his children’s primary school and is thrilled by the challenge of overseeing the educational performance at the school. Sam is also an enthusiastic trustee of a local charity who distribute funds to a wide range of social causes.