11 Plus Tuition in Ilford: Redbridge Grammar School Prep (2026)

Families across Ilford and Redbridge want their children to have a fair chance at grammar school places. The 11 Plus exam decides entry to selective schools like Ilford County High School for boys and Woodford County High School for girls. 11 Plus Tuition in Ilford gives children the steady practice and guidance they need to handle the test with confidence.

From working with families at our tuition centre in Ilford serving IG1, IG2, Barkingside, Gants Hill, and Clayhall, I have seen how focused support in Year 4 and Year 5 builds the exact skills the exam demands. This guide explains the 2026 process, the subjects involved, and practical steps that actually help.

How the Redbridge 11+ Exam Works

The London Borough of Redbridge organises one test for both grammar schools. According to the official Redbridge Council admissions page, registration opens on 1 May 2026 and closes at 5 pm on 15 June 2026. The test itself takes place on Friday 18 September 2026.

All questions are multiple-choice. Children mark answers on separate sheets that get scanned for marking. The Council then applies standardisation so every child, regardless of exact age, receives a fair score. These standardised scores create the ranking used for admissions.

Only children living inside the common catchment area can receive offers. You can check your postcode on the Redbridge interactive map by selecting “education” then “11+ common catchment area”. Families outside this area, even with high scores, do not get places.

Subjects Covered in 11 Plus Tuition in Ilford

Effective tuition follows the GL format exactly. The main areas are:

• English – comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure
• Maths – arithmetic, problem-solving, fractions, geometry and measurements
• Verbal Reasoning – logic puzzles with words, codes, sequences and relationships
• Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning – patterns, shapes, rotations and visual logic

Tuition also includes regular assessment and mock papers so children learn the exam timing and question styles. This matches what the Redbridge grammar schools expect.

Why Catchment and School Ranking Matter

Ilford County High School (boys) and Woodford County High School (girls) each offer around 180 Year 7 places. Over 2,200 boys typically sit the test for ICHS alone, according to recent admissions data. Places go to the highest-ranked children inside the catchment area. Both schools hold “Good” ratings from Ofsted, with strong results that parents in Essex and Redbridge value highly.

Practical Tips for 11+ Success in Redbridge

• Start by confirming your postcode sits inside the catchment area.
• Build a simple weekly plan that mixes short daily reading sessions with focused maths and reasoning practice.
• Use GL familiarisation materials and full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
• Review every mistake after each assessment – this is where real improvement happens.
• Keep sessions short and positive so children stay motivated right through to September 2026.

Families in Clayhall and Gants Hill often find local tuition helps because tutors already know the exact Redbridge format and the common catchment rules.

Common Misconceptions About 11 Plus Tuition in Ilford

• Preparation must begin in Year 3: It does not. However, waiting until Year 5 is risky. A structured, steady start in Year 4 is the sweet spot for Redbridge’s competitive standardisation.
• Natural ability alone is enough: The test rewards consistent practice in areas like spatial reasoning that schools do not teach.
• Living in Ilford or IG2 automatically secures a place: Catchment is required, but ranking by standardised score decides the final offers.
• One weak subject ruins everything: Targeted tuition quickly lifts weaker areas while keeping strong ones sharp.