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Selective senior schools look for more than coverage of the syllabus: secure knowledge, clear thinking, and composure under pressure. We take a steady, well-structured approach that builds all three – so students arrive confident, prepared and ready to thrive.

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Our Tutors

What you can expect from Lionheart tutors

Our tutors are experienced entrance specialists and former independent-school teachers. They understand the step up at 13+: broader syllabuses, deeper analysis, and the nuances between ISEB Common Entrance and school-specific papers. Equally important, they know how to earn a student’s trust and bring the best out of them.

Every placement begins with careful matching. We learn how your child learns, then introduce a tutor whose subject expertise and temperament fit. From there, we agree a tailored programme with clear milestones and calm, consistent momentum.

About Lionheart

Our Approach

Understanding our 13+ process

  • Initial assessment & tailored approach

    We begin with a comprehensive academic review and careful analysis of your child’s conditional offer requirements. This detailed assessment, benchmarked against Common Entrance standards, allows us to create a strategic plan that covers all subjects while focusing additional time on areas requiring development.

  • Subject coordination & tutor matching

    With multiple subjects to coordinate, we assemble a specialist team where each tutor brings deep expertise in their area. Our academic coordinators ensure all tutors work together seamlessly, avoiding gaps or unnecessary overlap while maintaining consistent standards across subjects.

  • Intensive subject mastery

    As preparation intensifies, students develop comprehensive knowledge across all Common Entrance subjects. Our tutors focus on building secure understanding rather than surface coverage, ensuring students can demonstrate the depth of knowledge that senior schools expect.

  • Mock examinations & exam technique

    Regular Common Entrance practice papers and mock examinations under timed conditions prepare students for the demands of the real assessments. We focus particularly on managing multiple papers, maintaining performance across different subjects, and building stamina for the examination period.

  • Final preparation & senior school readiness

    In the final weeks, we ensure students are exam-ready while also preparing them for the transition to senior school. This includes consolidating knowledge, refining exam strategies, and building the confidence needed to step into their next educational chapter.

Your 13+ questions answered

  • When should we start preparing for Common Entrance?

    We typically recommend beginning preparation 12-18 months before the exams, allowing time to cover all subjects thoroughly while building confidence. However, we can create intensive programmes for families starting later in the process.

  • What subjects are required for Common Entrance?

    All students take English, Mathematics, and Science. Additional subjects often include History, Geography, Religious Studies, and French, though specific requirements vary by school. We coordinate preparation across all required subjects.

  • How do exam levels work at Common Entrance?

    Most subjects offer different levels (1, 2, and 3) based on ability, with Level 2 being most common. Your child’s current school typically decides the appropriate level in consultation with the senior school. We prepare students for their specific level requirements.

  • Do students need conditional offers before taking Common Entrance?

    Yes, students should only sit Common Entrance if they already have a conditional place at a senior school. These offers are usually secured through pre-tests taken in Year 6 or 7, with Common Entrance confirming the place.

  • What's the difference between ISEB papers and school-specific exams?

    Some schools use ISEB Common Entrance papers while others set their own examinations. We’re experienced with both formats and adapt our preparation to match your target schools’ specific requirements.

  • How are Common Entrance papers marked and graded?

    Papers are marked by the senior schools themselves, with scores converted into grades A-E. Each school sets its own grade requirements for acceptance, which we help you understand and work toward.

Hear from our families

For over three decades, we’ve had the privilege of supporting families through their most important educational decisions. Here’s what parents say about their journey with Lionheart.

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Just a quick note to say thank you to the whole team. James has his place at Latymer and we honestly couldn't have done it without Sarah's guidance. She knew exactly when to push and when to ease off - something we never quite mastered as parents! The mock interview session was particularly helpful in building his confidence.

The Thompson Family

Thank you so much for arranging the mock interview. Having someone who actually knows what schools are looking for made such a difference to Ben's confidence. He went into his Hampton interview knowing exactly how to structure his answers and when to expand on topics. The whole process felt much less mysterious after that practice session

Claire and Tom H.

As parents, we were drowning in 11+ advice and conflicting strategies. Lionheart cut through all the noise with clear, expert guidance tailored specifically to our daughter. The difference wasn't just in her results - it was in her entire approach to learning. She's now thriving at St Paul's Girls' and still uses the study techniques they taught her.

Sarah L.

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