Lionheart brings structure and clarity. Whether your child is applying to Eton, St Paul’s, Westminster, Sevenoaks, or another competitive sixth form, we provide tailored academic tuition, entrance exam preparation, interview coaching, and scholarship support.

A mother is sat in between her husband and son in a smart office looking relaxed and happy for a consultation

Our Tutors

What you can expect from Lionheart tutors

Our 16+ tutors understand that Year 11 is an intense time. While juggling GCSE pressure with entrance exam preparation, students need more than subject expertise – they need an advocate who genuinely believes in their potential. Our tutors are experienced specialists who become trusted allies, providing not just academic guidance but the encouragement and perspective that transforms stress into success.

We match based on personality and learning style, not just subject knowledge. The right tutor becomes someone students genuinely look forward to working with – a mentor who celebrates progress, navigates setbacks with patience, and helps students discover confidence they didn’t know they had.

About Lionheart

Our Approach

Understanding our 16+ process

  • Academic consultation & profile building

    We begin with an in-depth conversation about your child’s long-term goals, subject interests, and the type of sixth form environment where they’ll thrive. This consultation helps us identify the right specialist tutors and create a strategic preparation timeline.

  • Specialist subject tuition

    Whether your child is applying for A Levels or the IB, they’ll work with tutors who are subject specialists — not generalists. We focus on building deep understanding, not just ticking boxes. Our team is also familiar with the nuances of school-specific papers set by institutions like Westminster, Eton, and Sevenoaks.

  • Managing the GCSE/entrance balance

    We understand that 16+ preparation doesn’t happen in isolation. Students are often balancing entrance papers and interviews alongside GCSE or IGCSE revision. We help them manage both priorities intelligently — so nothing falls through the cracks.

  • Entrance exams & interview preparation

    Comprehensive preparation for written assessments, portfolio submissions, and interviews. We provide subject-specific exam practice and interview coaching that builds genuine confidence and authentic self-presentation.

Your 16+ questions answered

  • When should we start preparing for 16+ entrance exams?

    We recommend beginning preparation in the summer holidays of Year 10, giving students time to familiarise themselves with exam formats while managing GCSE coursework. Starting early allows for balanced preparation without overwhelming Year 11 studies.

  • What subjects are tested in 16+ entrance exams?

    Candidates are typically tested on subjects they plan to study at A-level or IB, such as Mathematics, Sciences, English, or Humanities. Schools often set their own papers based on GCSE syllabi but may include more challenging questions requiring deeper application.

  • How competitive is 16+ entry compared to other entry points?

    Entry into Sixth Form is arguably the most competitive entry point into independent senior schools. Most schools have limited sixth-form intake with a high application-to-place ratio, making thorough preparation essential.

  • Do I need to write a personal statement for 16+ applications?

    Many schools require a personal statement covering why you’ve chosen their school and what you can offer. Schools look for students who demonstrate passion for learning and can communicate their thoughts confidently about their intended subjects.

  • How do 16+ interviews differ from younger entrance interviews?

    Sixth Form interviews are typically academic interviews in your chosen A-level subjects. Interviewers explore why you want to study the subject and assess your potential by asking you to analyze information or answer subject-specific questions.

  • Can students sit 16+ exams if they're studying overseas?

    Yes, many schools allow overseas candidates to sit entrance exams at approved locations like British Council centres on the same date. It is essential to research as each school has different rules – we are able to advise. As an approved examination centre, Lionheart can also coordinate exam arrangements for international students and provide comprehensive preparation regardless of location.

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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