What Our Students and Parents Say

Tina Kent (daughter at CLSG)

"Our daughter studied with Sarah and Jess for 18 months in preparation for her 11+ exams. From the very outset, they were professional, experienced and struck the right note and tone with our daughter and the other students in the group. Clearly enjoying several years of experience, they both understand what is required, how to get the best out of the students, and how to ensure the programme is both stretching but also not intimidating in any way.

Our daughter would never admit it, but we suspect secretly enjoyed her weekly sessions, and much (if not all!) of the homework. Not stretched enough at school, this provided ample extra weekly academic challenge for her. Where she struggled along the way, Sarah and Jess were quick to step in and offer additional support and encouragement. As for the results - she did extraordinarily well, getting offers from the local grammar school as well as all her private school choices. We can't speak highly enough of the warmth and professionalism of Sarah and Jess' offer."

Ruth Field – Year 6 parent (son at CLSB)

"I just wanted to say thank you. You’ve done such a brilliant job with Sebastian’s English. I can see how far he’s come and how well he’s been taught. I think that might be the last time you see him before the exam, so really I wanted to thank you for getting him to such a good place, whatever the outcome!"

Nia (Year 6 student at CLSG)

"Dear Jess, Thank you so much for all you have taught me. Through the classes I have learnt so much so fast and these skills will see me through life. Thank you for helping me grow. Best wishes."

Minal Shah (mother of 2 boys at Latymer grammar school)

"Thank you Jess for all of your help and support with my two boys over the last few years of 11+ preparation. It means a lot and we will always remember it. You were extremely successful in preparing the boys in their English and (verbal reasoning) VR for The Latymer school and Highgate. We were so delighted that they were both offered places in their chosen schools (the eldest is in Year 9 at Latymer and the youngest will be starting at Latymer in year 7 in September 2023). We felt throughout the process that the boys were in excellent hands. The English/VR programme was extremely well structured, planned and thought out. You gave meaningful and targeted feedback and as a parent I felt that your experience massively minimised my stress which counts for a lot! And from the boys:

"Jess really boosted my confidence in being able to answer a wide range of comprehension questions."

"She helped me to plan and write creative, and well-structured stories."

"Jess really helped me to widen my knowledge of advanced vocabulary and use of literary techniques."

"We focused and specifically prepared for the two different schools we applied to: Highgate and The Latymer school." For both schools I was successful!"

Father of Alec, now at Eton

"We feel very fortunate to have been put in contact with Jess for English/Comprehension tuition. In less than six months, our son progressed from an average understanding of story writing and English comprehension (a classic weak area for boys!) to being able to approach any English 11+ paper with confidence.

The joint sessions with another boy sitting the 11+ assisted our son, and made the sessions great fun! The organised, methodical, but fun approach taken by Jess ensured that each session was meaningful and productive and as parents we were confident that our son would be in a good place come the 11+ entrance exams.

The weekly homework and holiday tasks set by Jess ensured that a focused approach was maintained by our son. He thoroughly looked forward to each visit to Muswell Hill - a good sign!

From the excellent support Jess offered, our son was fortunate to win places at all of the schools we applied to, including several scholarships – a most pleasant surprise. From the feedback on the examinations, our son was praised in particular for both his creative writing and comprehension results – something I would put down to the support and guidance from Jess.

As a final point, we are extremely proud that our son has won a place at Eton - and once again, I would say the tuition from Jess, alongside the efforts of our son, were a significant factor in this success.

This is an honest review of our experiences using Jess. We cannot recommend her highly enough - good tutors are few and far between – if tuition sessions with Jess are available I would recommend her for your son/daughter."

Clara Tucker (mother of Max, Year 11 January 2022)

"Max just got an 8! Big big thank you for fitting him in. That’s double the grade in 7 weeks of your tutoring!"

Bianca Michaels

"Having had three children go through the 11 plus process with Sarah and Jess, I can honestly say that you could not be in better hands. They are kind and inspiring teachers who always strive to get the best out of your child. Their knowledge of the grammar schools and independent schools entrance process is second to none. They calmly guide you through the whole process while always being very realistic about the possible outcome. Their wisdom and support over the years has been invaluable to me - they really are the 'dream team'."