The 11+ Dilemma
Navigating selective senior school entry is complex. Admissions can be highly competitive, and that requires parents to make the right decisions in response to a multitude of questions.
For many families, the pressure of the competition can result in the whole process being a stressful experience.
At Meta Prep, we are revolutionsing 11+ preparation by focusing on the key skills to equip and motivate your child.
The Meta Prep Solution
- Clear, trustworthy advice about schools.
- Knowledge of entry requirements to each school.
- Outstanding face-to-face teaching, online.
- An educational methodology that will future-proof your child beyond the 11+.
- Technology that enables us to have oversight of individual pupil progress.
We believe that a Meta Prep education will not only enable our pupils to gain entry to the senior school of their choice but to thrive there. Our vision is for our pupils to reflect on their time with us knowing that their parents provided them with far more than an outstanding preparation for the 11+.
We provide small, face-to-face online classes to Year 4 & 5 pupils already attending school that explicitly develop them for selective UK senior school entry.
Meet the team
Arabella is passionate about progressive education and has used her more than 15 years of experience in state and private schools to found Meta Prep.
Sarah’s 20 years in teaching at prep schools has equipped her with extensive knowledge of the preparation involved for the 11+ exam.
Jen has proven experience and success guiding pupils and parents through the 11+ during her 12 years at Pembridge Hall.
Abby has experience in advising parents about the 11+ during her 14 years as Director of Studies at Eton End Prep and as a private tutor.
Our teaching approach
Our teachers take the role of ‘cognitive coach‘, based on the science of learning, and translate the theory of ‘what works’ into online classroom practice. Their focus is on developing independent, meta-learners able to succeed in exams, flourish in their destination schools and to thrive beyond the school gates.
The quality of our teaching is central to unlocking the potential of our pupils. That is why each of our teaching team, in addition to being a highly experienced 11+ teacher, is an accredited Thinking Matters ‘Cognitive Coach’, equipping them to deliver engaging lessons using metacognitive tools, techniques and strategies.
Our termly fees, paid monthly, make us the affordable alternative to prep school. By offering your child a complete 11+ curriculum, a huge database of questions, expert teachers and advice, there is no need to spend additional money on tutoring or practice materials.
Term Dates & Timetables
Our academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer with lessons taking place after the school day. We two hourly online sessions a week for children in Year 5 and 6. For children in Year 4, they attend for one hour a week.
A trusted partner
Expert Teachers
METACOGNITIVE TOOLS
Measurable Progress
What our parents say about our team
Testimonials
“Thank you so much, we are totally convinced that everything Jen and the course did got William into Dulwich.”
Joe, Dulwich Parent
“A really versatile and valuable curriculum with fantastic teaching”
Olivia, Wycombe Abbey Parent
“The lessons with Mrs Dickenson have totally transformed Adhrit’s maths scores and confidence. Thank you”
Samina, Kent Test Parent
“We were very impressed with the teachers and my daughter was really well prepared for the Kent Test. She particularly enjoyed the varied activities so it didn’t feel like too much work”
Ludmila, Kent Test Parent
“My daughter enjoyed the course so much that on the last day she told me how sad she would be at not logging in to her lessons and how much she would miss it. The programme is well designed. Very experienced teachers that know how to engage with all the pupils in their care. As a parent you can see the results immediately after the lesson with the teacher.”
Helena, Woodford County Parent
What are the benefits for parents?
Our approach draws everything you’ll need for successful 11+ entry under one roof at a fraction of the cost of prep school fees: access to a head teacher who knows the schools and their entry requirements, expert 11+ teachers, mock exams, interviews and technology that offers you ‘on demand’ insights into your child’s progress.
Why is being a meta-learner useful?
Year 6 assessments for selective senior schools are seeking to look beyond candidates whose only skill is to regurgitate answers. Cognitive ability tests, interviews questions that probe for higher order thinking skills and team exercises seeking out emotional intelligence are now universal. This is the age of the meta-learner – independent thinkers and learners with attributes unique to humans in a world of AI.
Why such small class sizes?
Our purpose is to fulfil the potential of each of our pupils. Progress is highest when class sizes are small, allowing teachers to get to know their pupils well and subsequently individualise their learning, whilst allowing pupils to benefit from the sharing of ideas and develop strong bonds within a group. This is reflected in research about the best size for pupils at this age and for online learning.
Our partners
