Our partners
Welcome to Meta Prep
Where Metacognition Comes First
The complete online 11+ solution
Developing confident,
life-long learners
Focusing on 11+ preparation
All that you need in one place
Metacognition underpins
everything we do
We take a pupil-centred coaching approach in all our lessons
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 Years 4 & 5 and 1:1 sessions for Year 6 pupils already attending school. Our online format means you can join us from anywhere!
Our Year 4 curriculum introduces the key metacognitive tools needed for success. This is the perfect foundation to develop higher order thinking skills. By linking core maths and English topics, pupils are ready and confident to tackle the challenges of the 11+ in Year 5.
At Meta Prep, we focus on the development of explicit thinking skills and processes by equipping pupils with a Metacognitive Toolkit to prepare them beyond the 11+ exam. Each week, we cover the key topics required for the exams in Maths, English and Reasoning.
In Year 6, the focus is on specific school requirements and specialist papers to ensure that each child is fully equipped and prepared for 11+ success. Using our metacognitive approach, we create a bespoke plan for the final crucial months leading up to the 11+ exams to ensure success.
Meet the team
Head of Meta Prep
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.
Head of Maths
Flora’s 15 year experience with a wide variety of assessment systems has provided her with ample knowledge of the selective senior school entry process.
Head of English
Jen has proven experience and success guiding pupils and parents through the 11+ during her 12 years at Pembridge Hall.
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.
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.
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.
Meta Prep workshops are taught in small groups, on zoom, and fill up fast. Our five day workshops will equip all children with a ‘metacognitive’ toolkit so that they understand how to learn and are set for life.
A trusted partner
Expert 11+ 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.
What differs from a 11+ tutor / tuition service?
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. We focus on equipping and motivating children in small groups to help them make quick progress.
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.
