Tom Sanderson Tutoring

Important Deadline – Bucks 11+ registration closes.

Deadline: Friday 13 June, 3pm — Bucks 11+ registration closes. MK state school parents must opt IN. Test is 10 September 2026.

Important Deadline – Bucks 11+ registration closes. Deadline: Friday 13 June, 3pm — Bucks 11+ registration closes. MK state school parents must opt IN. Test is 10 September 2026.

11+ tutoring in Milton Keynes: what you need to know about the Buckinghamshire grammar schools

If you live in Milton Keynes and you are considering grammar school for your child, Buckinghamshire is the most likely route. Schools like Aylesbury Grammar, Chesham Grammar, and Royal Latin in Buckingham are within reach for MK families and are among the most sought after state schools in the region. Here is a practical guide to how it works and what preparation looks like....

11+ tutoring in Milton Keynes: what you need to know about the Buckinghamshire grammar schools If you live in Milton Keynes and you are considering grammar school for your child, Buckinghamshire is the most likely route. Schools like Aylesbury Grammar, Chesham Grammar, and Royal Latin in Buc…

The one habit that makes the biggest difference in 11+ preparation

After years of preparing children for the 11+, if I had to name the single habit that separates children who perform well on the day from those who underperform, it would be this: reading the question twice before answering. It sounds obvious. It is not obvious to a ten year old sitting in an exam hall trying to work quickly through 80 questions in 40 minutes....

The one habit that makes the biggest difference in 11+ preparation After years of preparing children for the 11+, if I had to name the single habit that separates children who perform well on the day from those who underperform, it would be this: reading the quest…

Is my child right for grammar school? Questions every parent asks

If you have a child in Year 3 or Year 4 and grammar school has started appearing on your radar, you are probably asking yourself the same questions most parents ask at this stage. Is my child clever enough? Will the pressure be too much? How do I even know if it is worth trying? Here is what I tell parents honestly, having prepared children for the 11+ since 2020....

Is my child right for grammar school? Questions every parent asks If you have a child in Year 3 or Year 4 and grammar school has started appearing on your radar, you are probably asking yourself the same questions most parents ask at this stage. Is my child cleve…

What is Verbal Reasoning and why does my child need it for the 11+?

If your child is preparing for a grammar school entrance exam, you have probably seen the words Verbal Reasoning on the syllabus and wondered what on earth it actually means. Verbal Reasoning is essentially the ability to understand and reason using words. The 11+ tests it because grammar schools want to see how well a child can think with language, not just how much they have memorised....

tomsandersontutoring.wordpress.com

I'm Tom, a tutor based in Milton Keynes. I specialise in 11+ and grammar school preparation, as well as KS2 and GCSE Maths and English. I've been tutoring since 2020 and every child I've prepared for the 11+ has passed, which I'm really proud of.

I know how stressful the grammar school process can feel for families, especially with the 11+ coming up faster than it seems. If your child is in Year 4 or 5 and you're starting to think about preparation, or if you just want to have a chat about whether tutoring might help, I'm happy to talk it through with no pressure at all.

Sessions are one to one, in person around Milton Keynes or online, and the first conversation is always free.
Feel free to message me here or give me a call on 07523 434161.
Tom

Call now to connect with business.

When should you start preparing for the 11+?

It is one of the most common questions I get from parents in Milton Keynes. The answer depends on your child, but here is what I have found works well after years of supporting families through the process. Most children benefit from starting preparation around Year 4, so roughly 12 to 18 months before the exam. It is about giving them enough time to get comfortable with the style of questions, especially Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, which most children have never seen before in school....

tomsandersontutoring.wordpress.com

I'm Tom, I've been a tutor since 2017 and running my own business since 2020. I specialise in building confidence and using positive psychology and positive reinforcement to help your child succeed.

I have supported over 100 students privately to ace their exams, build their knowledge, and gain confidence. I also work in schools in and around Milton Keynes to deliver fun and engaging after-school maths clubs, which help to show the students that maths isn't scary.

I offer both online sessions and in-person tutoring in and around the Milton Keynes area.

If you'd like more information, comment below or email me at: [email protected]

I’ve been a tutor and education coach since 2017, and I've noticed that some children write their numbers mirrored. It can be frustrating to see, particularly if a child's peers don't appear to have this problem. From research and experience supporting children, here are a few tips that might help. However, it's important to remember that most children grow out of this phase. Be patient and gently remind them of the correct way to write numbers.

Use Multi-Sensory Techniques: Encourage the child to trace numbers in sand, shaving cream, or with their finger in the air. This helps reinforce the correct formation through tactile and kinesthetic feedback.

Provide Visual Aids: Display number charts and posters where the child can easily see them. This constant visual reinforcement can help them remember the correct orientation of numbers.

Practice with Large Movements: Have the child write numbers on a large surface, like a whiteboard or chalkboard. Larger movements can help them understand the correct direction and shape of the numbers.

Use Dot-to-Dot Activities: Provide worksheets where the child can connect dots to form numbers. This can guide them in the correct formation and orientation.

Mirror Writing Awareness: Explain and show the child what mirror writing looks like compared to the correct way. Sometimes, simply making them aware of the difference can help them self-correct.

Consistent Practice: Regular, short practice sessions are more effective than infrequent, longer ones. Consistency helps reinforce learning and correct habits.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise the child for their efforts and improvements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation to keep practicing.

Use Technology: There are educational apps and games designed to help children practice writing numbers correctly. These can make learning fun and engaging.

Handwriting Programs: Consider using structured handwriting programs that provide step-by-step instructions and practice for writing numbers and letters.

Professional Support: If the issue persists, consulting with an occupational therapist or a specialist in handwriting can provide tailored strategies and support.

Remember, most children do grow out of writing numbers mirrored. Patience and gentle reminders are key. Be patient and Celebrate their progress and continue to support them with these techniques.

I expand more on my blog

https://tomsandersontutoring.com/2024/09/17/correcting-mirrored-numbers-tips-and-techniques/

URLs Referenced on This Post

1. https://theconversation.com/understanding-childrens-mirror-writing-87948
2. https://parentry.com/what-is-mirror-writing-in-children-and-what-to-do-with-this
3. https://www.teachstarter.com/gb/blog/why-students-reverse-letters-a-guide-for-teachers-mirror-writing-au-2/
4. https://psychology-spot.com/mirror-writing/
5. https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/why-students-reverse-letters-a-guide-for-teachers-mirror-writing-2/
6. https://exploringyourmind.com/mirror-writing-causes-and-solutions/
7. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230405-why-do-some-people-mirror-write

Correcting mirrored numbers: Tips and Techniques I’ve noticed that some children write their numbers mirrored. From research and experience supporting children, here are a few tips that might help. It can be frustrating to see, particularly…

I've noticed that some children write their numbers mirrored. From research and experience supporting children, here are a few tips that might help. It can be frustrating to see, particularly if a child's peers don't appear to have this problem. However, it's important to remember that most children grow out of this phase. Be patient and gently remind them of the correct way to write numbers....

Correcting mirrored numbers: Tips and Techniques I’ve noticed that some children write their numbers mirrored. From research and experience supporting children, here are a few tips that might help. It can be frustrating to see, particularly…