Is Reading School's New 11+ Tutor Proof?

What Reading School's New 11+ Approach Means for Your Child

If you're preparing your child for the 11+, significant changes at one of the country's leading grammar schools could reshape how you approach test preparation—and potentially influence other schools

nationwide.

The Key Changes for Reading School's New 11+

Reading School, a top-performing boys' grammar school, is fundamentally reworking its 11+ entrance exam. Headmaster Chris Evans has introduced what he calls "tutor-proof" tests that aim to level the playing field between tutored and non-tutored children.

What's Different About the New Exam?

The redesigned test focuses on:

• Creativity and curiosity rather than coached responses

• Knowledge from the standard state school curriculum up to Year 5

• Removing traditional elements like verbal reasoning that tutoring commonly targets

The school is also moving the exam from autumn to summer, which means children won't spend their summer holidays before Year 6 preparing for the test.

What This Means for Your Preparation Strategy

Should You Still Consider Tutoring?

This is the critical question for many parents. Mr Evans's stated goal is to design exams that assess natural ability and school-learned knowledge rather than tutored skills. If other grammar schools follow Reading's lead, heavy investment in traditional 11+ tutoring may become less effective.

However, you should consider:

• These changes are currently limited to Reading School and potentially a few others

• Most grammar schools still use traditional formats including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and standard English and maths tests

• Check your target schools' specific requirements as they vary considerably

• 
  

Practical Steps for Parents

1. Research your specific schools: Contact them directly to understand their exam format and whether they're planning similar changes

2. Focus on core learning: Ensure your child has a solid grasp of the Year 5 curriculum in English and maths

3. Encourage broad curiosity: If more schools adopt Reading's approach, children who read widely, ask questions, and engage with learning beyond the curriculum may have an advantage

4. Don't sacrifice childhood: Mr Evans makes a compelling point about preserving summer holidays for play and relaxation—balance is important for your child's wellbeing and long-term development

5. 
   

The Broader Context: Social Mobility and Access

Reading School is also introducing priority entry for pupils from certain state primary schools, which has proved controversial. For parents considering this school:

• Competition remains fierce: over 1,000 applications for 150 places

• State primary pupils may have an advantage under the new system

• Private school applicants face increased challenges, though the school has scaled back some of its most restrictive proposals after parental pressure

• 
  

What Might Happen Next?

Mr Evans reports that "dozens of grammar schools" are watching Reading's approach with interest. This could signal:

• A shift away from tutoring-dependent exams across some grammar schools

• Greater emphasis on state school curriculum knowledge

• Potential changes to exam timing at other schools

• 
  

Questions to Ask Yourself

As you navigate 11+ preparation, consider:

• Is your child attending a state or private primary? (This may affect priority at schools following Reading's model)

• Are you investing in tutoring that focuses heavily on verbal reasoning and exam technique? (This may be less valuable if schools adopt similar approaches)

• Have you checked the specific exam format for each school on your list?

• Is your preparation strategy allowing your child adequate time for play, rest, and childhood experiences?

• 
  

The Bottom Line

While Reading School's changes are significant, they currently affect only a small number of applicants. Most grammar schools continue with traditional 11+ formats. Your best approach is to:

• Stay informed about specific schools you're targeting

• Maintain balance between preparation and wellbeing

• Focus on strong foundation skills in core subjects

• Watch for announcements from other grammar schools that may follow Reading's lead

• 
  

The debate around tutoring, access, and fairness in grammar school admissions is ongoing. These changes reflect growing concern about the tutoring industry's influence, but whether they become widespread remains to be seen. For now, informed, balanced preparation tailored to your specific target schools remains the wisest path forward.