FAQs
Answers to common questions about our 11+ tutoring support
FAQs
What is Orchard Learning Academy?
Orchard Learning Academy provides supportive online tuition for KS2 children, specialising in 11+ preparation alongside English and Maths support. Our sessions are designed to help children build confidence, strengthen core skills, and enjoy learning in a calm and encouraging environment.
What age groups do you teach?
We currently support children across Key Stage 2, including:
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Programmes are designed to support both general KS2 learning and 11+ preparation.
What subjects do you cover?
We provide support in:
English
Maths
Verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning
Reading comprehension
Creative writing
Problem solving
Exam confidence and technique
How do online tutoring sessions work?
Lessons take place online using a secure and easy-to-access platform. Children join live sessions from home and participate in interactive learning activities led by the tutor.
Sessions are carefully structured to keep children engaged, supported, and actively involved throughout the lesson.
How long are the lessons?
The tutoring sessions are one hour long. This provides enough time to develop key skills while maintaining focus and engagement.
How many children are in each group?
Groups are intentionally kept small with a maximum of 6 children to allow for:
More personalised support
Increased participation
Greater confidence building
Opportunities for questions and discussion
Small group tuition helps children receive individual attention while also benefiting from collaborative learning.
Do you offer one-to-one tuition?
Please contact us directly to discuss current availability for individual support and personalised tutoring options.
Is online tutoring effective for children?
Yes. Many children thrive in online learning environments when sessions are engaging, interactive, and well-structured.
Online tuition allows children to:
Learn from the comfort of home
Feel more relaxed and confident
Access high-quality support conveniently
Revisit learning resources between lessons
What makes Orchard Learning Academy different?
At Orchard Learning Academy, we focus on more than academic achievement alone.
We believe children learn best when they feel:
confident
supported
encouraged
comfortable making mistakes
motivated to learn
Our calm and nurturing approach helps children build resilience and confidence alongside strong academic foundations.
Do you provide support for children preparing for the 11+?
Yes. We specialise in 11+ preparation and help children develop the skills commonly assessed in grammar school entrance exams, including:
English
Maths
Verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning
Problem-solving skills
Exam techniques
When should children start preparing for the 11+?
Every child is different, but many families begin gentle preparation during Year 4 or Year 5. Starting early allows children to gradually build confidence and strengthen key skills without unnecessary pressure.
What happens during the free assessment?
The free assessment helps identify:
current strengths
areas for development
confidence levels
learning needs
suitable next steps
The session is relaxed and supportive, helping children feel comfortable while giving parents a clear understanding of how we can help.
Is there any obligation after the free assessment?
No. The assessment is completely free and there is no obligation to continue afterwards.
How do I book a free assessment?
You can book a free assessment through the website booking form. Once submitted, we will contact you via email to confirm your appointment and provide full details.
What happens after I sign up for tuition?
Once your booking has been completed:
You will receive a confirmation email
We will provide lesson details and online access information
Your child will be added to their selected tutoring group
Sessions will begin on the chosen day and time
How do I choose a class?
When signing up, you can select your preferred group day and time from the available options listed on the website.
Do children receive support outside of lessons?
Yes. Children have access to additional online learning resources, including tutor-created support videos explaining key calculation methods, strategies, and concepts covered during lessons.
These resources help reinforce learning and build confidence between sessions.
Are sessions suitable for children who lack confidence?
Absolutely. Building confidence is at the heart of our teaching approach. Sessions are designed to help children feel safe, encouraged, and comfortable participating at their own pace.
Can tutoring help children who are falling behind?
Yes. Tuition can help children strengthen core foundations, address learning gaps, and rebuild confidence in English and Maths through targeted support and encouragement.
How much does tuition cost?
Pricing information for each programme can be found on the relevant course pages. Tuition packages are designed to provide excellent value through high-quality teaching, personalised support, carefully planned resources, additional online learning materials and regular parent feedback on learning and progress.
How can I contact Orchard Learning Academy?
You can contact us through the website contact form or booking page and we will be happy to answer any questions about your child’s learning needs or suitable tuition options.
Can I cancel my child's tuition programme at any time?
Yes - there is no long-term contract and families are free to cancel at any time. I simply ask for 1 weeks notice before the next payment where possible. My aim is to provide flexible, supportive tuition that works for both children and families.
Alex combines high expectations with warmth, patience and encouragement, enabling children to flourish and reach their potential.
Deputy Head & Former Colleague


★★★★★
