★ Latest news
Practical, honest advice and updates for parents in Milton Keynes – 11+ preparation, GCSE support, and SEN tutoring, updated regularly.
10 July 2026
Non-Verbal Reasoning is Now Live on the Practice Hub, Ahead of Schedule
The non-verbal reasoning section of the 11+ Practice Hub is complete and live, ahead of the mid-August target.
3 July 2026
Why I’m Happy to Move Your Session This Week
England are through to the World Cup last 16 and have drawn a tough tie against Mexico, kicking off at 1am Monday morning UK time. If the match matters more than your session this weekend or Monday, message Tom and he’ll move it, no charge and no guilt.
2 July 2026
Why I built the 11+ Practice Hub, and why I’m giving it away for free
The Practice Hub is live at practice.tomsandersontutoring.com, a free and completely original resource for 11+ preparation. I built it because I don’t think children should have to pay just to get a fair shot at an exam that isn’t taught in school.
2 July 2026
The Final Stretch: Why the Last Few Weeks of Term Still Matter
We’re into the final stretch before the summer holidays, and if your house looks anything like the ones I visit each week, everyone is running on fumes. It’s also exactly the moment worth paying a little more attention to, not less.
9 June 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.
24 May 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.…
21 May 2026
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.…
19 May 2026
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?…
15 May 2026
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, and why it matters so much to grammar schools.…
12 May 2026
When should you start preparing for the 11+?
It is one of the most common questions I get from parents in Milton Keynes. Most children benefit from starting preparation around Year 4, so roughly 12 to 18 months before the exam, here is what I have found works well.…
17 September 2024
Correcting mirrored numbers: tips and techniques
Some children write their numbers mirrored. From research and experience supporting children, here are a few tips that might help, and why it’s important to remember that most children grow out of this phase.…
13 September 2024
New Resources for Parents on Tom Sanderson Tutoring!
I’ve added a new section to the website specifically for parents, designed to provide valuable information and support to help you navigate various aspects of parenting.
11 September 2024
Why a personal tutor might be right for you
Choosing the right support for your child’s education is crucial. A personal tutor tailors lessons to your child’s specific needs and builds a one-on-one relationship that helps them feel supported and motivated.
10 September 2024
Why a personal tutor is better than a high street tutoring centre
When it comes to your child’s education, choosing the right support can make all the difference. While group tutoring sessions have their place, a personal tutor offers a unique and highly effective approach.
2 September 2024
My books are open for September!
Exciting news! I’m now taking bookings for September for my tutoring services, and I’d love to help your child achieve their full potential this school year.
6 August 2024
I’m a professional tutor, and I can’t be bothered today
A candid, honest moment, not every day is a great day, even for the person helping your child stay motivated. Some days you just have to push through.
31 July 2024
Tutoring isn’t just for kids – it’s for adults too!
Many adults take functional skills qualifications, whether through college, to support pre-university studies, or for future employment. Studying can be overwhelming on top of other commitments, and support helps.…
29 July 2024
Understanding the 11+ exam in England: key details and preparation
The 11+ exam in England is an entrance examination used by grammar schools and some independent schools to select students for admission. Here are the key details.…
31 August 2023
Tom Sanderson Tutoring Newsletter – #1
Hi everyone, we made it; we’ve reached the end of summer, and a new school year is on the horizon. A bunch of new resources to try, coming off the back of a very successful year.…
8 May 2023
Why tutoring is a great investment in your child’s education
If you’re a parent, you want the best for your child. One of the most important investments you can make in your child’s future is in their education.
5 August 2022
Cat and Maths
A resource that really helped one of my students consolidate their learning: Karate Cats Maths, a homework tool that proved far more engaging than traditional worksheets.
14 December 2020
The Penrose Triangle
A Penrose Triangle is a fascinating optical illusion, an object that looks three-dimensional but couldn’t actually exist. A fun one to learn how to draw.
21 October 2020
Your trial session
A look at assessments, particularly in a first session, and how they can be a useful tool for a tutor, plus how so many get it wrong.
4 August 2020
2020 Summer Sessions
Private tutoring is attractive to many parents, but cost is often the barrier; sessions from top tutors can start at £40-60. Here’s how I made tutoring more accessible.…
10 June 2020
Tools for learning – Dice
While planning a lesson and looking for quick-fire mental maths questions, a set of dice turned out to be the perfect tool for teaching numbers.
6 June 2020
The Productivity Tomato
What does a tomato have to do with productivity, and how can it help your child stay focused on a task? A simple technique worth trying.
27 May 2020
How to make the 9x table super easy!
One of my favourite maths hacks, a super quick way to build a child’s confidence and teach the entire nine times table.
20 May 2020
Enough cable for the job
An early-morning broadband installation led to trying my hand at creating custom worksheets, and testing how well that teaching style translates to paper.
Tom Sanderson Tutoring 