How big are your classes?

We like to keep our classes small at Head Start. There are great benefits to a classroom setting but we feel it is important to keep the numbers per teacher relatively low. Our average class size for the year 2020 was 9 children per class, with the maximum number of children per class never exceeding 12 even on our most popular courses. We also have support tutors who will work in the classroom on a 1-2-1 basis where necessary giving an average of 4.5 students per teacher in the classroom. This gives the perfect balance between group dynamics and personal 1-2-1 attention.

What is the cost of the entire programme of study?

If you attend all courses throughout the year and pay as you go, the total cost is £2645.00. A 10% discount of £265.00 is available if you pay for all course fees in advance at the beginning of the year, reducing the total cost of the programme to £2380.00. Alternatively, if you would like to sign up to all courses and pay just the deposit portion of the fees, you can do so and you will be eligible for a discount of £150.00. This will allow you the peace of mind of securing your child’s place on each term/course but retain financial flexibility and ‘pay as you go’ on the remaining balance of each course throughout the year. This option reduces the total cost of the programme to £2495.00.

Can my child attend a later phase of study if they haven’t been to Head Start before?

Whilst we encourage it, it is not necessary to attend all phases. Our programme of study is designed to give parents flexibility to choose which courses to attend as dictated by their personal circumstances, such as the ability and specific needs of their child, availability outside of school, finances, childcare arrangements etc. Your child will always benefit from more time with us and so we encourage you to attend as many of our courses as possible, but previous attendance is not a requirement for future attendance on a single phase.

Do you set homework?

Yes but it is not compulsory for students to complete it. Every child is different; and every school and every teacher is different too and, thus, how much extra work at home a child can cope with will vary from one child to the other. We believe therefore that as parents, you are best to decide the right workload for your child and whether you feel it is appropriate for them to complete the homework we set. Rest assured though, the option is there and the homework we give will be designed to reinforce what has been taught in class as well as developing those visceral aspects of the 11+ preparation such as vocabulary, general knowledge, basic numeracy skills, writing etc.

Do you have a Year 4 class?

Yes we do! We offer a comprehensive five-step programme for anyone wishing to enrol in classes for their child in Year 4. Coming to us prior to the year 5 course brings many benefits including but not limited to, advanced exposure to and familiarisation of the 11+ and priority reservation for our Year 5 course i.e. If your child attends in Year 4, you will automatically be reserved a place for Year 5.

My Child is not taking the 11+ for a few years. Can I sign them up in advance?

Yes. If your child is in Year 2 or 3 you can pay an advanced deposit payment of £100.00 which will guarantee your place on any Phase. This £100 is then credited towards the cost of any Phase which you wish your child to attend.

Can I register my interest without booking a course?

Yes. If you aren’t quite ready for your child to begin tuition with us you can register and receive emails, notifications and updates etc on our programme of study.

This won’t secure you a place on any course but will make sure you don’t miss out on crucial information and this will make the registration process a lot easier when you are ready for your child to join.

How do I book more course once I have registered?

Once you have registered, you can simply go to the ‘apply’ page and add any additional phases you didn’t sign up to on registration.

Do you offer 1-2-1 tuition?

In addition to our weekly and holiday group classes, we are able to offer 1-2-1 tuition with a select few of our Head Start teachers. This is usually alongside what your child will be doing with us in the classroom, in order to address specific academic needs and concerns. Please contact us to arrange.