Holiday courses

 

Summer 11+ Courses in Cheltenham

Join us this summer for small-group 11+ preparation courses designed to help children build confidence, strengthen core skills, and prepare thoughtfully for the changing Gloucestershire 11+ landscape.

Our summer courses are designed to be calm, supportive and academically focused, helping children develop the kinds of skills increasingly valued within the new FSCE assessment model, while also supporting students preparing for more traditional GL-style assessments.

All courses are taught in very small groups to allow for individual feedback, discussion and targeted support.

FSCE Summer Courses (Year 3 and 4 students)

Monday 20th July & Tuesday 21st July

These courses are designed for children moving into Year 5 who are likely to sit the new FSCE-style Gloucestershire 11+ assessment.

The focus is on developing:

  • mathematical reasoning,
  • vocabulary and reading comprehension,
  • problem solving,
  • written communication,
  • and confidence with unfamiliar tasks.

Rather than repetitive drilling, sessions are designed to build broader academic understanding and flexible thinking.

Day 1: Maths & Reasoning

Children will explore:

  • arithmetic fluency,
  • problem solving,
  • multi-step reasoning,
  • interpreting information,
  • mathematical thinking strategies,
  • and confidence with unfamiliar questions.

Day 2: English, Reading & Vocabulary

Children will develop:

  • reading comprehension,
  • vocabulary knowledge,
  • inference skills,
  • written responses,
  • and strategies for engaging thoughtfully with texts.

We will also explore the kinds of broader thinking and curriculum links that appear increasingly important within the FSCE model.

GL Summer Courses (Year 5 students)

Wednesday 22nd July & Thursday 23rd July

These sessions are designed for children preparing for more traditional GL-style 11+ assessments.

The course will cover:

  • maths,
  • English,
  • verbal reasoning,
  • non-verbal reasoning,
  • timing strategies,
  • and exam technique.

Day 1: Maths and NVR

Day 2: English and VR

Sessions aim to strengthen understanding while also helping students become more confident and familiar with the structure of traditional 11+ papers.

Course Information

  • Location: Holy Apostles Church Hall, Cheltenham
  • Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
  • Group Size: Maximum of 6 students per group
  • Cost: £65 for two mornings (single morning rates are half the cost)

Children will receive structured teaching, guided practice, discussion opportunities and feedback throughout the sessions.

Registering Interest

If you would like further information or would like to reserve a place, please contact us or complete the registration form below.

Places are intentionally limited in order to maintain small-group teaching and individual support.

 

Other courses available upon request

Maths courses

Lower KS2 Mental Arithmetic

Years 3–4

This course builds secure number foundations and confidence with mental calculation.

We focus on:

  • number bonds and place value

  • adding and subtracting mentally

  • developing understanding of times tables

  • estimation and checking strategies

Sessions are interactive, carefully paced, and designed to reduce maths anxiety while building enjoyment and confidence.

Best for:
Children who need stronger foundations, more confidence, or a calm alternative to fast-paced maths drills.

 

Upper KS2 Mental Arithmetic

Years 5–6

A more advanced course aimed at improving speed, accuracy, and flexibility with numbers.

We focus on:

  • efficient mental strategies for all four operations

  • fractions, decimals, and percentages

  • multi-step calculations

  • applying mental methods under light time pressure

Children learn how to think mathematically — an essential skill for Year 6 and beyond.

Best for:
Children preparing for Year 6, entrance assessments, or who want to feel more confident tackling harder mental maths.

 

Mathematical Reasoning & Problem Solving

This course develops children’s ability to reason, explain, and solve problems, not just calculate answers.

We focus on:

  • interpreting word problems

  • choosing appropriate strategies

  • spotting patterns and relationships

  • explaining mathematical thinking clearly

Children are encouraged to slow down, think carefully, and articulate their reasoning.

Best for:
Children who can calculate accurately but struggle with problem-solving or explaining their thinking.

 

Reading Courses

Reading Fluency & Confidence

This course supports children in becoming fluent, confident readers who enjoy reading.

We focus on:

  • reading aloud with accuracy and expression

  • developing pace without rushing

  • vocabulary development

  • building confidence and enjoyment

Sessions are supportive and encouraging, helping children move from hesitant reading to fluent, confident reading.

Best for:
Children who lack confidence, read hesitantly, or need support developing fluency.

 

Reading Comprehension

This course helps children understand and engage with what they read.

We focus on:

  • retrieving information accurately

  • making inferences

  • understanding vocabulary in context

  • explaining answers clearly

Texts are carefully chosen to stretch understanding while remaining accessible and engaging.

Best for:
Children who read fluently but find comprehension questions challenging.

 

How the Holiday Courses Work

  • In-person sessions

  • Small group sizes for individual attention

  • Short, focused holiday blocks

  • One hour a day for the week, offered at convenient times
  • Supportive and encouraging teaching style

  • Ideal for Easter and summer consolidation

Parents are always welcome to get in touch to discuss whether a course is the right fit for their child.