Here's Everything You Need to Know About 13+ Online Tutoring for Entrance Exam Success

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a parent who’s just had a quiet moment of panic, maybe at the dinner table, maybe during school drop off, when it suddenly hit you, “the 13+ entrance exam is closer than it feels.”

And now you’re wondering, when should we start? Is 13+ online tutoring actually effective? Will the screen really cut it? Or are you late now?

Take a breath. You’re in the right place.

This guide covers everything. What the 13+ exam actually involves, when to start preparing, why online tutoring works brilliantly in it, and how to find the right support. We’ll also share what our tutors at Eximus Education have found works best.

What Actually is the 13+ Exam?

The 13+ Common Entrance exam (CE) is taken by students in year 8, usually in November, January, or the May/June session. It’s used by many of the UK’s top independent schools, like Eton, Harrow, Dulwich College, and Wellington College, to confirm places for year 9 entry.

Three subjects are compulsory, i.e., English, Maths, and Science. But depending on your target school, pupils may also be required to sit papers in History, Geography, a Modern Foreign Language, or Religious Studies. Some schools set their own papers entirely, so it’s always worth checking directly with the school.

Many families don’t realise that students often secure a conditional place at their chosen school early on, usually through the ISEB Pre-Tests in Year 6 or 7. The 13+ exam then acts as the final confirmation. So while the pressure is real, it’s also a big opportunity.

To learn more about how the 13+ fits into the wider picture, check out our 13+ tutoring page for a full overview.

What Subjects Does 13+ Online Tutoring Cover?

Almost everything. The core 13+ Common Entrance subjects are all well-supported, but here's a quick look at how each area tends to work:

1.    13+ Maths Online Tutoring

Maths is often where students feel the most anxious. The 13+ Maths papers include a calculator paper, a non-calculator paper, and a mental arithmetic component. Good 13+ maths online tutoring lessons will diagnose gaps early for algebra, fractions, geometry, and build confidence with timed practice. Visit our Maths subject page to see how we approach it.

2.    13+ Science Online Tutoring

Science at 13+ can be sat as one combined paper or three separate ones in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Our 13+ science online tutors are subject specialists. If your child needs Biology and Physics specifically, we'll match them accordingly. See our Biology, Chemistry, and Physics pages for more.

3.    13+ Humanities Tutor Online

History, Geography, and Religious Studies can often be the quiet differentiators at competitive schools. Many students underinvest in these, which is exactly why having a dedicated 13+ humanities tutor online can give your child a real edge.

4.    English

The English paper splits into comprehension and composition. Students need to write clearly, analytically, and with flair under timed conditions. Our English tutors work specifically on exam technique alongside the writing skills themselves.

So, When Should You Start?

First, let’s answer your main question: no, you’re not too late. Now for the second question — when should you start? The answer might surprise you.

The general guidance from experienced tutors and education specialists is to begin focused preparation around 12 to 18 months before the exam. For most students, that means starting at the beginning of Year 7, or even the latter half of Year 6 if your child is targeting highly competitive schools with pre-tests.

“But my child is already in year 8.”

Completely fine. Starting in year 8 is still very workable, especially for students who have a solid foundation. The key difference is intensity. A shorter runway means a more structured, focused plan from day one. That's exactly where having an experienced 13+ entrance exam tutor makes a difference.

But why does starting early matter? The 13+ online tutoring covers a lot of ground, like exam technique, timed performance under pressure, and confidence. None of that comes overnight. Students who start 12 to 18 months out can build knowledge gradually, do proper diagnostic work to spot gaps, and get comfortable with timed practice papers well before the real thing.

"I always say the students who do best aren't necessarily the brightest, they're the ones who've had enough time to make mistakes, correct them, and build real confidence. That process takes months, not weeks." - Sarah, qualified secondary school teacher and 13+ maths online tutoring specialist at Eximus Education.

Starting earlier also reduces pressure on your child. Cramming is stressful for everyone involved. A steady and manageable pace is far better for retention and for keeping family mealtimes peaceful.

Why Eximus Education for 13+ Tutoring?

Here's what's different about us and why it actually matters for your child's 13+ preparation.

First, affordability. Eximus Education was built as a social enterprise specifically to solve the affordability problem in tutoring. Our prices are up to 60% lower than the market average, and we're talking proper, qualified teachers here, not students picking up a side hustle between lectures.

That brings us to point two: reliability. Every tutor in our network is a professional teacher or subject specialist. We have a 2% tutor selection rate, meaning we're genuinely picky. Only 1 in 50 applicants makes it through. Your child won't be practising their patience with someone who's figured out the syllabus the night before.

Third, availability. We have over 200 vetted tutors across STEM and the Arts, which means we can match your child to exactly the right person for their subjects, their learning style, and their target school.

And it's been recognised. We were named Tutoring Company of the Year at the UK Enterprise Awards and have been finalists at the National Tutoring Awards and Education Investor Awards for three consecutive years. We're also proud members of The Tutors' Association, BESA, and SEUK.

So, What Should You Do Next?

We recommend starting sooner than you think you need to.

And if you are considering 13+ tutoring, now is the right time to ask questions and explore options. Whether your child needs focused 13+ maths online tutoring, science support, humanities guidance, or full entrance exam preparation, the key is starting with a clear plan.

At Eximus Education, we'll match your child with a specialist tutor and build a programme that fits their schedule and their target schools.

Book a trial lesson today or explore our tutors to see who might be the right fit.

The 13+ is absolutely achievable, with the right support, the right timing, and the right tutor. Let's make it happen.