Reading, Berkshire · Established 2008 · Ofsted registered
Strong foundations for
11-plus, GCSE and A-level.
Learn to Excel is a tutoring centre in west Reading, teaching English, maths and science from KS1 to A-level. Families can start with early foundations, prepare for the 11-plus, strengthen GCSE subjects or continue through A-level with the same concept-first approach.
- Since 2008
- Teaching in Reading
- Small groups
- and one-to-one
- Enhanced DBS
- Every tutor
Three routes, one teaching approach
Ofsted registered
URN 2662849
AQA examiner on staff
marks the papers we teach
Concept-led
not drill-and-repeat
Published monthly fees
no evasive pricing
English, Maths & Science
Three subjects, taught to A-level, by tutors who specialise in them rather than covering everything. Every word on these cards is vocabulary your child will actually be taught.
English tuition
KS1 to A-level, led by a current AQA Examiner for English who marks the papers other students sit.
English tuition in Reading →Maths tuition
Concept first, from number foundations through to A-level. Understanding before repetition, always.
Maths tuition in Reading →Science tuition
Physics, chemistry and biology to A-level, across AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC Eduqas, IGCSE and IB.
Science tuition in Reading →Every stage, KS1 to A-level
From first foundations to the sciences at A-level. We cover the exam boards Berkshire schools actually use: AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC Eduqas, IGCSE and IB.
11-plus entry
Reading School, Kendrick School and grammar schools across Berkshire.
Learn more →GCSE
English, maths, physics, chemistry and biology. AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC Eduqas and IGCSE.
Learn more →A-level
Sciences and maths, with tutors who examine the papers your child sits.
Learn more →KS1, KS2 & SATs
Early foundations in English and maths, built to last.
Learn more →The coloured bar on each card shows which subjects we teach at that stage: English, maths, science.
We will tell you when not to hire a tutor.
Most 11-plus advice is written by people who profit from you saying yes. We take a different line. We tell you upfront if your child lives outside Kendrick's designated area, because the school has offered no out-of-area place since 2013, whatever the score.
Read: when not to hire an 11-plus tutor- The honest odds for Reading School and Kendrick, stated plainly.
- A concept-first approach, so children can think, not just repeat.
- Small groups and one-to-one, never oversized drill classes.
- Fees shown openly, so you are never left guessing.
Concept first, exam second
"Our aim is to develop understanding and the skills that carry a child through any exam life throws at them."
Children who understand a subject become independent, disciplined learners. Children who only drill for one paper do not. That is the difference between Learn to Excel and a repetition centre.
We teach in small groups and one-to-one. A tutor can then see how each child thinks and where they are stuck. Parents tell us oversized classes are the main reason they leave a centre. We keep ours small on purpose.
Taught by people who know the exams
Our English lead, Mrs Anindita Chatterjee, has taught English for ten years and is an AQA Examiner for English. She specialises in supporting children with additional needs, including autism, ADHD and dyslexia. She is also a paediatric first-aider. Dr Tatyana Dudnakova brings more than 20 years of scientific research experience and 15+ years at the University of Edinburgh. Our A-level maths tutor attended Kendrick School and holds a BSc (Hons) in Physics from the University of Edinburgh.
Meet the tutors →Questions parents ask first
- Which grammar schools does Learn to Excel prepare children for?
- We prepare children for Reading School and Kendrick School, the two super-selective state grammar schools in Reading, and for grammar schools in nearby counties. We teach for each school specifically, because Reading School and Kendrick use different exam boards and formats.
- Is Learn to Excel Ofsted registered?
- Yes. Learn to Excel is on the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register, URN 2662849. Eligible families can pay using Tax-Free Childcare because we are Ofsted registered.
- What ages and levels do you teach?
- We teach children from KS1 to A-level: KS1, KS2 and SATs, 11-plus, GCSE and A-level. Subjects run to A-level in English, maths, physics, chemistry and biology, across AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC Eduqas, IGCSE and IB.
- Do you teach in groups or one-to-one?
- Both. We keep groups small so a tutor can see how each child thinks, and we offer one-to-one where a child needs focused support.
Our Ofsted registration can be checked on theOfsted register (URN 2662849).
Not sure if your child needs a tutor? Ask us first.
A short, honest conversation. We will tell you plainly if tuition is not right for your child yet.