Lionheart brings structure and clarity. Whether your child is applying to Eton, St Paul’s, Westminster, Sevenoaks, or another competitive sixth form, we provide tailored academic tuition, entrance exam preparation, interview coaching, and scholarship support.

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St Pauls School London

Work with the best 16+ tutors

What you can expect from Lionheart

Year 11 is a busy time for students who are not only undertaking their GCSEs but also working towards entrance exam preparation for sixth form entry. Our 16+ tutors become a trusted ally to students during this time in their lives, guiding them towards achieving their academic goals and helping them to unlock their potential in school entrance exams. 

Lionheart matches students and tutors across multiple levels. The right tutor possesses more than just subject knowledge at A-Level and IB, helping students navigate every part of the process with support tailored to their strengths and weaknesses.

About Lionheart
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Who we support at 16+

We support a wide range of learners through the sixth form application process, including:

  • Students applying to top sixth forms

    We provide advice and guidance for students with their sights set on some of London’s most academically selective sixth form colleges, such as Eton, Westminster, St Paul’s, Charterhouse, Sevenoaks, and Harrow.

  • International students relocating to the UK

    Overseas students face an extra layer of difficulty when applying to British sixth forms, but our 16+ tutors are here from the very start of the process to keep families and students informed and help them gain access to the best sixth forms in the UK.

  • Students changing pathways

    Lionheart tutors are here to provide expert assistance to families with students moving from state schools to independent sixth form colleges, helping the transition between GCSE and A-Level flow as smoothly as possible

  • Scholarship candidates

    You can have confidence in Lionheart’s 16 Plus tutors to help students prepare for a wide selection of academic scholarships in some of the best sixth forms in London and beyond.

  • Students needing academic support

    Sometimes all it takes is the right tutor with sessions delivered in a way that’s tailored to them to turn around a student who is struggling in one or more subjects so they can meet and exceed sixth form entry requirements.

Our Approach

Understanding our 16+ process

  • Academic consultation & profile building

    Number 1

    We begin with an in-depth conversation about your child’s long-term goals, subject interests, and the type of sixth form environment where they’ll thrive.

    This consultation helps us identify the right specialist tutors and create a strategic preparation timeline.

  • Specialist subject tuition

    Number 2

    Subject specialists, not generalists. That’s who you’ll work with for A Levels or the IB. We build deep understanding rather than just ticking boxes. We’re familiar with the specific papers from schools like Westminster, Eton, and Sevenoaks too.

  • Managing the GCSE/entrance balance

    Number 3

    We understand that 16+ preparation doesn’t happen in isolation.

    Students are often balancing entrance papers and interviews alongside GCSE or IGCSE revision. We help them manage both priorities intelligently, so nothing falls through the cracks.

  • Entrance exams & interview preparation

    Number 4

    Comprehensive preparation for written assessments, portfolio submissions, and interviews.

    We provide subject-specific exam practice and interview coaching that builds genuine confidence and authentic self-presentation.

Your 16+ questions answered

  • When should we start preparing for 16+ entrance exams?

    We recommend beginning preparation in the summer holidays of Year 10, giving students time to familiarise themselves with exam formats while managing GCSE coursework. Starting early allows for balanced preparation without overwhelming Year 11 studies.

  • What subjects are tested in 16+ entrance exams?

    Students are typically tested on subjects they plan to study at A-level or IB. Sixth forms set their own papers which are loosely based on GCSE knowledge, but you can also expect them to set questions which challenge students beyond what is being learned in the classroom.

  • How competitive is 16+ entry compared to other entry points?

    Entry into Sixth Form is arguably the most competitive entry point into independent senior schools. Most schools have limited sixth-form intake with a high application-to-place ratio, making thorough preparation essential.

  • Do I need to write a personal statement for 16+ applications?

    Many schools require a personal statement covering why you’ve chosen their school and what you can offer. Schools look for students who demonstrate passion for learning and can communicate their thoughts confidently about their intended subjects.

  • How do 16+ interviews differ from younger entrance interviews?

    Sixth Form interviews are typically academic interviews in your chosen A-level subjects. Interviewers explore why you want to study the subject and assess your potential by asking you to analyze information or answer subject-specific questions.

  • Can students sit 16+ exams if they're studying overseas?

    Yes, many schools allow overseas candidates to sit entrance exams at approved locations like British Council centres on the same date. It is essential to research as each school has different rules – we are able to advise. As an approved examination centre, Lionheart can also coordinate exam arrangements for international students and provide comprehensive preparation regardless of location.

Hear from our families

For over three decades, we’ve had the privilege of supporting families through their most important educational decisions. Here’s what parents say about their journey with Lionheart.

Read more

Just a quick note to say thank you to the whole team. James has his place at Latymer and we honestly couldn't have done it without Sarah's guidance. She knew exactly when to push and when to ease off, something we never quite mastered as parents! The mock interview session was particularly helpful in building his confidence.

The Thompson Family

Thank you so much for arranging the mock interview. Having someone who actually knows what schools are looking for made such a difference to Ben's confidence. He went into his Hampton interview knowing exactly how to structure his answers and when to expand on topics. The whole process felt much less mysterious after that practice session

Claire and Tom H.

As parents, we were drowning in 11+ advice and conflicting strategies. Lionheart cut through all the noise with clear, expert guidance tailored specifically to our daughter. The difference wasn't just in her results - it was in her entire approach to learning. She's now thriving at St Paul's Girls' and still uses the study techniques they taught her.

Sarah L.
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