Welcome to
About Me
- Primary school teacher with QTS
- I have been a primary school teacher for 11 years and tutoring for over 7 years.
- I decided to leave the classroom after having my son, so I can spend my time with him whilst still fulfilling my love of teaching by creating my tutoring business.
- I have a real passion for teaching and love helping children overcome fears and anxiety around learning, becoming confident and inquisitive learners.
- I have worked mostly in Y5 and Y6, so I have extensive knowledge of the 11+ and KS2 SATs.
- I pride myself on my work ethic and friendly and approachable nature.
- I have a high success and pass rate with 11+ students.
- I am on the DBS update service, as is my partner (since the sessions take place at my home address).
- I have an up to date paediatric First Aid certificate.
Karine Kelly
News & Announcements
New Classroom Pending
I’m so excited to finally be able to share that a NEW classroom is on its way! It is a project I have been wanting to start for a while now and the time is finally here! Follow me on Instagram @brightsparktutor to see the progress and for updates on when we will be able to start having our sessions in here.
What’s going on in September?
We’re now just days away from the big day - the 11+. I want to wish all children everywhere sitting the test the very best of luck! Do your best, remember all you’ve been taught and come away with your head held high. There’s a lot of pressure riding on one test, don’t let it get to you. All you can do is your best!
11+ Test Date: Thursday 12th September
Availability
September2024
Mon
Tues
11+
Group
5-6:30pm
Wed
Thur
11+
Group
5-6:30pm
Fri
1:1
5-6pm
Sat
11+ Group Session
9-10:30
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
1:1
5-6pm
1:1
5-6pm
Availability
September2025
Mon
1:1
5-6pm
Tues
11+
Group
5-6:30pm
Wed
Thur
11+
Group
5-6:30pm
Fri
1:1
5-6pm
Sat
11+ Group Session
9-10:30
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
1:1
5-6pm
Want to beat the crowds? Need peace of mind that you’ve reserved your space for September 2025? Get in touch!
Not sure where to start?
Check out our 11+ FAQs
The 11+ can be a scary and daunting time for both children and parents. Check out our frequently asked questions.
If your question is not here, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help!
Frequently
Asked
Questions
1:1 Sessions
Every child is different and group tuition doesn’t work for everyone. However, there is limited availability for 1:1 sessions.
1:1 sessions are available for teaching and learning in many areas of the primary curriculum, not just the 11+. 1:1 sessions are great for filling gaps in knowledge, building confidence in students and allowing a more targeted and individual approach, creating lessons which meet the needs of the student best.
If you are interested in booking 1:1 sessions, please contact me for availability. If there is no availability, you may join the waiting list.
What is included within a 1:1 Session
- 60 minutes per session
- £32 per session
- Feedback given verbally at the end of each session
- Suggestions on ways to support further learning at home e.g. games, websites.
- Initial discussions with parents/carers to identify the needs of the student and the topics to be taught.
- Initial assessments with the student to identify gaps in learning and target areas.
- Teaching delivered in the way that best suits that student to ensure engagement and enjoyment.
About the 11+ Kent Test
Registration for the Kent Test for children due to start secondary school in September 2025 will open on Monday 3rd June 2024 and close at midnight on Monday 1st July 2024.
Assessment dates for the 11+ Kent Test will take place on Thursday 12th September 2024 for pupils in Kent primary schools and on the weekend of Saturday 14th September 2024 for other pupils.
Test Papers are multiple choice. The first paper is English and Maths, lasting 1 hour. The second paper is reasoning, lasting 1 hour.
Writing Task: There will also be a writing exercise which will not be marked but may be used by a local headteacher panel as part of the headteacher assessment stage of the process. 40 minutes will be allowed for the writing task, including 10 minutes planning time.
For more information about the Kent Test, please visit the Kent.Gov website, by clicking on the image.
about the 11+ Medway test
Registration for the Medway Test for children due to start secondary school in September 2025 opens at 9am on Monday 20th May 2024 and closes at 5pm on Friday 14th June.
Assessment dates for the 11+ Medway Test will take place on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th September 2024 (Medway maintained primary or junior school), and Saturday 21st or Sunday 22nd September 2024 (for children who do not attend Medway primary schools). Test dates are allocated by Medway council and are not parental preference. Dates for independent schools vary (please see website for more information).
Test Papers are multiple choice. The Medway Test is made up of 3 papers: Maths, English and Reasoning. There is no longer a writing assessment.
Review: the review process has also now been removed, with 25% of children sitting the Medway Test being accepted to Grammar Schools, instead of the previous 23%, with further applications being accepted following a review process.
For more information about the Medway Test, please visit the Medway.Gov website, by clicking on the image.
11+ Group Sessions
The idea of group tuition doesn’t appeal to everyone and of course that’s fine. However there are many benefits to group tuition that you may not have considered:
- Research shows that learning within small groups can boost pupil performance
- There are countless opportunities for peer learning through discussions, paired and group activities
- Research has also shown that learning within small groups can boost confidence, self-esteem, engagement and attitude towards learning.
- I agree with all of the above statements as this has been my experience of running group sessions
What is included within the group sessions package?
- Small groups with a maximum of 6 students
- 90 minute sessions, covering Maths, English, Verbal, Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning
- £28 per session, invoiced monthly
- Sessions start in September 2024
- One parent consultation provided to discuss progress throughout the year (advised around Easter)
- Homework set and marked weekly
- Children provided with their own workbooks
- Practical approaches use to aid learning
- Calm & nurturing learning space
11+ Group Session Availability
Avoid disappointment and reserve your space for September!
The earlier they start, the more confident they’ll be!
Don’t delay - book today!
Thursday
5-6:30pm
Tuesday
5-6:30pm
Saturday
9-10:30am
Mock Test days
The Year 5 assessment days are a great opportunity for children to sit a mock 11+ test in exam conditions, similar to what they will experience on the day. It is a great tool for preparing your child for the real thing, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety around the test and what to expect.
On the assessment days, we will discuss what to expect on the day of their 11+ and I will talk them through the exam papers, from when to turn the page, to how to fill in the answer paper.
Following the children completing the assessments, individual feedback will be sent regarding the strengths and weaknesses of each child, based on their performance in the test. This will provide you with the opportunity to address any areas of concern, before the big day, giving your child the best possible chance for success.
Cost: £70
Mock Test Dates
2025
Cost: £70
27th March
9-12pm
Thursday
29th March
12-3pm
Saturday
22nd May
9-12pm
24th July
9-12pm
Thursday
Thursday
24th May
12-3pm
26th July
12-3pm
Saturday
Saturday
Maths learning resources
It can be hard to know where to look for helpful learning resources, whether working towards the 11+ or just brushing up on key skills.
Here are some useful likes to get you started.
BBC Bitesize
Hit the button
Timestables.co.uk
Top Marks
Maths Frame
Nrich Maths
Math Games
Math Playground
CGP Mini Tests
English learning resources
It can be hard to know where to look for helpful learning resources, whether working towards the 11+ or just brushing up on key skills.
Here are some useful likes to get you started.
BBC Bitesize
Fun English Games
Top Marks
CGP Mini Tests
Phonics Play
Phonics Bloom
Grammarly - Spell Checker
Reverso - Grammar Checker
11+ Practice Papers/ Resources
When it comes to the 11+, practice really is everything once children have learned the skills they need, to tackle the many areas within the exams. That is how children become fluent, build confidence and improve their speed: all of which are essential when preparing for the 11+.
Below are some useful resources to allow children to continue to practice at home, using free practice papers or online quizzes.
11+ Practice Papers
11+ Quizzes
Testimonials
“Highly recommend Karine. Her patience and incorporation of games into our son’s tutoring sessions have helped keep our bouncy and easily distracted son, engaged in learning. We have noticed significant improvement in his English especially, which was a subject he struggled with previously. He’s grown in confidence and most importantly enjoys the sessions. Karine is a fantastic support for academic growth.“
“My daughter started her lessons with Karine in October, as she’s in Y6 and was behind with Maths. Since starting, she has grown in confidence and her school teacher has seen a massive improvement in her work and is confident she will do well in her SATs. Tula loves going to her lessons with Karine, she’s an amazing teacher and I’d 100% recommend her.”
“My 10 yr old daughter, although academic, lacked confidence in her own ability and often didn't want to raise her hand in class. We decided to look for a tutor to both help fill any gaps Emily felt she had in her knowledge and also the one to one time, that would give her the best foundation for secondary school.
Finding the right tutor was daunting at first and word of mouth is a wonderful tool as it lead us to Karine. She took time to speak to us as parents and then with Emily, in order to gain an understanding of what we were hoping Emily would achieve from the tutoring sessions. Upon meeting Karine, Emily was quickly reassured by her calm, gentle manner. We appreciated the time karine took in getting to know Emily whilst also assessing her over the first couple of sessions. It was a joy to watch Emily's progress, which was summerised at the end of each week by Karine, along with the plan for the following session.
Emily truly enjoyed her time with karine so much so she was willing to miss plans with friends in order not to cancel a session! "Karine never makes it feel like learning mummy, she is so lovely" I think that says it all.”
Testimonials
“Archie loves his group sessions with Karine on a Saturday morning. His confidence has grown massively since he started last September. The sessions are fun, interactive and engaging. Archie always comes home talking about what he has learnt. Karine provides weekly feedback, which is brilliant and resources to help at home. I am so happy we found Karine. Highly recommended.”
“We used Karine for our daughter in preparation for the 11+. She was absolutely fantastic and we have seen her confidence grow so much. Karine is now tutoring our son, who really struggles with his learning and he loves his sessions with her! She makes things really fun and we cannot recommend her enough.”
“After feeling let down by our daughter’s school, Karine was referred to us by a friend. I can’t tell you how glad we are that we found her!
Only weeks after starting sessions, we could see a big improvement in confidence. Now months down the line and she is like a different child - she has found her love of learning again, and for that, we could not be more grateful!”
“Great tutor. Our daughter hasn’t been having sessions for that long, but we can already see how much it has improved her confidence.”
Terms & Conditions
Payment
- Invoices will be sent for the upcoming month, with payment required by the 1st of the month to reserve your sessions.
- Payment for any sessions cancelled (by me or you) throughout the month will be rolled over to the following month.
- Two weeks notice must be given if you wish to terminate sessions and payment for any sessions beyond the two weeks, will be refunded.
Cancellations
- 48 hours notice must be given to cancel any sessions, or the full fee will stand.
- Online/emailed resources will be provided for all sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, for you to use at home with your child.
Homework
- Homework is not compulsory and if children have not completed homework, there will be no negative outcomes - I know that life can sometimes get in the way. However, it is in your child’s interest to complete homework as it will help to reinforce any learning that has taken place in sessions.
contact me!
Karine Kelly
Finding the right tutor for you and your child is important, as positive relationships help to build confidence and in turn, promote success.
A free 15 minute phone consultation is available for all enquiring parents/carers, so I can answer any questions you have and we can decide if sessions with me are the best option for your child.
If you’d prefer to message or email, then please do so. I look forward to hearing from you.
Phone
07901313532
brightsparktutor@outlook.com
Instagram
@brightsparktutor
facebook
@brightspark.tutor