Frequently asked questions

HeyKitsu is a mobile app that helps children aged 7–11 prepare for the 11+ and ISEB Common Pre-Test exams. It combines game-style learning with smart technology that adapts to your child's unique strengths and weaknesses – so they focus on what matters most.

Your child is accompanied by five animal companions – from Ember the fire cardinal to Nibbles the English mouse – and progresses through an interactive adventure as they learn. Think of it as a modern, fun alternative to workbooks and worksheets: something children actually want to pick up.

HeyKitsu is available as a native app on iPhone and iPad, and also through our web application. Download the app from the App Store or get started on our website.

Unlike some platforms that only work in a web browser, HeyKitsu is built as a proper iOS app – which means faster performance, handy reminders and a smoother experience designed specifically for mobile devices.

Most 11+ platforms work like digital worksheets – everyone answers the same questions in the same order. Some adjust difficulty based on right or wrong answers, but your child still works through lessons one by one, in a fixed sequence.

HeyKitsu is different in three key ways:

• It adapts across every subject at once. Our Whole Curriculum Adaptation™ technology assesses your child across all topics from day one, then continuously adapts to focus on areas where they need the most help – while stretching them on topics they've already mastered. It doesn't just make questions harder or easier – it decides what to teach next.
• It's built to feel like a game, not a chore. Daily streaks, rewards and bite-sized challenges keep your child coming back – borrowing the same mechanics that make their favourite games so engaging.
• It's a real app, not just a website. HeyKitsu is a native iOS app designed for phones and tablets, so it's fast, smooth and always available – whether you're at home, in the car or just using time more efficiently.

When your child starts HeyKitsu, they answer 25 questions in each subject. This isn't a scary test – it's simply how we learn where they're strong and where they need support. From there, the app builds a personalised learning path that evolves as they progress.

The diagnostic assessment is completely free, with no strings attached.

Every question is based on sample papers from the exam boards, then aligned to the National Curriculum. They're then reviewed to ensure they're accurate, age-appropriate and aligned with what examiners are actually looking for.

Every question comes with a detailed, child-friendly explanation – written for 10-year-olds, not textbooks – so your child learns from every answer, whether they got it right or wrong.

Yes. Because HeyKitsu adapts to every child's current level, it works whether your child is already confident or needs extra support building foundations.

If they're finding a topic tricky, HeyKitsu will give them more practice at the right level before moving on. If they're flying through something, it'll push them further. You'll get clear feedback on what's going well and exactly where to focus next, so your child makes steady, meaningful progress towards their goals.

Many families find that HeyKitsu gives their child everything they need to prepare confidently, without the cost of private tutoring. With over 100,000 questions, adaptive learning that prioritises the right topics automatically, question-by-question coaching explanations and detailed progress tracking, it's like having a tutor available whenever your child wants to practise – at a fraction of the price.

Private tutoring in the UK typically costs £60 or more per hour, adding up to thousands over the course of exam preparation. HeyKitsu offers a complete alternative from £29 per month.

This is exactly why we built HeyKitsu. Traditional test prep feels like a chore – for children and parents alike.

HeyKitsu is designed to feel more like a game than a worksheet. With friendly animal companions – plus daily streaks, rewards and bite-sized challenges – children keep coming back. We can't promise they'll beg to do maths – but we've had parents tell us their children now ask to practise.

No. HeyKitsu is designed so children can use it independently. Clear explanations, step-by-step coaching and instant feedback support them as they work, helping them build knowledge and confidence on their own.

This independence makes revision calmer and removes pressure from evenings at home. You can keep an eye on progress from the parent dashboard whenever it suits you – without needing to hover.

What's more, you don't need to worry about identifying where they need support and setting them extra practice. HeyKitsu's Whole Curriculum Adaptation™ does that for you.

The earlier you start, the better – but it's never too late.

For best results, we recommend beginning at least a year before your child's exam date. This gives them time to build skills steadily, identify and address any weaker areas, and approach the exam with genuine confidence rather than last-minute cramming.

That said, HeyKitsu can make a real difference in as little as two to four weeks of consistent practice. If you're starting later, don't panic – just get going.

The key is little and often. Short, regular practice sessions are far more effective than occasional marathon revision days. We suggest 15 minutes a day, which adds up to nearly two hours a week – and that consistency is what builds lasting understanding and exam-ready confidence.

We recommend 15 minutes a day. That's enough to make meaningful progress without overwhelming your child or turning revision into a battle. HeyKitsu is designed around short, focused sessions that fit easily into a daily routine – before school, after dinner or whenever works for your family.

Consistency matters more than intensity. A child who practises for 15 minutes every day will outperform one who crams for an hour once a week.

We understand. Many parents feel conflicted about screens – and that's a healthy instinct.

But not all screen time is equal. HeyKitsu isn't about mindless scrolling or passive entertainment. It's focused, purposeful learning in an environment that feels natural and comfortable to today's children.

At just 15 minutes a day, HeyKitsu is one of the most effective and efficient ways to prepare for the 11+. Your child gets high-quality, personalised practice in the format they're most comfortable with – and you get peace of mind that screen time is being used deliberately and productively.

HeyKitsu costs from £29 per month when you choose the annual plan (£348 billed annually). We also offer a monthly subscription at £49 per month if you prefer flexibility.

Either way, that's a fraction of the cost of private tutoring – with unlimited access to over 100,000 questions and personalised learning, available whenever your child wants to practise.

Private tutoring in the UK typically costs £60 or more per hour. Over the course of 11+ preparation, that can add up to thousands of pounds – and you're limited to one or two sessions a week.

HeyKitsu gives your child access to over 100,000 adaptive questions, detailed coaching explanations and progress tracking for less than £1 a day on the annual plan. Your child can practise whenever they like, for as long as they like, and the app handles topic prioritisation automatically – so you don't need to plan what to cover or sit next to them while they work.

We're here to help. If you have a question or need assistance, contact us and we'll get back to you as quickly as we can.

We're a small, dedicated team who genuinely care about your child's experience – so when you get in touch, you'll get a real, personal response.

Yes. We take data protection seriously and comply fully with UK GDPR and the Age Appropriate Design Code, which is specifically designed to protect children's data online.

Your child's information is never sold or shared with third parties. We collect only what's needed to make the app work and to personalise their learning. You can read our full privacy policy.

Absolutely – we'd love that. HeyKitsu is a great way for children to build skills and confidence outside the classroom, and the parent dashboard means families can track progress without needing to involve school staff.

If you'd like resources to share with parents, or have questions about how HeyKitsu aligns with what you're teaching, please get in touch. You can also read more about HeyKitsu for schools.

Not yet, but it's something we're exploring. If you're interested, please contact us – we'd love to hear from you.