When to Start 11+ Preparation: Year-by-Year Guide for Parents
Preparing for the 11+ can feel overwhelming, especially when parents are unsure when to start preparing for the 11+ or how much practice their child actually needs. Starting too early can create unnecessary pressure, while leaving preparation too late can make it difficult to build confidence across Maths, English and reasoning.
The right approach is usually steady, age-appropriate preparation that increases gradually. This guide explains when to start 11+ preparation in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, how much practice to do each week, which skills to prioritise and how to recognise when your child is ready to move from learning the basics to timed exam practice.
Along the way, we’ll explore useful resources such as 11+ practice questions, 11+ vocabulary lists and 11+ Maths topic checklists to help your child build the skills needed for selective school entrance exams.
Page Contents
When Should You Start 11+ Preparation?
When to Start Preparing for 11+
When should your child start preparing for the 11+? Most families begin structured preparation during Year 4 or Year 5, but the ideal starting point depends on your child’s current skills, confidence and target schools.
Starting with short, relaxed sessions helps build strong foundations in Maths, English and reasoning without creating unnecessary pressure. As the exam approaches, preparation can gradually include timed practice, mock exams and school-specific question types. The key is to build skills consistently rather than relying on intensive revision at the last minute.
When to Start 11 Plus Preparation
One of the most common questions parents ask is, “When should my child start preparing for the 11+?” Starting too early can make preparation feel overwhelming, while leaving it too late may limit the time available to develop important skills and build confidence.
The right time to begin depends on your child’s age, current ability and the entrance requirements of their target schools. Some children may benefit from developing their Maths and English foundations in Year 3, while others may begin more structured 11+ preparation in Year 4 or Year 5.
Rather than rushing into intensive revision, the focus should be on consistent, age-appropriate practice. This allows children to strengthen their problem-solving, vocabulary and reasoning skills gradually before progressing to timed questions and full practice papers.
When to Start 11+ Preparation by Year Group
Year 3: Build the Basics
Year 3 is a good time to introduce your child to the skills that support successful 11+ preparation. At this stage, the focus should be on building confidence and developing a positive attitude towards learning, rather than starting intensive exam practice.
Encourage your child to strengthen their core Maths and English skills through enjoyable, age-appropriate activities. This could include practising mental arithmetic, solving problem-solving questions, reading regularly and learning new vocabulary.
Short, consistent sessions are usually more effective than lengthy revision. Aim to make learning part of your child’s routine while allowing them time to enjoy schoolwork, hobbies and other activities. As their confidence grows, you can gradually introduce more challenging questions and reasoning exercises.
Year 4: Start Structured Practice
Year 4 is often a suitable time to introduce more structured 11+ preparation. By this stage, children can begin developing the specific Maths, English and reasoning skills they may need for their target entrance exams.
Start with short, manageable practice sessions that focus on understanding rather than speed. This could include 11+ practice questions, mental arithmetic, comprehension exercises, vocabulary building and introductory verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
The aim is to build consistency while identifying areas where your child may need additional support. As their confidence improves, gradually introduce more challenging questions and encourage them to explain how they reached each answer.
It is also worth researching your target schools during Year 4, as exam formats, subjects and assessment dates can vary. Understanding these requirements early will help you create a preparation plan that suits your child’s needs.
Year 5: Increase Exam Preparation
Year 5 is an important stage for 11+ preparation, as children should begin developing the skills, accuracy and confidence needed for their upcoming entrance exams. By this point, practice can become more structured and tailored to the requirements of your target schools.
Focus on strengthening key areas of Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Encourage your child to complete practice questions regularly, review mistakes and develop strategies for solving unfamiliar problems.
What Should Your Child Practise in Year 5?
| Subject | Key Areas to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Maths | Problem-solving, fractions, decimals, percentages and mental arithmetic |
| English | Reading comprehension, spelling, grammar and vocabulary |
| Verbal Reasoning | Word relationships, codes and logical thinking |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Patterns, sequences and shape-based problems |
As the exam approaches, gradually introduce timed questions and practice papers to help your child become familiar with working under time pressure. However, preparation should still include breaks and opportunities to revisit difficult topics.
A consistent weekly routine can help children manage their workload without feeling overwhelmed. For example:
| Activity | Suggested Frequency |
|---|---|
| Maths practice | 2–3 sessions per week |
| English and vocabulary | 2–3 sessions per week |
| Reasoning practice | 1–2 sessions per week |
| Timed practice | Introduce gradually |
| Reviewing mistakes | After each practice session |
These recommendations should be adapted to your child’s ability, schoolwork and target exam requirements. The goal is to identify gaps in understanding early, build exam confidence and ensure your child feels prepared for the challenges ahead.
Year 6: Final 11+ Exam Preparation
By Year 6, most children taking the 11+ will need to focus on consolidating their knowledge, improving accuracy and building exam confidence. At this stage, preparation should be guided by the requirements of the target schools and the timing of their entrance exams.
Rather than introducing too many new topics, use practice sessions to identify gaps in understanding and revisit areas where your child is losing marks. Regular practice papers can help children become familiar with question formats, time limits and the pressure of completing an exam.
What Should Your Child Focus On in Year 6?
| Preparation Area | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Maths | Revising challenging topics and improving problem-solving accuracy |
| English | Comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and grammar |
| Verbal Reasoning | Building speed and accuracy across question types |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Practising patterns, sequences and unfamiliar shapes |
| Exam Technique | Time management, checking answers and managing pressure |
Timed practice should now become a regular part of preparation, but it is important to balance this with reviewing mistakes. Simply completing more papers will not necessarily improve performance unless your child understands where they went wrong.
Avoid last-minute cramming. A calm routine, sufficient rest and targeted revision can help your child approach the exam with greater confidence. The priority should be reinforcing existing skills and ensuring they feel familiar with the types of questions they may encounter.
How Much 11+ Practice Should Children Do?
Recommended Weekly Practice Time
Finding the right amount of weekly 11+ practice is important. Children need enough time to develop their skills, but too much revision can lead to frustration, tiredness and a loss of motivation.
The ideal practice time depends on your child’s year group, confidence and how close they are to the exam. Younger children should generally focus on short, enjoyable activities, while older children can gradually build up to more structured preparation.
As a general guide, children in Year 4 might begin with one to two hours of practice per week, increasing to around two to four hours in Year 5. By Year 6, some children may benefit from three to five hours per week, particularly when completing timed practice and mock exams.
These are flexible guidelines rather than strict targets. Consistent, focused practice is more valuable than simply increasing the number of hours. Make sure your child has time for schoolwork, hobbies, rest and family activities.
Encourage your child to review mistakes after each session and focus on understanding difficult topics. This approach helps build confidence while making 11+ preparation more manageable.
Balancing Practice with Schoolwork
Preparing for the 11+ should support your child’s learning rather than add unnecessary pressure. Since children already have schoolwork, homework and other commitments, it is important to create a realistic routine that allows them to practise consistently while still having time to relax.
Instead of scheduling long revision sessions every day, try spreading practice throughout the week. Short sessions of 20–30 minutes can be easier to manage and help your child stay focused without becoming tired or frustrated.
Avoid treating every evening as an exam preparation session. Children need time to play, enjoy hobbies and spend time with family. If your child has had a particularly demanding day at school, consider reducing the workload or taking a break.
It can also help to plan practice around your child’s energy levels. Some children work best after a short break from school, while others prefer completing their practice at the weekend. Find a routine that works for your family and adjust it as your child’s confidence and needs change.
The goal is to make 11+ preparation a consistent and manageable part of your child’s week, not something that takes over their daily life.
What Should Children Practise for the 11+?
Maths and Problem-Solving
Maths is a key part of many 11+ entrance exams, so developing strong numerical skills and problem-solving confidence should be an important part of your child’s preparation. However, success is not just about memorising formulas or completing calculations quickly. Children also need to understand how to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar questions.
Begin by strengthening core skills such as mental arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages and multiplication. Once your child is confident with these foundations, introduce more challenging problems that require logical thinking and multiple steps.
What Maths Skills Should Children Practise?
- Mental arithmetic: Improve calculation speed and accuracy.
- Problem-solving: Apply mathematical knowledge to real-world and unfamiliar questions.
- Fractions and percentages: Develop confidence with different representations of numbers.
- Sequences and patterns: Identify relationships and predict the next steps.
- Word problems: Read carefully, identify key information and choose the correct method.
Encourage your child to explain how they reached an answer, rather than focusing only on whether it is correct. This helps develop logical thinking and makes it easier to identify mistakes.
Using a mixture of 11+ Maths practice questions and practical activities can make learning more engaging. As your child progresses, gradually introduce timed questions, but always prioritise understanding before speed.
English and Vocabulary
Strong English skills are an important part of 11+ preparation, particularly because many entrance exams assess reading comprehension, spelling, grammar and vocabulary. Helping your child develop these skills early can improve both their exam performance and confidence in everyday reading and writing.
Encourage your child to read a variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction and age-appropriate classics. Regular reading introduces them to unfamiliar words, different writing styles and more complex sentence structures.
How to Build 11+ English Skills
Focus on activities that develop understanding rather than simply memorising answers:
- Reading comprehension: Practise finding information, understanding meaning and explaining answers.
- Vocabulary: Learn new words, synonyms, antonyms and word meanings.
- Spelling: Practise commonly tested words and identify spelling patterns.
- Grammar: Review punctuation, sentence structure and parts of speech.
- Creative writing: Encourage your child to write descriptive and imaginative passages.
Keeping a vocabulary notebook can be particularly useful. Your child can record unfamiliar words, write their definitions and create example sentences to reinforce their understanding.
You can also use an 11+ vocabulary list to introduce new words gradually. Aim to practise a small number of words regularly rather than expecting your child to memorise a long list in one sitting.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are important parts of many 11+ entrance exams. These subjects encourage children to think logically, identify patterns and solve unfamiliar problems, often under time pressure.
Because reasoning questions may be unfamiliar to children, introducing them gradually can help build confidence. Start with untimed questions that focus on understanding the method before progressing to more challenging exercises.
What Should Children Practise?
Verbal reasoning focuses on using words, language and logic to solve problems. Practice may include:
- Word relationships and synonyms
- Letter and number codes
- Completing sequences
- Identifying similarities and differences
- Logical word problems
Non-verbal reasoning uses shapes, patterns and diagrams rather than written language. Children may need to identify relationships between figures or work out which shape completes a sequence.
- Shape sequences
- Odd-one-out questions
- Rotations and reflections
- Matrices and patterns
- Shape analogies
Encourage your child to explain their thinking and review incorrect answers. Some question types can take time to understand, so patience and regular practice are more valuable than rushing through large numbers of questions.
As your child becomes more confident, introduce timed reasoning exercises to develop speed and accuracy. Always check which reasoning formats are included in your target schools’ entrance exams, as requirements can vary.
When to Start Preparing for 11+ Exams
Grammar School Exam Timelines
Understanding your target grammar school’s entrance exam timeline can help you plan 11+ preparation more effectively. Grammar schools may use different exam providers, assessment formats and registration deadlines, so it is important to check the requirements for each school well in advance.
In many areas, children sit grammar school entrance exams during Year 5, although the exact timing varies depending on the local authority or school. This means preparation should ideally begin early enough for your child to develop the required skills without relying on last-minute revision.
Key Grammar School Preparation Dates
Parents should keep track of the following milestones:
- Year 3: Build core Maths, English and reading skills.
- Year 4: Introduce structured practice and research target schools.
- Year 5: Increase exam-focused preparation and complete practice papers.
- Before the exam: Check registration deadlines, exam arrangements and required materials.
Some grammar schools require parents to register several months before the entrance test, so leaving research until the final weeks could mean missing important deadlines.
Always check your chosen school’s official website for the most up-to-date information. Exam dates, registration processes and question formats can change, and preparation should reflect the specific requirements of the schools your child is applying to.
Independent School Exam Preparation
Preparing for an independent school entrance exam requires an approach that reflects the specific requirements of your chosen school. Unlike grammar schools, independent schools may use different assessment formats, including written papers, interviews and school-specific entrance tests.
Starting your preparation early gives your child time to develop core skills while becoming familiar with the types of questions they may encounter. Focus on building strong foundations in Maths, English, comprehension and reasoning, alongside the confidence to apply knowledge in unfamiliar situations.
What Should Independent School Preparation Include?
Your child’s preparation may involve:
- Maths: Problem-solving, arithmetic and applying mathematical concepts.
- English: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and creative writing.
- Reasoning: Logical thinking and unfamiliar question formats.
- Interview preparation: Communicating clearly and discussing interests, books and experiences where interviews form part of the admissions process.
- Practice papers: Becoming familiar with the school’s assessment format and time limits.
It is important to research your chosen school’s admissions requirements early. Some independent schools have different entry points, exam dates and registration deadlines, so preparation should be tailored to the relevant year group.
Rather than focusing solely on completing practice papers, help your child develop the confidence to explain their thinking, tackle challenging questions and learn from mistakes. A balanced approach can support both academic progress and readiness for the wider admissions process.
How to Know If Your Child Is Ready
Key Skills to Check
Before increasing your child’s 11+ preparation, it is helpful to assess their current skills and identify areas where they may need additional support. Every child develops at a different pace, so the aim is not to expect perfection but to understand their strengths and learning needs.
Focus on how confidently your child approaches questions, explains their thinking and applies knowledge to unfamiliar problems. These skills can provide a useful indication of where to focus future practice.
11+ Skills Checklist
Maths
- Secure knowledge of multiplication and division.
- Confidence with fractions, decimals and percentages.
- Ability to solve multi-step problems.
- Understanding of mathematical vocabulary.
English
- Strong reading comprehension skills.
- Understanding of unfamiliar vocabulary.
- Accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Ability to explain answers using evidence from a text.
Reasoning
- Recognising patterns and relationships.
- Solving unfamiliar problems logically.
- Following instructions carefully.
- Working accurately within a time limit.
It is also important to consider your child’s confidence and attitude towards learning. If they regularly become frustrated or struggle to understand a particular topic, give them time to revisit the basics before moving on to more difficult questions.
Use practice questions and occasional assessments to track progress, but avoid treating every mistake as a problem. Reviewing errors calmly can help you identify which skills need more attention and when your child is ready to increase the difficulty of their preparation.
When to Increase Practice
As your child becomes more confident with the core skills needed for the 11+, you can gradually increase the amount and difficulty of their practice. However, this should be based on their progress and individual needs rather than simply adding more revision hours.
The aim is to challenge your child without making preparation feel overwhelming. If they can complete questions accurately and explain their methods, they may be ready to move on to more challenging topics or introduce timed exercises.
Signs Your Child May Be Ready
Look for the following indicators:
- They consistently answer questions correctly.
- They understand and can explain their methods.
- They make fewer repeated mistakes.
- They can work independently for short periods.
- They remain confident when attempting unfamiliar questions.
If your child is struggling with a particular topic, avoid increasing the workload immediately. Instead, revisit the underlying concept and use simpler questions to rebuild understanding.
As the exam approaches, you can gradually introduce longer practice sessions, timed questions and full mock exams. Allow time to review mistakes after each session, as identifying areas for improvement is often more valuable than completing additional papers.
The best approach is to increase practice gradually while prioritising your child’s confidence, wellbeing and learning progress.
11+ Weekly Preparation Plan
A Simple Weekly Timetable
Creating a simple weekly timetable can help your child build a consistent 11+ preparation routine without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of completing long revision sessions, spread practice across the week and include a mixture of Maths, English, reasoning and mistake reviews.
The right schedule depends on your child’s year group, schoolwork and confidence. The following example can be adapted to suit your family’s routine.
| Day | Suggested Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | 20–30 minutes of Maths practice |
| Tuesday | Reading and vocabulary development |
| Wednesday | Verbal or non-verbal reasoning |
| Thursday | Maths problem-solving and review |
| Friday | Rest or light reading |
| Saturday | Practice paper or mixed questions |
| Sunday | Review mistakes and prepare for the week |
You do not need to follow this timetable exactly. Some weeks may be busier because of schoolwork, family plans or other commitments, so be prepared to adjust the schedule when necessary.
The goal is consistency, not perfection. Encourage your child to focus during each session, understand their mistakes and gradually build confidence. As the exam approaches, you can introduce more timed practice and mock exams while continuing to protect time for rest and other activities.
Tracking Progress and Mistakes
Tracking your child’s progress is an important part of effective 11+ preparation. Rather than focusing only on test scores, keeping a record of completed work and common mistakes can help you understand which topics your child has mastered and where they need additional support.
After each practice session, spend a few minutes reviewing incorrect answers together. Encourage your child to explain what went wrong and consider how they could approach a similar question next time.
How to Track 11+ Progress
A simple progress record could include:
- Topic: Which subject or skill was practised?
- Score: How many questions were answered correctly?
- Mistakes: What type of errors did your child make?
- Next steps: Which topic needs further practice?
Avoid repeating the same questions without addressing the underlying mistake. For example, if your child struggles with fractions, revisit the relevant concept before moving on to more challenging problems.
It is also important to recognise improvement, even when scores are not perfect. Progress is about building accuracy, confidence and independence over time, rather than expecting your child to improve in every session.
Review your child’s progress every few weeks and adjust their preparation accordingly. This will help you focus practice on the areas that matter most while keeping their workload manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11+ Preparation
What Should You Do Next?
Knowing when to start 11+ preparation and how much practice to complete each week is only the beginning. The next step is to create a plan that reflects your child’s current ability, target schools and exam timeline.
Start by identifying the skills your child feels confident with and the topics that need more practice. Use this information to build a manageable weekly routine that gradually develops their Maths, English and reasoning abilities.
Your Next Steps for 11+ Preparation
- Research target schools: Check entrance requirements, exam formats and registration deadlines.
- Assess your child’s skills: Identify strengths and areas that need improvement.
- Create a weekly routine: Schedule short, consistent practice sessions.
- Use suitable resources: Choose practice questions and materials that match your child’s level.
- Review progress regularly: Track mistakes and adjust preparation as needed.
- Build exam confidence: Introduce timed practice gradually as the exam approaches.
Support Your Child’s 11+ Preparation
Every child learns differently, so preparation should be adapted to their pace and confidence. With the right support, engaging resources and consistent practice, children can develop the skills needed to approach the 11+ with greater confidence.
Want to understand your child’s current level? Book a free trial with Think Academy and discover how interactive lessons, personalised feedback and structured learning can support their 11+ preparation.
