2026-07-14
What the Trafford 11+ Changes Mean for Year 4 Parents
Year 4 parent guide to the Trafford 11+ changes, earlier Year 5 testing and how to prepare without panic.
Year 4 is now a more important preparation year
If the Trafford entrance test moves into the summer term of Year 5 from 2029 entry, Year 4 becomes the calm preparation year. It is the time to build reading stamina, arithmetic fluency, vocabulary and confidence before focused exam practice begins.
This does not mean Year 4 children should spend every week doing full papers. It means parents should identify gaps early and build the skills that make later timed work less stressful.
What to prioritise in Year 4
The best Year 4 priorities are reading comprehension, discussing unfamiliar words, times tables, mental arithmetic, fractions, problem solving and careful explanation of methods.
Short timed tasks can be useful, but the aim should be confidence and accuracy first. Speed comes later when the child has a reliable method.
Need a plan for your child?
Book an assessment to discuss year group, exam target, confidence and the right next step.