2026-07-11
When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
A practical UK parent guide to 11+ preparation timing, Year 4 and Year 5 planning, confidence and mock exam readiness.
Start with readiness, not panic
Many families begin 11+ preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5. That gives enough time to build vocabulary, arithmetic fluency, reading stamina and reasoning skills without turning every evening into exam practice.
The right timing depends on your child. A pupil with strong foundations may need a focused plan. A pupil who lacks confidence or has topic gaps may benefit from a longer runway.
What should happen first
A sensible first step is an assessment. This should look at Maths, English, reasoning, timing and confidence. The aim is not to label the child, but to understand what support would be useful.
From there, preparation should include teaching, short practice, timed tasks, correction questions and regular parent feedback.
Need a plan for your child?
Book an assessment to discuss year group, exam target, confidence and the right next step.