The best time to start
For most children, the sweet spot is between the summer of Year 4 and the autumn of Year 5. That leaves 12 to 15 months before tests in September of Year 6: enough time to learn every question type, build vocabulary and practise timed papers without cramming.
Check your area first. Some tests are moving earlier. Gloucestershire's new FSCE test, for example, is planned for the summer term of Year 5 from 2027, which shifts everything forward by several months.
A year-by-year 11+ preparation plan
| Stage | Goal | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Year 3 to Year 4 | Strong foundations | Daily reading, times tables to 12 x 12, mental maths, word games. No formal 11+ papers yet |
| Summer of Year 4 | Introduce the 11+ | A diagnostic assessment, then gentle practice of verbal and non-verbal reasoning types |
| Autumn of Year 5 | Learn every question type | One or two focused sessions a week, weekly vocabulary, untimed practice papers |
| Spring of Year 5 | Build speed | Timed sections, first monthly mock exams |
| Summer of Year 5 | Exam technique | Register for the test. Mocks every three weeks, targeted gap-filling |
| Summer holidays | Final preparation | Mocks in real conditions every two weeks, rest and confidence |
Is it too late to start in Year 5?
Usually not. Children who start in the spring or even summer of Year 5 can still do well with a focused plan: fewer topics covered broadly, more time on the question types that carry the most marks and plenty of timed practice. The key is finding the gaps quickly, which is why we start with a diagnostic.
How much does 11+ tutoring cost?
Costs depend on three things: how early you start, how many sessions a week your child needs and whether you choose group or one-to-one tuition. Starting earlier usually means fewer sessions a week, and so a lower weekly cost. One-to-one tuition costs more per hour than a group class, but every minute goes on your child's gaps. Ask any tutor for a plan based on a diagnostic, not a one-size package.
Signs your child is ready to start
- They read independently and enjoy it
- They know most times tables
- They're curious about puzzles and word games
- They can concentrate for 30 to 40 minutes
If one or two of these aren't there yet, spend a term on the basics first. It pays off later.
Find out how much time your child needs
Book a free 11+ class. A short diagnostic tells you exactly where your child stands and what a realistic plan looks like.
Try a Free Class