When Should I Start 11+ Preparation for My Child?

Timing is everything when it comes to grammar school entrance exam preparation. As a specialist 11+ English tutor working with families targeting the most competitive grammar schools, I’m constantly asked:

“When is the right time to begin 11+ preparation?”

The answer shapes not just exam outcomes, but your child’s entire experience of the process, including confidence, motivation, and long-term academic development.

The Ideal Timeline for 11+ Exam Preparation

The optimal time to begin formal, structured 11+ preparation is 18–24 months before the exam date. For most children, this means starting focused preparation in Year 4, with the 11+ exam typically sat in Year 6.

It’s important to distinguish between formal exam preparation and long-term skill-building. While tutoring and structured practice usually begin later, the foundations for success are laid much earlier. Families seeking places at selective grammar schools benefit most when they understand this distinction.

The Long-Term Foundation (Years 1–3)

Long before you search for “the best 11+ tutor near me”, there is meaningful groundwork you can put in place that makes later preparation significantly more effective.

Reading Habits

Children who read widely and consistently develop:

• Advanced vocabulary naturally

• Stronger comprehension skills

• Faster reading speeds

• Broader general knowledge

From Year 1 onwards, encourage at least 30 minutes of daily reading. Mix fiction and non-fiction, classics and contemporary texts, and make discussion part of the habit. Talking about books builds inference and analytical thinking  key skills for 11+ English.

Writing Practice

Regular, low-pressure writing builds both confidence and technical accuracy. Encourage:

• Story writing for enjoyment

• Letters or emails to family members

• Journals or diaries

• Descriptive writing about experiences or places

These informal activities form the foundation that a private school 11+ tutor can later refine and shape for exam success.

Mathematical and Logical Reasoning

Although I specialise in English, logical thinking supports verbal reasoning development. Helpful activities include:

• Number games and puzzles

• Logical problem-solving

• Pattern recognition activities

These skills underpin many verbal reasoning question types found in grammar school entrance exams.

Curiosity and Discussion

Grammar schools look for intellectually curious children. You can nurture this by:

• Discussing current events at an age-appropriate level

• Encouraging “why” and “how” questions

• Visiting museums, galleries, and places of interest

• Allowing children to explore ideas and opinions

Year 4: Introduction to Formal 11+ Preparation

Year 4 is widely considered the ideal time to begin structured 11+ exam preparation, particularly for families targeting competitive grammar schools.

Why Year 4?

Starting in Year 4 allows for:

• Gradual skill development without excessive pressure

• Time to identify and address weaknesses early

• Familiarity with exam formats and question styles

• Confidence-building alongside ability

• Space for consolidation and setbacks

Children who begin in Year 4 tend to find the process challenging but manageable, rather than overwhelming.

What Year 4 Preparation Looks Like

At this stage, work with an 11+ English tutor focuses on steady skill development rather than performance outcomes.

Building Core Skills

• Advanced reading comprehension

• Creative and descriptive writing

• Grammar and punctuation refinement

• Introduction to verbal reasoning

Gentle Introduction to Exam Formats

• Familiarisation with question types

• Short, low-pressure practice tasks

• Emphasis on understanding rather than speed

Maintaining Enjoyment

• Keeping learning varied and engaging

• Celebrating effort and improvement

• Balancing preparation with extracurricular activities

Frequency of Tutoring in Year 4

For most children, weekly 60-minute sessions are sufficient in Year 4. This provides:

• Consistent progress

• Time for independent practice

• Space for other interests and rest

Year 5: Intensive Development

Year 5 marks the transition to more intensive grammar school entrance exam preparation.

Increasing Practice

During Year 5, families often increase:

• Session frequency (sometimes twice weekly)

• Session duration (75–90 minutes where appropriate)

• Independent work between sessions

• Exposure to full-length practice papers

Developing Exam Technique

A selective grammar school tutor will place strong emphasis on exam technique, including:

• Time management strategies

• Accurate question interpretation

• Strategic approaches to different question types

• Managing exam pressure and stamina

11+ English Comprehension Focus in Year 5

By Year 5, comprehension work should involve:

• Complex, multi-layered texts

• Inference and deduction questions

• Analysis of writer’s methods

• Evidence-based answers

• Sophisticated vocabulary in context

11+ Creative Writing Progression

Writing expectations rise significantly in Year 5. Strong responses demonstrate:

• Varied sentence structures and lengths

• Controlled, sophisticated vocabulary

• Effective use of literary devices

• Clear structure and pacing

• Original ideas and an authentic voice

11+ Verbal Reasoning English Focus

Verbal reasoning becomes increasingly important. Children should:

• Become familiar with all major question formats

• Improve pattern recognition

• Increase speed and accuracy

• Learn strategic approaches for difficult questions

Year 6: Refinement and Confidence

The final year before the exam should focus on refinement, not new learning.

The Year 6 Strategy

During Year 6, bespoke English tuition prioritises:

• Consolidating existing knowledge

• Regular timed practice under exam conditions

• Identifying and closing remaining gaps

• Building confidence and mental resilience

• Reducing exam-related anxiety

When Not to Introduce New Concepts

By Year 6, avoid introducing unfamiliar material. Instead, focus on:

• Perfecting known skills

• Increasing speed and accuracy

• Refining strategy

• Maintaining emotional wellbeing

The Final Months Before the 11+

In the final 2–3 months:

• Increase timed practice gradually

• Focus on exam technique and pacing

• Reinforce confidence through positive feedback

• Protect rest, sleep, and downtime

• Keep perspective on the broader journey

What If You’re Starting 11+ Preparation Late?

Sometimes families explore grammar school options later than planned. While earlier preparation is ideal, success can still be possible.

Starting in Year 5

Beginning in Year 5 can work if:

• Your child is already a strong reader

• Foundational literacy skills are secure

• You can commit to focused preparation

• Target schools are chosen realistically

• You invest in quality premium English tutoring

With the right support, Year 5 starters can achieve outcomes comparable to earlier starters.

Starting in Year 6

Starting in Year 6 presents significant challenges but is not impossible. Families should:

• Be realistic about achievable schools

• Carefully monitor stress levels

• Commit to very intensive support

• Maintain alternative options

As an academic excellence English tutor, I have seen Year 6 starters succeed, but it requires exceptional dedication and careful management of pressure.

Can You Start 11+ Preparation Too Early?

Yes, it’s possible.

Risks of Starting Too Early

Beginning intensive exam preparation before Year 4 can:

• Lead to burnout

• Reduce intrinsic motivation

• Limit broader development

• Create unnecessary anxiety

• Make the process feel endless

Foundation vs Formal Preparation

Encouraging reading, writing, and curiosity from an early age is always beneficial. Formal, exam-focused tutoring is different and should be introduced at the right developmental stage.

Balancing Preparation with Childhood

Regardless of when preparation begins, balance is essential.

Protect Free Time

Children need:

• Unstructured play

• Time with friends

• Physical activity

• Creative pursuits unrelated to exams

• Family time without academic pressure

Monitor Stress Levels

Watch for signs of overload:

• Anxiety around tutoring or practice

• Avoidance or resistance

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches

• Sleep disruption

• Loss of interest in favourite activities

If these arise, reassess your approach with your top grammar school tutor.

Creating Your Personal 11+ Timeline

There is no universal timeline. Consider:

• Your child’s current level

• Learning pace and style

• Competitiveness of target schools

• Family commitments

• Stress tolerance

• Other interests

Work with your tutor to design a plan that:

• Builds skills progressively

• Allows adequate consolidation

• Protects wellbeing

• Fits your family’s lifestyle

• Adapts based on progress

The Ongoing Journey Beyond the 11+

Skills developed through how to pass 11+ English preparation support long-term success. Whether progressing to GCSE English, university applications, or professional life, these abilities endure.

As both an 11+ and GCSE English tutor, I consistently see that students who prepare thoughtfully  rather than through last-minute cramming continue to excel. Many GCSE students who completed strong 11+ preparation find that aiming for top GCSE grades comes more naturally as a result.

Making the Right Decision for Your Family

Deciding when to start independent school exam preparation should balance:

• Academic ambition

• Your child’s readiness

• Family circumstances

• Alternative educational pathways

• Long-term wellbeing

There is no single correct answer. What matters is making an informed choice and committing to it with clarity and confidence.

Begin with the end in mind: you want your child to develop genuine skills, retain their love of learning, and approach the exam calmly and confidently. With the right support at the right time, your child can reach their potential while enjoying the journey.

If you’re unsure when to start 11+ preparation or whether your child is on track for the grammar schools you’re considering a short conversation can give you clarity quickly.

In this free 15-minute consultation, we can:

• Talk through your child’s current level and readiness

• Identify the areas that would make the biggest difference in 11+ English

• Discuss realistic next steps, based on your goals and timeframe

There’s no obligation. The purpose is simply to help you make an informed decision.

👉 Book your free 15-minute consultation here