When to Start 11+ Preparation: A Realistic Timeline

Deciding when to start 11+ preparation is a common concern for parents. There is no single 'right' answer, as it depends on various factors including the child's current academic level, the schools they are applying to, and the specific exam boards involved.

Early, consistent, and low-pressure preparation is often more effective than last-minute cramming. This guide outlines a realistic timeline and offers advice on how to approach the preparation journey for the 11+ examinations.

Preparation timeline 11+ at a glance

Most 11+ exams take place in September of Year 6.
Preparation typically spans between 12 months and 24 months for many students.
GL Assessment and CEM are the two primary 11+ exam boards used.
Some selective schools independently set their own exams.
Key subjects tested are English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Early Years (Year 3 & 4): Building Foundations

Formal 11+ preparation is generally not necessary in Year 3 or 4. However, these years are crucial for building a strong academic foundation. Encourage a love of reading across various genres to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills. Regular practice of core arithmetic skills, including times tables, is also beneficial.

Focus on developing good study habits, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through engaging activities and puzzles. This period should be about fostering curiosity and confidence, rather than explicit 11+ tutoring.

The Core Preparation Phase (Year 5)

Year 5 is typically when more structured 11+ preparation begins for many families. This is a good time to:

Identify target schools and their specific exam requirements (exam boards, subjects, format).
Begin regular, short study sessions focusing on English (comprehension, grammar, writing) and Maths (covering the Year 5 curriculum and beyond).
Introduce Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning if these are part of the target school's exams.
Consider the use of practice papers to familiarise the child with question types and timing, but avoid excessive testing at this stage.

The aim is steady progress and concept mastery, not high-pressure performance.

Intensive Preparation & Practice (Early Year 6)

As Year 6 approaches and during the first term, preparation often becomes more intensive. This phase typically involves:

Timed practice papers under exam conditions to build stamina and manage time effectively.
Identifying and addressing specific weaker areas in all subjects.
Refining essay writing skills and creative writing techniques, if required.
Familiarisation with the specific exam board formats (e.g., CEM's multiple choice, GL's varied question types).

Ensure a balance between study and relaxation to prevent burnout. The goal is to arrive at the exam feeling confident and well-prepared.

Try Preparation timeline 11+ practice questions

Question 1

What is the typical age range for a child sitting the 11+ exam?

Answer: 10-11 years old. The 11+ exam is typically taken when a child is in Year 6, which means they are usually 10 or 11 years old.

Question 2

Which of these is NOT a common subject tested in the 11+?

Answer: Science. English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning are the core subjects for the 11+. Science is generally not included unless specific to an independent school's own exam.

Question 3

In which school year do most 11+ exams take place?

Answer: Year 6. The majority of 11+ exams are sat in September of Year 6, with results typically released in October or November.

Question 4

Which of the following describes an effective approach to early 11+ preparation?

Answer: Building strong foundation skills in literacy and numeracy from Year 4. Building strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy in earlier years provides a solid base without the pressure of explicit 11+ content.

Practice every day, the easy way

PipPrep adapts to your child's target school with 80,000+ questions across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Free to start, no card needed.

Start free →

Also available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store

Not sure where they actually stand? Take the free 11+ readiness check - 10 questions matched to your exam board, and a scored report on their weak topics. No account needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does 11+ preparation typically take?

Preparation typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, with structured work often beginning in Year 5. However, foundational skills are built from earlier years.

Should my child have a tutor for the 11+?

Tutoring is a personal choice. Some children benefit from a tutor's structured approach and targeted support, while others thrive with parental guidance and online resources. It depends on the child's learning style and the parents' capacity to teach.

What are GL Assessment and CEM?

GL Assessment and CEM (Cambridge Assessment) are the two main independent examination boards that produce 11+ papers for grammar schools and some independent schools across the UK. They have different styles and formats.

Is it possible to prepare too early for the 11+?

While building foundational skills early is beneficial, excessive pressure or formal tutoring too early can lead to burnout or disinterest. A balanced, age-appropriate approach is key to maintaining a child's enthusiasm.