For many parents, one of the first questions about the 11+ is simply: when should we start?
There isn't one perfect starting point for every child. Children develop at different rates, have different strengths and respond differently to exam preparation. However, starting gradually is usually more helpful than trying to fit large amounts of preparation into the final few months.
Year 4: build the foundations
For many children, Year 4 is a good time to begin strengthening the underlying skills that will later support 11+ preparation.
At this stage, preparation doesn't need to feel like exam revision. The emphasis can be on developing strong foundations in areas such as mental arithmetic, multiplication tables, vocabulary, reading comprehension, problem solving and logical thinking.
Reading regularly is particularly valuable. Encourage your child to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction and talk about unfamiliar words, characters, events and what the author might be suggesting rather than simply stating.
The objective isn't to start completing endless practice papers. It's to develop the skills that will make formal preparation easier later.
Year 5: introduce more focused preparation
Year 5 is when many families begin more structured 11+ preparation.
At this point, children can gradually become familiar with the types of questions they may encounter and learn strategies for approaching unfamiliar problems.
Depending on the entrance examination, preparation might include Maths, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and comprehension.
Regular short sessions are generally preferable to occasional lengthy revision sessions. A manageable routine gives children time to learn from mistakes and develop confidence without preparation taking over family life.
Don't forget exam technique
Knowing the subject matter is only part of preparing for an entrance examination.
Children may also need to practise:
working within a time limit
reading instructions carefully
recognising when to move on from a difficult question
checking answers efficiently
using multiple-choice answer sheets correctly where applicable
These skills can be introduced gradually once a child has developed the underlying knowledge needed to answer the questions.
Avoid starting with endless mock papers
Practice papers can be useful, particularly closer to the examination, but they shouldn't replace teaching.
If a child repeatedly struggles with fractions, for example, completing another timed paper containing fractions is unlikely to solve the underlying problem.
Instead, identify the gap, teach the concept, practise it in isolation and then return to exam-style questions.
Watch your child's confidence
Preparation should challenge a child without making them feel that every mistake represents failure.
If your child becomes anxious or resistant, consider whether the workload or difficulty has increased too quickly.
Sometimes taking a break from timed questions and returning to enjoyable reading, puzzles or untimed Maths can be more productive than pushing through another paper.
So, when should you start?
For many families, Year 4 is a sensible time to strengthen foundations, with more structured preparation beginning during Year 5.
However, the best starting point depends on your child's existing ability, the schools you are considering and the entrance examination they will sit.
Starting earlier doesn't automatically mean doing more. Often, it simply means giving your child enough time to develop their skills steadily.