Best Time to Start 11+ Tuition – A Year-by-Year Guide for Parents

25/05/2025 / 11+ Tuition

Preparing a child for the 11+ exam is a journey many families begin with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. It marks a significant step in a child’s academic development and can open the door to grammar or independent schools that suit their learning style and ambitions. One of the most common questions parents ask is: when should tuition begin?

This article outlines a thoughtful, year-by-year approach to 11+ tuition, helping parents understand how preparation can be paced to suit their child’s needs, confidence, and academic development.

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Starting with an Understanding of the 11+ Exam

The 11+ exam is usually taken by children in Year 6, often as early as September or October, depending on the local authority or the specific schools being applied to. It marks a significant gateway to selective grammar schools and, in many cases, forms part of the entrance process for independent schools as well. The nature of the test varies slightly depending on region and school, but it generally covers a combination of English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Some independent schools and local authorities may also include separate creative writing tasks or more in-depth comprehension papers as part of the assessment.

These exams are designed to challenge pupils and differentiate between a wide range of abilities. As such, they often include material that goes beyond the standard national curriculum, particularly in reasoning, which is not routinely taught in most primary schools. For many children, the 11+ introduces question formats and styles they may not have encountered before requiring both a solid grasp of core skills and the ability to apply them quickly and accurately under timed conditions.

Because of the academic demands and the high level of competition for places—particularly in areas with a limited number of grammar school spots or where schools are oversubscribed—many families choose to provide additional support for their child through private 11+ tuition. A tutor can help introduce the question formats, develop exam techniques, and build confidence over time.

But this decision naturally leads to one of the most common concerns among parents: when should that tuition begin? Too early, and there is a risk of unnecessary pressure and fatigue. Too late, and there may not be enough time to fully address gaps or build the skills needed for success. Timing is crucial, and finding the right balance depends on a combination of the child’s readiness, learning style, and the expectations of the schools being targeted.

In the following sections, we’ll explore how preparation can be paced effectively, starting from the early years of primary school and progressing through to the exam itself.

Access our comprehensive parent’s guide to the 11+ here >

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Year 2: Building the Basics

Although it may feel premature to consider exams in Year 2, this stage is less about direct preparation and more about laying the foundations for future learning. At this age, children are just beginning to find their footing with reading, writing, and basic numeracy. The focus should be on nurturing enjoyment, confidence, and curiosity—elements that will serve them well as the academic demands increase in later years.

Developing fluency in reading and comfort with numbers is particularly valuable. Children who read for pleasure, play with language, or enjoy listening to and telling stories are already strengthening their vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination. Likewise, those who engage with games involving counting, patterns, or logic are building early problem-solving abilities that underpin success in both mathematics and reasoning tasks.

Everyday activities can be surprisingly powerful. Reading aloud together, playing mental maths games during car journeys, or encouraging your child to write short letters or journal entries all contribute to important cognitive development. These experiences help children learn how to express themselves clearly, spot patterns, and approach problems with flexibility—skills that the 11+ will eventually assess.

If tuition is introduced at this stage, it should be informal and rooted in play. Short, engaging sessions focused on storytelling, vocabulary games, or numeracy challenges can be effective. The goal is to build confidence and spark a love of learning, rather than to work towards any immediate academic target. A child who feels relaxed and interested in learning at this age is more likely to approach future challenges with enthusiasm and resilience.

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Year 3: Spotting Interests and Early Strengths

By the time children reach Year 3, they have usually settled into junior school routines and are beginning to develop more independent learning habits. They start to take greater ownership of their homework, show preferences for certain types of tasks, and express opinions about what they find interesting or challenging. This makes Year 3 a valuable opportunity for parents to quietly observe how their child engages with learning.

Does your child gravitate towards logical puzzles, number games, or spotting patterns? These might indicate a natural strength in problem-solving or non-verbal reasoning. Or perhaps they love reading, telling stories, or playing with words—signs of a developing flair for language and expression. These tendencies can offer early clues about how your child might approach different elements of the 11+ later on.

Understanding these inclinations allows parents to gently support areas that may need further development. Some children enjoy verbal or non-verbal reasoning puzzles presented in a light-hearted, game-like way, and introducing these at home can be a low-pressure way of building familiarity with the types of thinking the 11+ requires. Others might need a little more help strengthening their vocabulary, spelling, or number fluency—skills that underpin many areas of academic success.

At this stage, formal tuition is rarely necessary unless there is a specific concern or learning gap. Instead, this is a year for gentle encouragement and informal learning. Word games, mental maths challenges, storytelling, and educational board games can all contribute meaningfully to your child’s development. The aim is not to get ahead of the curve, but to cultivate a confident, curious learner who enjoys discovering new things and tackling problems independently.

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Year 4: Gentle Introduction to 11+ Content

Year 4 is often the point at which many families begin to turn their thoughts more seriously towards the 11+ exam. By now, most children are well into junior school, with a more secure grasp of core skills and a clearer sense of how they approach learning. This year presents a valuable opportunity to begin light, structured tuition in a way that supports development without overwhelming the child.

The focus at this stage should remain firmly on building confidence rather than chasing high scores or drilling exam content. Activities might include guided reading to develop comprehension techniques, exercises that encourage more expressive and organised writing, or early exposure to verbal and non-verbal reasoning through age-appropriate puzzles and challenges. These can be introduced gradually to ensure that children remain engaged and feel a sense of achievement as they begin to master new skills.

Starting tuition during Year 4 allows a tutor to get to know the child’s learning style, identify both areas of strength and gaps in understanding, and lay the groundwork for the more targeted preparation that typically begins in Year 5. This steady approach ensures that the child can become familiar with the types of questions and thinking required in the 11+ without the pressure of imminent exams.

A weekly tuition session is usually enough at this stage, ideally paired with regular reading and informal maths practice at home. These habits help to reinforce learning and foster a calm, consistent approach. The aim is to help children feel capable, curious, and ready to take on new challenges, laying a strong foundation for the year ahead.

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Year 5: The Core Year for Tuition

Year 5 is widely considered the most crucial year for structured 11+ preparation. By this stage, most children are developmentally ready to engage with the content and pace of the exam, and there is still ample time to build skills and confidence without undue pressure. As a result, many families choose to begin regular tuition at this point, often with a specialist tutor who understands the demands of the 11+ and the nuances of local exam formats.

This year typically marks a shift towards more focused learning. Tuition becomes less about exploration and more about targeted preparation. Tutors will begin to cover specific content areas required by the schools or local authorities to which the child is applying. These may include reading comprehension techniques, expanding vocabulary, and developing clear, structured writing. Mathematics tuition often extends beyond the core curriculum to include problem-solving, mental arithmetic, and reasoning. Children are also introduced to verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills in a more systematic way, especially if these are not taught in school.

An important part of preparation in Year 5 involves the gradual introduction of exam techniques. This might include timed exercises, practice papers, and guidance on how to approach different types of questions efficiently and accurately. Children learn how to manage their time across longer papers and how to stay calm and focused under timed conditions.

What makes Year 5 so effective is the opportunity it provides for consistent, incremental progress. A well-paced tuition programme allows tutors to revisit key concepts, strengthen weak areas, and refine strategies in a calm, steady manner. With regular practice and personalised support, children can build both the knowledge and the confidence they need to approach the exam with assurance.

For most pupils, weekly tuition combined with ongoing support at home—such as regular reading, mental maths games, or light revision—strikes the right balance. The aim is to create a structured, yet supportive environment in which your child can steadily grow into the demands of the 11+ without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Request your private 11+ tutor here >

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Year 6: Final Practice and Exam Readiness

For children taking the 11+ in the autumn of Year 6, this period marks the final stretch of their preparation journey. The focus during this time naturally shifts towards consolidation—bringing together everything that has been covered in previous months and refining the techniques that will support success on exam day. It is a time for careful polishing rather than the introduction of new material.

Tuition in Year 6 often centres around targeted revision, exam strategy, and timed practice. Mock exams are particularly valuable at this stage, offering children the chance to experience realistic exam conditions. These sessions help develop time management skills, improve accuracy under pressure, and build the stamina required to stay focused through the full duration of a paper. They also provide valuable insight into any areas that still need refinement.

Maintaining balance is especially important during this phase. While it may be tempting to intensify preparation, it’s crucial that children still have time to rest, enjoy hobbies, and keep up with the normal rhythm of school life. Too much pressure can lead to fatigue or anxiety, which in turn can undermine performance. A calm, steady approach is often far more effective than cramming or last-minute stress.

A skilled tutor will understand how to manage this final stage with care. Sessions should be purposeful but not overwhelming, focusing on building confidence as well as academic skill. This is a time to reassure children of their progress, reinforce their strengths, and help them enter the exam room feeling calm and prepared.

For those who begin tuition in Year 6, there is still scope for meaningful progress, especially if the child already has a solid academic foundation. However, the strategy will need to be more focused and efficient. Tutors may concentrate on key topics, familiarise the child with the format of the exam papers, and quickly address any gaps in knowledge. While the timescale is tighter, well-planned tuition can still have a positive and measurable impact.

Ultimately, Year 6 is about helping children approach the 11+ with confidence, clarity, and the tools they need to do their best—while also supporting their emotional wellbeing and ensuring they feel proud of how far they’ve come.

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Tailoring the Timeline to Your Child

While this year-by-year plan offers a general guide, it’s important to remember that every child is different. Some may need more time to develop certain skills, while others may be ready for challenge earlier. The key is to stay flexible and responsive.

Parents should consider their child’s confidence levels, maturity, and academic starting point. A child who enjoys learning and is already working above age expectations may not need to begin tuition as early, while another who finds particular areas challenging might benefit from starting sooner.

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Helping Your Child Succeed with Principal Tutors

Principal Tutors offers personalised, one-to-one support tailored specifically to each child’s stage in the 11+ journey. Whether your child is just starting out in Year 4, building momentum in Year 5, or refining their skills in the final weeks before the exam, our experienced, fully qualified tutors provide targeted guidance that builds confidence and fosters genuine understanding.

We match pupils with tutors who not only understand the 11+ content and exam formats but also how to adapt their teaching to suit different learning styles. With flexible scheduling and expert tuition available online or in-person, Principal Tutors can help ensure your child is well-prepared, calm, and capable—whatever their starting point.

Call us on 0800 772 0974 or fill in our quick online tutor request form to get started today.

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