When Should My Child Start Preparing for the 11+?

rocketologyuk
Sep 1
3 min read

Updated: Sep 7

One of the most common questions parents ask us at Rocketology is: “When should my child start preparing for the 11+?” Some worry they’ve left it too late, while others wonder if Year 4 is too early. The truth is, there’s no single “right time” — it depends on your child’s needs, confidence, and long-term goals.

This guide breaks down the ideal 11+ preparation timeline, helping you understand what to expect at each stage and how to support your child effectively.

Year 4 – Building Strong Foundations 🚀

For most children, Year 4 is about laying the groundwork. At this stage, there’s no need for formal exam drilling. Instead, focus on strengthening the core skills that underpin success in the 11+.

Reading: Actively encourage daily reading to expand vocabulary and comprehension. Discuss stories, ask questions, and explore different genres.
Maths fluency: Prioritise times tables, number bonds, and mental maths. These quick-recall skills build confidence for harder problems later.
Curiosity and problem-solving: Puzzles, logic games, and creative activities foster the reasoning skills tested in verbal and non-verbal reasoning exams.

👉 The goal in Year 4 isn’t exam readiness — it’s confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.

Year 5 – Focused Preparation ✨

Year 5 is often considered the key preparation year. By now, children are ready for more structured support and practice.

Structured tuition begins: Many families choose tuition (small group or 1:1) to build exam-specific skills.
Gradual introduction to practice papers: These should be phased in carefully, building familiarity with exam formats without overwhelming your child.
Learning with peers: Group courses, like Rocketology’s Voyage course, provide a supportive environment where children can challenge themselves while sharing the journey with others.

👉 By the end of Year 5, most children should be comfortable with the exam format and confident in their ability to tackle a range of question types.

Year 6 – Targeted Exam Practice 🎯

For children sitting the 11+ in September, Year 6 is all about refining technique and building exam stamina.

Mock exams: These provide realistic practice under timed conditions, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Confidence and stress management: Techniques such as breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and structured revision routines help reduce exam-day anxiety.
Booster sessions: Short, targeted courses can be invaluable in the weeks before the exam, ensuring children feel prepared and supported.

👉 Think of Year 6 as fine-tuning: polishing existing skills and building the resilience needed for the real thing.

Signs Your Child is Ready to Start Earlier

Every child is different, and some may benefit from beginning light preparation sooner. Signs your child may be ready include:

A natural love of puzzles, problem-solving, and logic games.
Asking for extra challenges at school or home.
Needing additional time to build academic confidence or close skill gaps.

Starting early should still be gentle and engaging — the focus is on nurturing ability and enthusiasm, not pressure.

What if We’ve Left It Late? ⏰

Many parents come to us in Year 6 worried they’ve missed the chance to prepare. The good news? It’s never too late to add structure.

Focus on exam technique: Even a few weeks of targeted practice can make a huge difference.
Boost confidence: Children perform best when they believe they can succeed. Supportive tuition can calm nerves and build resilience.
Daily, bite-sized practice: Ten to fifteen minutes a day of focused revision is far more effective than stressful cramming.

👉 At Rocketology, we often see children make remarkable progress in just a short time when preparation is structured and purposeful.

Next Steps 🚀

The best time to start preparing for the 11+ depends on your child — but Year 4, 5, and 6 each play an important role in the journey. What matters most is building confidence, developing strong skills, and making learning enjoyable along the way.

✨ Wherever your child is starting from, Rocketology has a course to support them — Year 4 Launch for beginners, Year 5 Voyage for knowledge development or Year 6 Boost for last-minute confidence.