The 11+ exam is one of the most important assessments a child will face in primary school. With the right preparation, it doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Start early
Ideally, preparation should begin at the start of Year 5. This gives children 12–18 months to build confidence across all four areas: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English.
Focus on the fundamentals
Before tackling practice papers, make sure your child has a strong grasp of:
- Times tables up to 12×12
- Spelling rules and common exception words
- Basic grammar and punctuation
- Shape, space and measure
Use timed practice papers
The 11+ is as much about speed as it is about accuracy. Once your child is comfortable with the content, introduce timed conditions to build exam technique.
Keep it positive
Anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to performance. Short, regular sessions (30–45 minutes) are far more effective than marathon cramming. Celebrate progress, not just results.
Get expert support
A good tutor can identify specific weaknesses and target them efficiently. At Brilliant Tutors Academy, our Year 5 11+ programme is designed to build both skills and confidence in a supportive environment.