Build foundations early
In Year 4 and early Year 5, focus on the basics that everything else rests on. Strong arithmetic, wide reading and a growing vocabulary make the reasoning papers far easier later.
- Read widely every day and discuss new words
- Secure times tables and mental arithmetic
- Introduce Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning question types gently
Practise in the right format
Once foundations are in place, practise in the exact style your region uses. Working in the wrong format wastes effort, so confirm whether your schools use GL or a bespoke paper first.
Add timing and exam conditions
The 11 Plus is as much about timing as knowledge. In the final months, move from untimed practice to full papers under timed conditions, then to realistic mock exams. Regular mocks reduce exam day nerves and reveal which topics still need work.
Use results to target revision
After each mock, review the breakdown by topic. Spend your remaining time on the weakest areas rather than redoing what your child already knows. Standardised scores and section breakdowns make this easy to see.
See where your child stands
Book a live 11 Plus mock exam and get a standardised score, section breakdown and UK-wide ranking. Your first mock is free.