When should Year 4 start 11+ preparation?

Find out which test would actually matter

Start with schools your child could reasonably attend. Check the journey, basic entry eligibility and which organiser runs the assessment. A single shared test may cover several schools; other schools have their own exams or second stages.

The label “11+” does not describe one national paper. Routes can use different combinations of English, maths, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and writing. Read GL, CSSE and SET explained before choosing materials.

At this stage, policies for your child’s eventual entry year may not yet be published. Use current information to understand the route, then recheck the correct year’s arrangements when available.

Build confidence in everyday learning

Our practical recommendation is to make reading and mathematical understanding the foundation. Discuss an unfamiliar word in a book, ask the child to explain a calculation, and help them work through a problem they did not initially understand.

Follow up concerns about ordinary classwork with the primary school. More entrance-test papers will not necessarily resolve a gap in a core skill.

If reasoning appears in the relevant route, gentle exposure can make unfamiliar formats less daunting. Introduce the task without assuming the child should already know the method or work at full speed.

Use familiarisation for its intended purpose

Look first at the test organiser’s official examples. GL Assessment provides familiarisation materials, while CSSE publishes material for its own English and maths examination. Kent also explains its format and provides a familiarisation booklet.

These help explain the kind of task and answer method. They are not a guarantee of live questions, a complete preparation programme or a reliable conversion from a practice percentage to an admission outcome.

Choose a manageable routine around schoolwork, sleep and activities. There is no evidence in the admissions rules for a universal number of weekly hours or papers that every Year 4 child must complete.

Plan the parent’s deadlines separately

Before Year 5, know which official websites to check for registration, test dates and support requests. Some routes open and close registration in spring, well before the summer holidays.

If your child may need access arrangements, ask the primary school and organiser about evidence and timing early. Also plan visits to non-selective schools so later choices are informed whatever the test result.

The Year 5 checklist covers those practical steps. Preparation can remain a modest part of family life while parents keep the application process organised.