Feeling lost about when to start 11+ prep? This flexible timeline helps you plan with confidence, avoid burnout, and keep your child happy—not stressed.
Macro Overview
Successful 11+ prep is a marathon, not a sprint. Here's how most families structure the journey:
| Phase | Typical Timing | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations | Late Year 4 | Reading, basic maths, fun puzzles |
| Skill Building | Year 5 (Autumn–Spring) | Core subjects, vocab, reasoning |
| Consolidation | Year 5 (Summer) | Timed practice, mock exams |
| Polishing | Early Year 6 | Accuracy, stamina, wellbeing |
Year 4: Light-Touch Foundations
- Encourage daily reading (fiction + non-fiction).
- Play word games and logic puzzles.
- Ensure times tables and basic arithmetic are fluent.
- Keep it fun and light—no formal papers yet.
Year 5: Term-by-Term Focus
Autumn:
- Baseline diagnostic (know strengths/weaknesses).
- Set weekly schedule: 3–4 short sessions.
Spring:
- Target weak areas.
- Build vocabulary using a daily calendar.
- Introduce short timed sets (8–12 mins).
Summer:
- Start full-length practice papers (one every 1–2 weeks).
- Focus on review: Why did errors happen?
Early Year 6: Taper and Polish
- Increase accuracy focus.
- Begin exam-condition mocks (timed, no help).
- Keep sessions short and sharp—avoid cramming.
- Prioritise sleep and rest.
Weekly Structure Example
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Maths revision + vocab practice |
| Tuesday | Verbal Reasoning drills |
| Wednesday | Reading comprehension |
| Thursday | Non-Verbal Reasoning puzzles |
| Friday | Light review and error log |
| Saturday | Rest or fun logic game |
| Sunday | Mock paper (bi-weekly) |
Adaptation Track for Late Starters
- Focus on diagnostics, not all topics.
- Prioritise high-yield areas (maths, vocabulary, reasoning speed).
- Use shorter, more frequent sessions to build stamina.
Milestone Checklist
| Milestone | Target Date |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic completed | Early Year 5 |
| Vocab system started | End of Year 5 Autumn |
| First timed practice set | Start of Year 5 Spring |
| First mock paper | Year 5 Summer |
| Application forms sent | As per local deadline |
Quick FAQ
Q: Is it ever too late to start 11+ prep?
A: No, but you may need to focus more tightly and use diagnostics.
Q: Should my child do daily papers?
A: No—quality beats quantity. Little and often is best.
Q: What if we miss a week?
A: Simply restart; progress matters more than perfection.
📅 Download our printable 11+ prep timeline planner and set up your family's own schedule!
Want to boost vocabulary skills? → Vocabulary Power-Ups for the 11+
Understanding exam scoring? → 11+ Scoring Demystified
Track your progress with our preparation checklist and interactive timeline tool.
