The Ultimate 11+ Preparation Guide 

By Anastasia Arbuthnott, Primary Specialist and Senior Education Consultant, Enjoy Education

For many families, the 11+ is one of the first major milestones in a child’s educational journey. Whether you are just beginning to explore selective schools or you have been hearing about “pre-tests” in the playground, it is completely natural to feel a little daunted at the start.

In my role as a Senior Education Consultant at Enjoy Education, I speak to parents every day who are trying to make the right decisions for their child – academically, emotionally and practically. Some are preparing for grammar schools, others for highly competitive London independents, and many simply want to know where to begin.

This guide brings together everything I share in those early conversations: clear guidance, without pressure.

What Is the 11+ Exam and Does My Child Need to Take It?

The 11+ is a broad term for entrance exams taken by children in Year 6 for selective senior school entry (typically in Year 7, but some schools have Year 9 entry via the ISEB Pre-test).

The assessments vary between grammar schools and independent schools but typically include:

• English: comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and creative or persuasive writing
• Maths: focused on Key Stage 2 content with added problem-solving and reasoning
• Verbal reasoning: working with language, logic, sequences and word patterns
• Non-verbal reasoning: visual pattern recognition and spatial awareness
• Interviews: one-to-one or small group conversations assessing a child’s thinking, communication and character

Some schools use the ISEB Common Pre-Test. Others design their own exams or include an interview and group task day. Many parents are surprised to learn how early the process can start, especially if their child is applying to highly selective schools.

What’s my first step? Create your school shortlist. Our Schools Advisory team regularly helps families explore suitable options and build an entry strategy based on the child’s personality, interests and academic profile. We also offer academic assessments early in the process. These help you understand your child’s strengths and areas for growth and provide a clearer sense of whether the 11+ is the right fit.

When Should You Start Preparing for the 11+?

The right time to start depends on your child, your target schools and your family’s pace. Preparation can begin lightly in Year 4 or more fully in Year 5. Here is what it often looks like:

Year 4: Building the Foundations

• Light-touch tuition focused on English and maths fundamentals
• Building reading confidence and comprehension through discussion
• Introducing verbal reasoning and logic games
• Encouraging curiosity, creativity and reflective thinking
• Early assessments to inform a long-term plan without pressure

Our after-school tuition at this stage is often once per week and led by tutors who specialise in building confidence gently.

Year 5: Structured Preparation Begins

• Weekly tuition covering key exam areas (maths, English, reasoning)
• Teaching exam techniques such as time management and planning answers
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning taught explicitly, not just through worksheets
• More focused creative writing practice and comprehension
• Gentle interview introduction if needed
• Regular benchmark assessments to monitor progress and refine the preparation plan

Many families also use holiday tuition to consolidate learning. We offer structured programmes over half-terms and summer, including online or in-person support tailored to your travel and availability.

Year 6: Sharpening and Supporting

• Consolidation of all subject areas through targeted sessions
• Timed practice papers and reviewing marking schemes
• Confidence coaching and mindset support
• Mock interviews and workshops for selective schools
• Programme Managers help ensure coordination across tutors, schools and specialists

Some families use residential tuition at this point, either in the UK or abroad, especially if they need intensive support due to relocation or limited time.

First step? Read our guide to why early preparation matters. 

What Does Good 11+ Preparation Actually Look Like?

We are often asked, “What should a typical week look like?” The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all model. However, successful preparation tends to include the following elements:

Academic Core

• Strong grounding in Key Stage 2 maths and English
• Familiarity with question types and language used in selective school papers
• Timed work introduced gradually to build pace without panic

Reasoning Practice

• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning strategies taught, not just drilled
• Exposure to puzzles, patterns and logic questions
• Guided feedback to help children understand why their answers are right or wrong

Writing and Reading

• A wide reading diet to improve vocabulary and style
• Regular creative or descriptive writing practice
• Encouragement to edit, improve and take ownership of written work

Confidence and Mindset

• Learning to bounce back from tricky questions or mistakes
• Encouragement and praise used meaningfully, not generically
• Talking about feelings around the exams without adding pressure

At Enjoy Education, all our 11+ students are supported by tutors who specialise in primary preparation and understand how to pitch challenge appropriately. Families with multiple tutors or more complex support needs can also receive additional support from our in-house Programme Managers who will guide your family every step of the way.

How Can Parents Support Their Child Through the 11+?

Advice from Liane, Director of Studies at Enjoy Education

The 11+ is a key academic milestone, but it is also emotional. Parents have a powerful role to play beyond revision schedules and practice papers.

Here are five simple, meaningful ways to support your child.

• Keep Routines Calm and Consistent: A quiet study space and a steady weekly rhythm, even just one or two sessions, helps children feel secure. Build habits slowly rather than rushing everything at once.

• Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Result: Ask what they enjoyed or found tricky, not just how they scored. Noticing progress builds resilience and keeps things in perspective.

• You Don’t Have to Be the Teacher: It’s okay not to know the exam content. Your role is to be encouraging and steady at home. Let tutors handle the teaching.

• Protect Time for Rest and Play: Children learn better when they are relaxed. Keep dedicated time free from schoolwork to help protect motivation.
• Be Curious Together: Read aloud. Chat about the news. Ask questions. Children absorb a huge amount through natural conversation and shared curiosity.