Most families start in Year 4 or the first term of Year 5, giving 12 to 18 months of steady preparation before the exam in September of Year 6. Starting earlier than Year 4 rarely helps and can cause burnout. If you are beginning in Year 5, focus on core English and Maths first, then add reasoning. Little and often, three or four short sessions a week, works better than long weekend cramming.

GL Assessment publishes past papers, so the question formats are predictable and easier to practise. CEM, used by some grammar schools until recently, kept formats secret and mixed subjects within papers to discourage over-coaching. Many regions have now moved to GL or a bespoke format, so check your target school's website directly. Knowing the board matters because vocabulary lists, question styles and timings differ, and practice material must match the real paper.

Aim for four to eight full mocks across Year 5 and the summer before Year 6. Early mocks reveal gaps and build exam stamina, while later mocks under strict timing rehearse the real experience. Space them roughly a month apart so there is time to act on feedback. Too many mocks can knock confidence if scores plateau, so balance them with focused topic work and review each paper question by question afterwards.

Plenty of families prepare successfully at home using Bond, CGP and past papers, especially if one parent is confident with primary Maths and English. A tutor helps when your child needs accountability, struggles with specific topics like non-verbal reasoning, or when you want expert feedback on written answers. Even one session a fortnight alongside home practice can lift marks. The key is consistency, not cost, so choose whichever approach you will actually stick to.

Keep sessions short, around 30 to 45 minutes for Year 5, and always finish on a win. Praise effort and strategy rather than raw scores, and avoid comparing siblings or classmates. Build in proper breaks, sport and downtime so the 11+ does not take over family life. Talk honestly about the exam being one option, not the only route, so your child feels supported whatever the outcome. Confident children consistently outperform anxious ones.