As a parent, one of the biggest questions you may ask is: “When should I start tutoring for 11+?” This question comes up again and again, and for good reason. The 11 Plus is not just any test; it is an Entrance Exam that can open doors to top grammar schools and selective schools. Getting the timing right is often the key to success.
The best age to start 11 Plus tutoring is usually Year 4, giving children time to build strong skills. Some parents begin gently in Year 3 for early confidence or wait until Year 5 for focused practice. At Study Plus, we guide parents through the journey of preparing their child for the 11+ with simple advice, clear steps, and proven methods.
Many parents hear different advice; some say to start in Year 3, others say Year 4, and many begin in Year 5. The truth is that the right time depends on your child’s needs.
So the most-asked big question, how early should I start tutoring my child towards 11+? The conservative response is that Year 4 is best, but at lower levels, some earlier work or later, more intensive help can both be fine.
The 11 Plus exam is not a memory test; it is thinking and problem-solving. Children need to develop good core Maths and English skills because of that.
Our experience shows that children who balance all four areas feel much more confident when preparing their child for the 11+.
Parents often ask for a step-by-step guide. Here’s how we break it down:
You may wonder if tutoring is really needed. The truth is that while many schools cover the basics, the 11 Plus demands more than school lessons. Tutors know how to teach verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which is rarely covered in classrooms. They also know how to stretch children in 11 Plus Maths and 11 Plus English beyond the normal level.
That’s why parents choose tutoring. It gives structure, guidance, and accountability. And with the right support, children don’t just prepare, they thrive. For parents who want to compare options, we’ve written a full guide: 11 Plus Tuition Options: Group, Private, Online.
Confidence comes from practice, and the best way to practice is by using past papers and timed exercises. By the time your child reaches 11 Plus Year 5, they should be regularly practising with full-length papers.
Practice helps in three ways:
When you start tutoring your child for the 11+ Exam early enough, this stage feels natural and not rushed.
Parents visit us because we simplify the journey. We don’t just give advice; we guide you step by step. Whether you’re wondering when to start tutoring for 11+, how to balance core maths and English skills, or how to support 11 Plus Year 4 children, we give answers you can use right away.
We also connect you with trusted resources, mock papers, and tutoring options. For parents exploring high-quality support, the Best tuition centre in Reading for 11 Plus shows what effective tuition looks like in practice.
Starting 11 Plus prep early builds confidence. With gentle learning in the early years and focused practice by Year 5, your child is set for success.
Contact Study Plus to start the journey today.