For many parents of children in Year 4, the start of a new year brings a familiar question: when is the right time to begin 11 plus preparation? While the exams themselves may still feel some way off, this point in the academic journey is where strong foundations are built.
Why starting early makes a difference
The 11 plus assesses far more than just the content children learn in school. While English and maths form part of the curriculum, elements such as Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) are not routinely taught in primary schools. These areas often feel unfamiliar to children encountering them for the first timed during formal preparation in Year 5.
Beginning preparation in Year 4 allows children to:
- Become comfortable with question styles before expectations naturally increase
- Develop reasoning skills gradually rather than all at once
- Build confidence through familiarity, not repetition
- Learn at a pace that feels manageable and supportive
By the time children enter Year 5, those who have already been introduced to VR and NVR often find it easier to engage with more advanced practice and timed work.
Why the turn of the new year is an ideal starting point
The start of the new year is a natural moment to introduce structured learning habits. Children are settled into school routines and there is enough time to focus on skill-building rather than rushing towards exam readiness.
Beginning 11 plus preparation now allows families to avoid the increase pace that can come with a late start. Instead of compressing learning into a short window, skills can be introduced steadily and reinforced over time.
This approach supports long-term understanding rather than cramming.
Preparing for Year 5 with confidence
Year 5 is when many children begin classroom based 11 plus preparation. Entering this year with a grounding in exam-style thinking can make a significant difference to confidence and engagement.
Children who have already explored reasoning questions and exam formats often approach Year 5 feeling more secure, which helps them focus on progress rather than catching up
Supporting early preparation with structured learning
At KSOL, our Year 4 Early Starter course is designed specifically to support this stage of preparation. The course introduces key 11 plus skills in a structured, age-appropriate way, with a strong focus on understanding and building secure foundations.
Through daily tests, exclusive animated video lessons and tutor support, children follow a guided learning journey that helps them develop confidence in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning well before these skills are expected in more formal preparation.
This makes the course a natural fit for families looking to start early, particularly at the beginning of the year when consistent learning habits are easier to establish.
A steady start sets the tone
The 11 plus journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Starting preparation in Year 4 gives children time to grow into the process, understand what is expected of them and build confidence step by step.
For many families, beginning now provides reassurance that their child is developing the right skills at the right time and building confidence steadily.
If you’re considering when to start 11 plus preparation, the new year offers a valuable opportunity to lay those foundations early and prepare calmly for what lies ahead.
For families considering when to begin, the Year 4 Early Starter course provides a clear and supportive way to start early, drawing on over 20 years of experience. With guidance from qualified tutors and a structured approach that fits naturally at the start of the year, the course helps establish strong learning habits at the beginning of the new year.
Find out more about the Year 4 Early Starter Course.
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