What does 11+ prep look like in Year 5 [Video]

Watch our quick overview of what 11+ prep looks like for your child in year 5:

What Does 11+ Preparation Look Like in Year 5? A Parent’s Guide

If your child is in Year 5, you may be starting to think about the 11+ exam. It’s an important stage, but preparation should feel calm, structured and manageable.

Why Year 5 Matters for 11+

Year 5 is where strong foundations are built.

By this stage, many children are:

• More comfortable with themselves and their learning

• More secure in Maths and English fundamentals

• Ready to begin thinking more independently

This is the ideal time to strengthen core skills and introduce 11+ preparation in a supportive way.

What 11+ Prep Should Focus On

Preparation in Year 5 should build both skills and confidence, without overwhelming your child.

At Brilliant Beans, our Year 5 prep focuses on calm, structured learning that builds confidence alongside skills:

• English

• Maths

• Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Handwriting & reading comprehension

• Exam technique and stamina

Children work step by step, ensuring they understand each topic before moving on.

Becoming Exam Ready

Year 5 is also when children start to become familiar with exam expectations.

This includes:

• Learning how to sit and focus during exam conditions

• Building concentration and stamina over time

• Understanding how to approach different question types

• We introduce this gradually, so children feel confident, not pressured.

Preparing for Year 7 Thinking

As children move through Year 5, they are not only finishing their primary curriculum, but also beginning to develop the skills needed for secondary school.

A successful 11+ journey isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about building confidence steadily.

Children learn best when they:

• Feel supported and understood.

• Experience small, regular successes.

• Learn at a pace that suits them.

• It’s about helping children feel prepared, not pressured.

11+ Preparation in South West London

If you're looking for 11+ tutoring in South West London, it’s important to find a programme that supports both academic progress and confidence.

At Brilliant Beans, we focus on calm, structured learning that helps children feel capable, motivated and ready for the next stage.

Year 5 is not about rushing ahead, it’s about getting the foundations right.

With the right support, children can grow in confidence, develop strong skills, and feel ready for both the 11+ exam and the transition to Year 7.