When Should Parents Start Thinking About the 11+?

For many families, the 11+ can feel a long way off. Children in Years 3 and 4 are busy being children, and understandably, secondary school choices are not on their radar yet.

But for parents, this is often the ideal time to start quietly getting informed.

From our experience supporting children from Year 3 through to Year 6, one thing is clear: the earlier parents understand the landscape, the calmer and more confident the journey tends to be.

Why Year 3 Matters More Than You Think

Once your child is settled in Year 3, it’s a good moment for parents to begin researching.

This doesn’t mean starting intense preparation. It simply means understanding your options.

Are there grammar schools in your area?

Do local schools use selective tests like the 11+ or Wandsworth Test?

Are there independent or selective pathways you might want to keep open?

Having this knowledge early allows families to make steady, informed decisions rather than rushed ones later on.

The Common Year 5 Rush

Many families only start thinking seriously about the 11+ midway through Year 5. At this point, places with experienced tutors are often already full, and children can feel pressure to catch up quickly.

The reality is that effective 11+ preparation takes time. It involves more than learning content. Children need space to build confidence, understand unfamiliar question styles, and develop exam stamina.

A few months is rarely enough to do this well.

Why Starting in Year 4 Works Best

Beginning support at the start of Year 4 allows children to:

• Secure Year 4 foundations properly

• Gradually extend into Year 5 content

• Become familiar with verbal and non-verbal reasoning styles

• Build confidence without pressure

Many 11+ exams draw on knowledge children formally encounter late in primary school, sometimes even in Year 6.

A steady approach from Year 4 means children are not encountering this material for the first time under exam conditions.

It’s Not Just About Curriculum Content

Reasoning skills such as verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not explicitly taught in most primary classrooms. These question types can feel unfamiliar and intimidating without guided practice.

By introducing these skills gradually, alongside strong foundations in maths and English, children are far better prepared by the time Year 5 begins.

A Calm, Planned Approach Makes the Difference

Starting early does not mean pushing children too hard. In fact, the goal is the opposite.

A well-timed approach allows learning to feel manageable, confidence to grow naturally, and preparation to fit around a child’s wellbeing.

At Brilliant Beans, we believe the 11+ journey should feel informed, structured and calm, not rushed or overwhelming.

If you’re navigating Years 3 to 6 and wondering when or how to start thinking about the 11+, we’re always happy to talk through options and help you plan with confidence.