How to Prepare for the 11 Plus in Year 5: A Month-by-Month Guide
Key Takeaways
- Use September–December of Year 5 for diagnostic assessments to identify gaps early.
- Build structured subject practice of 30–40 minutes, four times per week from January.
- Shift to timed papers and exam technique from May onwards.
- Ease off in the final week before the exam, rest and confidence matter more than last-minute cramming.
Year 5 is the critical preparation year for most 11 plus candidates. With the exam typically falling in September or October of Year 6, the months ahead are your window to build knowledge, sharpen skills, and develop exam technique. This guide gives you a clear, month-by-month plan so nothing is left to chance.
Year 5 preparation for the 11 plus should follow four phases: diagnostic assessment (Sep–Dec), structured subject practice (Jan–Apr), timed exam technique (May–Jul), and confidence-building polish (Aug–exam day). Three to four hours of practice per week, spread across shorter sessions, is the recommended amount.
September to December: Assess and Build Foundations
The first term of Year 5 is about understanding where your child currently stands. Work through a diagnostic assessment in each of the core 11 plus subjects, English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This highlights gaps early and stops you wasting time on topics your child already knows well.
EdifyPod Nexus provides detailed diagnostic reports that map your child's strengths and areas for growth across every topic. Eddy then builds a personalised practice plan based on the results, so your child is working on exactly what matters most.
January to April: Structured Subject Practice
With a clear picture of your child's starting point, move into focused subject work. Aim for four practice sessions per week, alternating between Maths, English, and Reasoning. Each session should last 30 to 40 minutes.
For Maths, ensure your child is confident with fractions, percentages, ratio, algebra basics, and multi-step word problems. For English, focus on reading comprehension techniques, skimming, scanning, and evidence-based answers. For Reasoning, variety is key: work through as many different question types as possible.
May to July: Exam Technique and Timed Practice
By the summer term, your child should have a solid knowledge base. Now shift the focus to exam technique: timing, question selection, checking answers, and managing tricky questions without losing confidence.
Introduce full-length timed papers. Sit your child down in a quiet space, set a timer, and let them work through a complete paper under realistic conditions. Review the paper together afterwards, not just the wrong answers, but the approach taken and time spent on each section.
August to Exam Day: Polish and Build Confidence
The summer holidays are your final preparation window. Keep sessions short and focused, 20 to 30 minutes daily is plenty. Revisit weak spots identified during timed practice, but avoid introducing new material at this stage.
In the final week, ease off. Light revision only. The priority is rest, confidence, and a positive mindset. Your child has done the work, now trust the preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Year 5 too late to start 11 plus preparation?
Year 5 is the most common starting point and gives plenty of time for thorough preparation. Many children who begin in Year 5 secure grammar and independent school places.
How many hours per week should a Year 5 child spend on 11 plus prep?
Around three to four hours per week, spread across multiple shorter sessions, is a good target. This keeps practice consistent without overwhelming your child.
Should I use workbooks or an online platform for Year 5 preparation?
Both have a place. Workbooks are useful for handwriting practice and getting used to paper-based formats. Online platforms like EdifyPod Nexus add the advantage of adaptive difficulty and instant feedback, which speeds up progress.