How to prepare for the 11 plus
Start in Year 5, around a year before the September test, and build four skills: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths and English. Here is a realistic timeline, what each skill involves, and what tutoring costs.
The final weeks before the September 2026 tests
If your child is sitting the Kent Test or the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test this September, registration has already closed and the test is roughly nine weeks away. The Kent Test sits on 10 September 2026 for Kent primary schools and 12 to 13 September for out-of-county candidates, with results on 15 October 2026. Buckinghamshire's test sits on 10 September 2026, with a practice test on 8 September and results on 9 October 2026.
| Test | Test date | Results date |
|---|---|---|
| Kent Test, Kent primary schools | 10 September 2026 | 15 October 2026 |
| Kent Test, out of county | 12 to 13 September 2026 | 15 October 2026 |
| Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test | 10 September 2026 (practice 8 September) | 9 October 2026 |
Both registration windows are now closed (Kent ran 1 June to 1 July 2026, Buckinghamshire 1 May to 2 June 2026), so if your child is already entered, the only thing left to control is how the final weeks are spent. That means full past papers under timed conditions rather than new content, a steady routine rather than a sudden jump in hours, and confirming the test day logistics, venue, start time and what to bring, well before the morning itself.
Whatever September brings, the new school year is worth planning for regardless of the outcome. See why booking a tutor for the new year beats waiting for the November rush.
A realistic 11 plus timeline
The test is usually sat in September at the start of Year 6, so the work happens across Year 4 and Year 5. This is a guide, not a rule: every child is different.
| Stage | What to focus on | Typical commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Year 4 (age 8 to 9) | Read widely, build vocabulary, secure mental maths and times tables | Light, no formal practice yet |
| Year 5, autumn | Introduce the four skills: verbal and non-verbal reasoning, maths, English | About 1 hour a week |
| Year 5, spring | Timed questions, target weak areas, learn the question types | 1 to 2 hours a week |
| Summer before the test | Full past papers under timed conditions, build speed and stamina | About 2 hours a week |
The four skills the 11 plus tests
Verbal reasoning
Word-based logic puzzles: synonyms, antonyms, codes and letter sequences. Wide reading and a strong vocabulary are the foundation.
Non-verbal reasoning
Pattern and shape problems with no words. Children improve quickly with practice on rotations, reflections and sequences.
Maths
Curriculum maths at pace: fractions, percentages, ratio and problem solving. Speed and accuracy matter as much as method.
English
Comprehension, spelling, punctuation and sometimes a short writing task. Reading regularly is the single biggest help.
GL Assessment or CEM? Check your area first
The two main exam providers test differently. GL papers reward practice on recognisable question types; CEM papers are less predictable and reward broad vocabulary and fast thinking. Which one your child sits depends on the grammar schools you are aiming for, so confirm the format before you plan.
11 plus by area
The 11 plus varies by county: different exam providers, different grammar schools, different deadlines. See the detail for your area.
Tutors: 11 plus is the highest-demand niche
Parents preparing for grammar entry search hardest from spring through to the September test, and 11 plus specialists command some of the highest rates in tutoring. List your profile, set your area and exam format, and parents contact you directly.
High intent, high value
11 plus parents are actively spending and book early. A clear area and exam-format profile turns searches into enquiries.
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Common questions
When should my child start preparing for the 11 plus?
Most families begin structured preparation in Year 5, around 12 months before the test, which is usually held in September at the start of Year 6. Starting earlier, in Year 4, means you can build vocabulary, reading and mental maths gradually rather than cramming. The CEM exam format in particular rewards steady, broad preparation over last-minute drilling.
How much does an 11 plus tutor cost?
Specialist 11 plus tutors typically charge around £35 to £65 an hour, with the higher end reflecting tutors who know your area's exam format and use local past papers. Most families book a weekly one-hour session and add extra sessions in the final couple of months. On TutorLab you contact tutors directly and pay the tutor's rate, with no agency fees added on top.
What is the difference between GL Assessment and CEM exams?
These are the two main 11 plus test providers, and which one your child sits depends on the area and schools. GL Assessment papers test recognisable question types, so familiarity and practice help a lot. CEM papers are deliberately less predictable and reward strong vocabulary, fast numerical thinking and processing speed. Check which format your target grammar schools use before you build a preparation plan, because it changes what to focus on.
Can a tutor guarantee my child passes the 11 plus?
No tutor can guarantee a pass. The outcome depends on your child's underlying ability and their preparation, and grammar schools usually have far more applicants than places. What a good tutor can do is make sure your child is working at full potential: familiar with the question styles, confident under timed conditions and practised on realistic papers. Be cautious of anyone who promises a result.
Is tutoring necessary to pass the 11 plus?
Not strictly. Some children prepare successfully with parents using workbooks and past papers at home. A tutor helps most when you want structure, an expert who knows the local exam format, or focused work on specific weak areas. Many families combine the two: a weekly tutor for direction, plus regular practice at home in between.
Found a tutor? Run through the questions to ask a tutor, or plan ahead with summer tutoring.
Find an 11 plus tutor who knows your area
Search by area and exam format, message a tutor directly, and start preparing. Contacting them is free, and you pay the tutor's rate with no agency fees added on top.