Take the next step
Find the right Year 4 11+ starting point
Tell us your child’s current year group, preferred centre and the schools you are considering. We can then recommend the most suitable class, assessment or free trial.
Why Year 4 works
More time to teach. More time to practise. Less need to rush.
For many pupils, Year 4 is the most useful point to begin structured 11 Plus preparation. Children are mature enough to benefit from reasoning methods and more demanding comprehension, while there is still time to identify weak areas and improve them steadily.
Build the foundations
Secure arithmetic, vocabulary, comprehension, spelling and sentence control before exam pressure increases.
Learn reasoning properly
Introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning systematically, with clear methods rather than guessing or memorising patterns.
Develop confidence gradually
Children can work on unfamiliar question types before timed papers and mock exams become a major part of preparation.
What we teach
A complete Year 4 11 Plus foundation
Maths
Arithmetic fluency, fractions, problem solving, multi-step questions and mathematical reasoning.
English
Comprehension, inference, vocabulary, grammar, spelling and clear written expression.
Verbal reasoning
Word relationships, codes, sequences, vocabulary and systematic approaches to common question types.
Non-verbal reasoning
Patterns, matrices, rotations, spatial reasoning and visual problem solving.
The Year 4 approach
We do not start with endless mock papers
Full timed papers are not the starting point for most Year 4 children. First, pupils need to understand the content and the individual question types. We build accuracy and confidence before increasing speed and exam pressure.
Identify the skills that are already secure and the gaps that need attention.
Explain methods clearly and model how to think through unfamiliar questions.
Build independence through structured questions, review and targeted homework.
Introduce more exam-style work as knowledge, accuracy and stamina improve.
Two centres
Year 4 11 Plus tuition in Loughton and Seven Kings, Ilford
Loughton
For families across Loughton, Woodford, South Woodford, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Chingford and Epping.
Seven Kings / Ilford
For families across Seven Kings, Ilford, Goodmayes, Newbury Park, Barking, Dagenham and Romford.
Exam routes
Preparation matched to the schools you are considering
There is no single national 11 Plus exam. The balance of English, Maths, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, writing and applied reasoning depends on the target schools. We help families prepare for the right route rather than completing generic material without a plan.
Useful guides: Redbridge 11 Plus · Essex 11 Plus · CSSE · Independent-school preparation · School entrance guides.
Practise at home
Useful Year 4 11 Plus resources
Start here
Free Year 4 11+ Readiness Assessment
Not sure where your child stands? Use our free Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning diagnostic to identify the pattern of strengths and gaps before Year 5 becomes more exam-specific.
No pass mark. No pressure. Look for what is secure, where your child needs prompting and which question types are simply unfamiliar.
Take the free readiness assessment
Year 4 skills checklist • Realistic weekly study plan
English diagnostic • Maths diagnostic • Reasoning diagnostic
At-home practice works best when it supports what a child is learning rather than replacing teaching. Start with short tasks, review errors and only increase difficulty when the method is understood.
Common questions
Year 4 11 Plus FAQs
Is Year 4 too early to start 11 Plus preparation?
No. For many children, Year 4 is a very useful point to begin structured preparation because there is enough time to teach skills gradually and address gaps before the exam year.
Should a Year 4 child do full 11 Plus papers every week?
Usually not. Topic teaching, reasoning methods and careful review are more useful at this stage. Full timed papers become more valuable once the child can attempt most of the relevant content.
What should we focus on first?
Start with secure English and Maths foundations, then introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning carefully. The exact balance should reflect your child’s current level and target schools.
Do you prepare pupils for Redbridge grammar schools?
Yes. We support pupils preparing for Redbridge selective-school entry as well as other GL, CSSE and independent-school routes.
Can my child join if they have not done 11 Plus work before?
Yes. A Year 4 taster/assessment helps establish the starting point so we can recommend an appropriate programme rather than assuming prior preparation.
Where are the classes?
Our 11 Plus classes run at our Loughton and Seven Kings / Ilford tuition centres. Class availability depends on year group and programme.
Start the Year 4 journey
Give your child time to build the 11 Plus skills properly
Choose your centre and arrange a Year 4 taster/assessment, or compare current classes and prices before enquiring.
