How to Create an 11+ Study Plan

A well-constructed 11+ study plan is the difference between chaotic, anxious preparation and calm, steady progress. Here is how to build one that works for your child.

Phase 1: Foundation (12–6 Months Before the Exam)

In this phase, the goal is systematic topic coverage across all four 11+ subject areas: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Work through each subject methodically, spending more time on areas where your child is less confident. Short daily sessions of 30–40 minutes are far more effective than occasional marathon sessions.

Keep a simple log of topics covered and confidence levels (Red/Amber/Green). This becomes invaluable later when you need to identify where to focus revision.

Phase 2: Practice (6–3 Months Before the Exam)

From six months out, begin introducing timed practice papers alongside topic work. Start with individual topic papers, then move to full mixed papers. Time your child strictly — 11+ exams are fast-paced and building speed and accuracy under pressure is a skill that requires practice.

After every paper, review every question together — not just the wrong answers. Understanding why correct answers are correct is as valuable as understanding errors.

Phase 3: Consolidation (3 Months to Exam)

Now shift the balance: two or three full past papers per week under timed conditions, plus targeted revision of the weakest topic areas identified from papers. This phase is about building exam confidence, not learning new material.

Ease off completely in the final few days before the exam. Resting, eating well and arriving calm is more valuable than cramming.

Our 11+ specialists help families build structured study plans that cover all required topics in the time available, with clear milestones and practice paper targets built in. Our students have achieved a 95%+ offer rate across selective school entry, and we're rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot. Book a free consultation here.

Building Your Weekly Timetable

Map out which days work for revision sessions. Factor in school commitments, sports and other activities. Aim for five sessions of 30–45 minutes per week in Year 5, increasing to seven sessions in Year 6. Avoid scheduling revision on days packed with other activities — a tired, stressed child retains very little.

How Leading Tuition Can Help

Our specialist tutors build personalised study plans for each child and provide structured, expert-led sessions that children find far more enjoyable than parent-led revision. Book a free consultation to discuss your child's preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I start an 11+ study plan?

Most families start 12–18 months before the exam, at the start of Year 5. Starting earlier allows thorough topic coverage and stamina-building without last-minute pressure.

Q: How many hours a week should a child study for the 11+?

In Year 5, aim for 3–5 hours per week across short sessions. In the final term, 1–1.5 hours per day is appropriate. Consistent, focused sessions outperform long, tiring marathons.

Q: What should an 11+ study plan include?

All four subjects: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Allocate more time to weaker subjects and build in timed past paper practice from six months out, with review sessions after every paper.

Q: Should the study plan change as the exam approaches?

Yes. Early phase: topic-by-topic skill building. Six months out: introduce papers progressively. Final four weeks: two or three full papers per week under timed conditions, revisiting identified weak areas.