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Secondary education

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Is it too late to prep for 11+?

52 replies

TrixieCat · 06/04/2026 19:56

My daughter is in year 5. She just moved schools in September (both state schools) and her new school at her last parents evening asked whether we'd been thinking about grammar school applications for her. We hadn't really thought about it and now I've read that most parents are getting their children to prepare from year 4... We wouldn't be taking a high pressure approach to it; just some practice papers, lots of reading and maybe an app subscription so is it far too late?

I know it's tricky to answer as a lot comes down to aptitude and how well a child can perform under exam conditions, but does it sound unreasonable to try?

OP posts:
RandomMess · 06/04/2026 20:10

Honestly it’s not too late if your DC is academically capable. I don’t think it does DC any favours if they have needed 2 years intensive tutoring to get in to then flounder and struggle.

The most sensible parents I know paid for 6 weeks tuition and did practice papers for technique and familiarity.

678socks · 06/04/2026 20:05

Depends which grammar school area. Most people here start preparing at the beginning of October in year 5 (I.e just after the 11+ has been done by year 6 children). I wouldn’t panic but if you can find a good very experienced tutor to help. Depends on your child, if borderline then I would question the suitability of a grammar anyway. If high flying then probably fine with tutoring/work at home from now one,

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