11 plus tutoring year 4 or 5?

[CocoBean22]

When should we start?
I have a highly recommended tutor in mind and just wondering when we should start 11 plus tutor sessions?
Year 4 or Year 5 and why?
(Year 4 sessions would be fortnightly)
Thanks

Starting early always helps. There are many paid resources online but I found this free resource https://practicepapers.net/. for 11+ prep more useful. Doesn't have mock tests but quite helpful for daily practice.

Depends what you’re aiming for/where you’re based. For super selective yr4 might be better. However if your child is currently at or exceeding in their school work then starting at the beginning of yr5 should be fine. Start too early and your child will burn out/be totally fed up of it by the time the test rolls around. I’d say in yr4 just keep encouraging lots of reading (fiction, non fiction, broader the better), if school set tasks like mathlectics or times table rock stars always do it. Just keep on top of school work and keep up an interest in learning at home.

I'm an 11 plus tutor and would say that if your child is genuinely suited to a grammar education, a year of tuition in year 5 should be plenty. If they need more than that, they may well struggle when/if they get to grammar.

Also, I'd never agree to fortnightly. It's an absolute pain for the tutor logistically and there is a lack of continuity for the child. I no longer offer it as I found fortnightly clients expected amazing progress for half the price and commitment. It's really not great for progress.

Agree with this! We decided to go for sept of year 5 for both of ours, weekly 1:1. Lots of reading in year 4 and exploring challenging vocab as suggested here too. Mine would have been so over it had they started earlier, but some children love it!

We started in October of year 5, the tutoring company we used doesn't start until after the previous cohort has sat the exam. That was plenty of time to prepare.