Dear mums/Parents,
I'm a mum first, and a teacher second. So I get it.
Most of us think: "We'll start 4-6 months before the 11+. That should be enough, right?"
I used to think that too. Until I saw the real size of the 11+ syllabus. Then I understood why early prep changes everything.
The 11+ Syllabus is huge. No one tells you this upfront.
Let's break down the 11+ syllabus together:
It's not just "a bit of maths and English". Here's what your child actually needs to cover:
- Maths: 35+ topics – fractions, algebra, percentages, word problems...
- English: 30+ topics – comprehension, vocabulary, creative writing, SPaG
- Verbal Reasoning: 25-26 types – codes, sequences, word puzzles
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: 30-32 types – patterns, cubes, matrices
That's 120+ topics in total.
Now, each topic takes at least 3 classes if your child gets it first time. If they need more help? It's 5-6 classes per topic.
So do the maths with me:
- 120 topics × 3 classes = 360 classes minimum
- 120 topics × 5 classes = 600 classes if they need extra time (as every student is different)
Can we really do 360-600 classes in just 4 months? That's 3-5 hours every single day. With school, homework, and sleep too? It's impossible without stress.
This is why early prep is a must.
Things I've Learned as a Teacher & Mum
1. Early prep = actual understanding
When we start early, kids learn without the "exam is next month!" pressure. They actually understand maths and reasoning, not just memorise tricks. That deep understanding helps them in the exam and in secondary school later. Late prep = rush, stress, tears.
2. VR & NVR are brand new for kids
Maths and English? They see it in school. But Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning? Totally new. Most kids have never seen these puzzles before. In England, 11+ exams are heavy on reasoning. Starting early gives them time to get comfortable.
3. Confidence can't be rushed
Yes, some super bright kids crack it with 10-12 months of prep. But even they need that time. And honestly? Even the brightest kids feel shaky when they cram.
My story as a mum + teacher
My own son started early in Year 4. His foundation was good and he picks things up quickly. But because I'm a teacher, I know how big this syllabus is. I knew it would take time.
So we started early – just 4 hours a week, 1-to-1.
As a mum, I'm so happy now. He has a real teacher who talks to him, makes 11+ feel easy, and builds his confidence bit by bit. No tears. No panic. Just steady progress.
As parents, we all want this for our kids:
Real confidence. Deep understanding. A smooth, calm journey.
Because let's be honest – the 11+ is one chance.
Why make it stressful when we can make it interesting, deserved, and even... fun?
Start early. In Year 4. Give them time. Give them confidence that lasts beyond the exam.
You've got this,
A Fellow Mum & 11plus Teacher at SHREE RSC TUTORS