Year 4 is a fantastic time to begin preparing your child for the 11+ exams. 11+ preparation in Year 4 is not about intense practice or mock tests — it’s about building a strong foundation in core subjects, nurturing curiosity, and developing good study habits.
By the time children reach Year 5, the pace picks up considerably. So, a solid 11+ preparation in Year 4 helps them step into that stage with confidence and readiness.
🔹 Step 1: Build Strong Foundation Skills
🧮 Maths
Maths is the backbone of a child’s 11+ preparation in Y4. Strengthening number fluency now will make later topics much easier.
Tips:
- Make sure your child has memorised multiplication tables up to 20.
- Start using CGP 9–10 Years Maths Books — they provide excellent topic-wise practice and boost confidence.
- Encourage mental maths games and daily quick-fire challenges to improve speed and accuracy.
📚 English
Building strong reading and vocabulary habits early makes a huge difference in 11+ English and Verbal Reasoning.
Focus Areas:
- Encourage daily reading — it develops comprehension, vocabulary, and writing style.
- Maintain a vocabulary notebook with new words, meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
- Use workbooks like RSL, CGP or Schofield & Sims to strengthen grammar and comprehension skills.
Recommended Reading List (Ages 8–10)
A mix of timeless classics and modern stories that expand imagination and vocabulary:
- Charlotte’s Web – E. B. White
- The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C. S. Lewis
- Matilda – Roald Dahl
- How to Train Your Dragon – Cressida Cowell
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind – William Kamkwamba
- The Famous Five series – Enid Blyton
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Rick Riordan (for advanced readers)
A post on detailed reading list will follow soon!
🧠 Reasoning (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
Reasoning skills don’t come overnight — they develop through exposure and pattern recognition.
Where to Start:
- Use CGP 9–10 Years Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning Books for topic-wise and pattern-based questions.
- Introduce logical puzzles and word games to build problem-solving ability.
- Begin spatial reasoning through hands-on play — cutting and folding nets into cubes, solving jigsaws, or playing games like Tangrams and Blokus.
These practical activities help children visualise shapes and relationships — an essential skill for reasoning sections later on.
🔹 Step 2: Establish a Balanced Schedule
Consistency is key at this age. Long study hours aren’t necessary — instead, focus on small, regular sessions that fit around school and playtime.
Sample Daily Schedule:
🕕 Before School: 30–60 minutes – light revision (tables, reading, or reasoning puzzles)
🎨 After School:
- 1 hour – extracurricular activities (sports, music, art, etc.)
- 1 hour – focused study (alternate between Maths, English, and Reasoning)
- 1 hour – homework and school assignments
Keeping a routine helps children stay organised and reduces stress later in Year 5.
🔹 Step 3: Build Vocabulary Early
A strong vocabulary is one of the most powerful assets your child can have for 11+ exams. It boosts comprehension, verbal reasoning, and writing skills.
Fun Ways to Build Vocabulary:
- Read widely – both fiction and non-fiction.
- Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, and crosswords.
- Use apps such as Mrs Wordsmith, WordUp, or Freerice.
- Have weekly word challenges — pick 5–10 new words and use them in daily conversations.
❓Frequently asked: Should your child start tutions in Y4?
The answer really depends on how your child is progressing on the steps listed above. If you are able to work on esstentials with your child, ensure that a disciplined study schedule is followed and your child is on track with 9-10 year books of leading publications on all subjects, then there is no need of additional assisstance. However, if you feel there are foundational gaps that can be addressed early on, it will be a good idea to explore tutoring. Though you many not need to invest as much time as without tutions, active involvement and oversight on lessons, follow-up practice work and syllabus completion is very important.
We start our 1-2-1 and small group lessons from Y4; you can view the batch schedules and other details in the form below:
💡 Final Thoughts
Year 4 is all about foundation, focus, and fun. The goal is to develop your child’s skills naturally — not to pressure them with exam-style drills. When learning is enjoyable and consistent, confidence grows effortlessly.
By the end of Year 4, your child will have:
✅ Strong maths fundamentals
✅ A rich and growing vocabulary
✅ Improved reading comprehension
✅ Logical reasoning ability
✅ A healthy study routine
And most importantly — they’ll be ready to step into Year 5 prepared and motivated.
✨ Remember:
