11 Plus · Year 4

11 Plus Preparation from Year 4

The ideal two-year 11 Plus pathway. Year 4 builds the knowledge, reasoning skills, and confidence children need before Year 5 becomes fully exam-focused.

2 Years
Exam pathway
Max 8
Students per group
4
Subjects covered
Weekly
Structured sessions
Trusted by Ilford families

Build Strong Foundations Before the Pressure Starts

Maths and English DepthCore reading, writing, and problem-solving skills are strengthened properly before the exam pace increases
VR and NVR Introduced EarlyChildren start learning verbal and non-verbal reasoning gradually, without the rush Year 5 starters often face
Small Groups, Personal AttentionChildren build confidence in a calm environment where tutors can correct gaps early
Clear Path Into Year 5Everything taught in Year 4 is designed to feed directly into the full Year 5 exam-prep programme

The Best Time to Start Serious 11 Plus Preparation

Year 4 is where confident 11 Plus preparation really begins. Children are old enough to absorb the full range of 11 Plus material, but still early enough to learn it properly without being rushed by the exam clock.

Our Year 4 programme is designed as the bridge between basic primary-school attainment and the more demanding Year 5 exam programme. We introduce the full 11 Plus subject set in a measured way, build independence, and develop the habits children need to cope well with timed work later.

  • Strong preparation for Redbridge, Essex, Kent and wider selective routes
  • Ideal for children targeting grammar or selective independent schools
  • Helps avoid late-start panic in Year 5
  • Available in-centre in Ilford and online

What We Cover in Year 4

The Year 4 curriculum is paced to build skill, accuracy, and confidence long before the real exam pressure begins.

Maths

Number fluency, fractions, arithmetic methods, word problems, early problem-solving, and the core reasoning skills needed for later 11 Plus papers.

English

Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, spelling accuracy, sentence structure, and written expression built to selective-school expectations.

Verbal Reasoning

Children begin learning the core logic behind common VR question types so Year 5 feels like progression, not first exposure.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Pattern recognition, sequences, codes, and visual logic are introduced gradually to build confidence before timed demands increase.

Early Exam Technique

We introduce careful working, checking, instruction reading, and light timed practice so children develop good habits from the start.

Progress Monitoring

Regular class checks and tutor feedback help us track understanding and catch weak areas early before they harden into bigger gaps.

Everything You Need to Know

Days

Saturday & Sunday

Duration

2 Hours Weekly

Class Size

Max 8 Students

Location

Ilford Centre + Online

Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Costs

Choose the option that works best for your child and your schedule.

One Subject

Single subject group tuition

£60*/4 weeks

2-hour weekly session

  • Weekly Saturday or Sunday session
  • Small group teaching
  • Regular class checks
  • Study materials included
Get Started
* All prices exclude VAT

How It Works

Everything included in your hourly rate

No hidden extras
  • Initial assessment included
  • Tailored resources provided
  • Progress updates to parents
  • Pay via Tax-Free Childcare
  • Pay via childcare vouchers
Book a Free Consultation
* All prices exclude VAT

What Sets This Programme Apart

Early Start, Less Pressure

Children have time to understand topics properly instead of being rushed through them in the final exam year.

Reasoning Introduced Properly

VR and NVR are taught in a calm, systematic way so they feel familiar by Year 5 rather than intimidating.

Stronger Reading and Writing

Year 4 gives us the time to build vocabulary, comprehension depth, and written accuracy that later selective papers demand.

Clear Year 5 Transition

Children move into the Year 5 programme already familiar with the subject set, class structure, and expectations.

Ilford Centre or Online

Families can attend in person in Ilford or join online with the same tutors, materials, and weekly structure.

Real Progress Tracking

We monitor understanding from the start and keep parents updated, so Year 5 begins from a position of strength.

How We Prepare Children Properly

1

Assessment First

Every child starts with a diagnostic assessment so we understand reading level, maths fluency, and readiness for reasoning work before they join a group.

2

Build Core Skills Before Speed

We teach children to understand and solve properly first. Timed pressure is introduced gradually once the method is secure.

3

Reasoning Added in Stages

VR and NVR are layered in carefully so children grow familiar with patterns and logic without becoming overwhelmed.

4

Parents Kept Informed

We keep communication clear throughout the year, so you know how your child is progressing and what the next step should be.

Why Year 4 Works So Well

Benefits of the two-year pathway

  • More time to master topics rather than memorise shortcuts
  • Better confidence when Year 5 exam prep begins
  • Stronger vocabulary, comprehension, and maths fluency by Year 6
  • Less stress for children and parents in the final year

What Parents Say

Hear from families who started their child on the 11 Plus pathway in Year 4.

"Starting in Year 4 made all the difference. My daughter had time to build confidence in reasoning instead of being thrown into it suddenly in Year 5. By the time exam preparation became more serious, she already had the foundations in place."

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Anjali SharmaParent · Daughter joined in Year 4

"Ark didn't rush the children. They built the basics properly, and that meant my son actually enjoyed coming. The tutors explained clearly what Year 4 was for and why that foundation mattered later."

S
Sara PatelParent · Son moved into Year 5 programme

"The Year 4 course gave our daughter the confidence she needed. Her comprehension and maths both improved, but just as importantly she stopped feeling intimidated by the 11 Plus. The transition into Year 5 was smooth because nothing felt new."

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Liyana MendisParent · Daughter on two-year pathway

Common Questions

Year 4 gives children time to build the full 11 Plus skill set properly before Year 5 becomes more exam-driven. It reduces pressure, improves confidence, and allows tutors to address gaps earlier.
No. We do not teach Year 4 children as if they were sitting the exam next month. The programme is age-appropriate and paced carefully, focusing on foundations, reasoning familiarity, and stronger habits that pay off later.
That is often the ideal time to start. School strength does not always mean familiarity with selective reasoning papers or 11 Plus-style problem solving. Year 4 allows strong pupils to stretch calmly and build depth.
Yes. Most children join without prior specialist 11 Plus tuition. We assess each child first and place them appropriately so they are challenged without being overwhelmed.
Yes. Ark Tuition Centre accepts Tax-Free Childcare, childcare vouchers, and the Universal Credit childcare element. Our team will explain how these can be applied to your fees when you enrol.

Start Early, Build Calmly, Progress Properly

Book a free assessment today and find out whether Year 4 is the right time to begin your child's 11 Plus journey.