11 Plus · Year 5

11 Plus Preparation from Year 5

Rigorous exam preparation for Redbridge, Essex & Kent 11 Plus — 2 hours weekly rising to 4 hours intensive as the exam approaches.

The Final Stretch — Focused, Structured 11 Plus Prep

2hr Weekly → 4hr Intensive2 hours per week until March, rising to 4-hour intensive format in the final months
Small Groups — Max 8–10Every child receives focused attention and targeted feedback every session
Mock Exam Sit a full mock paper in exam conditions — with detailed results and feedback
Parent Evenings Mid-YearStructured update sessions so you always know exactly where your child stands

Year 5 — The Critical Year Before the Exam

Year 5 is the last full academic year before children sit the 11 Plus. Our programme is built around this reality: rigorous subject coverage in the autumn and spring terms, followed by intensive exam technique and past paper practice as September approaches.

We cover all four 11 Plus subjects — Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning — in a structured sequence designed to build confidence and close any remaining gaps before the exam.

  • Targets Redbridge CEM, Essex CEM, Kent GL Assessment, Hertfordshire-Barnet, and Enfield
  • Weekly progress tests throughout the year
  • Seamlessly follows on from our Year 4 programme
  • Online and in-centre options available

What's Covered in Year 5

All core 11 Plus subjects covered in a structured sequence — building depth in the first half of the year and sharpening exam technique in the second.

Maths

Number, fractions, decimals, geometry, statistics, and NVR-style problem-solving. Covers all topics tested in CEM and GL Assessment formats.

English

Comprehension, creative writing, grammar, and verbal reasoning integrated with English skills. Timed reading exercises and vocabulary extension work.

Verbal Reasoning

All 21 VR question types covered systematically. Cloze exercises, synonyms and antonyms, word codes, number codes, and analogies.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

3D rotation for CEM, matrices, series, and spatial reasoning. Progressive difficulty to build fluency under timed conditions.

Exam Technique

Timed practice, question spotting, and paper management strategies. Simulated exam conditions introduced from spring term onwards.

Progress Testing

Weekly short tests throughout the year. Progress Test in full conditions with written feedback and a one-to-one results review for parents.

Everything You Need to Know

Days

Saturday & Sunday

Duration

2hr → 4hr Intensive

Class Size

Max 8–10 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

£40 daily fee · 2-hour session

  • Weekly Saturday or Sunday session
  • Small group — max 8–10 students
  • Weekly progress tests
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

Childcare Choices — Use Your Benefits

We accept several government-backed funding schemes to help make 11 Plus preparation more affordable for eligible families.

Tax-Free Childcare

Open a government Tax-Free Childcare account and receive a 20% top-up on money deposited. Pay us directly via your TFC account.

  • Government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in
  • Up to £500 government contribution every 3 months
  • Available if you earn under £100k/year

Childcare Vouchers

If your employer offers childcare vouchers (older scheme, still valid for existing members), these can be used toward tuition fees.

  • Pre-tax salary sacrifice scheme
  • Accepted from all major voucher providers
  • Only available to existing scheme members

Universal Credit

Families receiving Universal Credit may be able to claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs through the childcare element.

  • Up to 85% of costs covered
  • Paid monthly in arrears
  • Must be in work or starting work

Need help working out which scheme applies to you? Call us on 020 3441 7272 or email info@arktuition.co.uk and we'll help you navigate the options. You can also visit childcarechoices.gov.uk for a full eligibility checker.

Ready to Secure Your Child's Grammar School Place?

Class sizes are strictly limited. Book a free assessment to discuss your child's current level and check availability for Year 5 groups.

What Sets Us Apart

Small Groups — Max 8–10

Small enough for individual attention, large enough for productive peer learning and class discussion.

Weekly Progress Tests

Short tests each session to identify gaps early. Results tracked over the year to show genuine progress.

Mock Exam Included

Every Year 5 pupil sits a full mock paper in simulated exam conditions. Detailed written feedback provided.

Parent Evenings

Structured mid-year parent evenings where tutors brief you on your child's progress and exam readiness.

Online or In-Centre

Attend our Ilford centre or join live online sessions — same tutors, same materials, same results.

Board-Specific Preparation

We tailor content to the exact exam board your child is sitting — CEM, GL Assessment, or both.

How We Get Results

1

Free Assessment First

Every child starts with a diagnostic assessment across all four 11 Plus subjects. We identify exactly where they are strong and where work is needed — so the programme is targeted from day one.

2

Structured Coverage, Then Exam Focus

The first half of Year 5 is dedicated to deep subject coverage. From spring term, we shift to exam technique, timed practice, and past papers — exactly when children need it most.

3

Mock Exam and Review

Every pupil sits a full mock exam in proper conditions. We mark it in detail, discuss results with parents, and adjust the programme for the final weeks of preparation.

4

Parents Always in the Loop

Weekly progress data, mid-year parent evenings, and an open-door policy with tutors. No surprises when exam results arrive.

Our Results Speak For Themselves

2024 cohort outcomes

  • 32 children secured grammar school places in 2024
  • Placed at WSFG, ILHS, Ilford County, Valentines and more
  • Children who start Year 5 consistently outperform late starters
  • 500+ pupils tutored across 15+ years of operation

What Parents Say

Hear from families who have been through our Year 5 11 Plus programme.

"My daughter joined Ark in Year 5 and the difference was immediate. The tutors knew exactly what each exam board required and tailored the lessons accordingly. She passed her Redbridge 11 Plus with confidence — we couldn't be more grateful."

A
Anjali SharmaParent · Daughter secured grammar school place

"The mock exam was incredibly useful — my son had never sat anything like it before, and knowing what to expect made a huge difference on the real day. The feedback from the tutors was detailed and honest. Ark really prepares children properly."

S
Sara AhmedParent · Son passed Essex 11 Plus

"What I appreciated most was that the tutors kept us informed throughout the year. The parent evening gave us a clear picture of where our daughter was, and the adjustments they made in the final term really paid off. Highly recommended."

L
Liyana PatelParent · Daughter enrolled Year 5 programme

"Small classes, experienced tutors, and a clear structure from start to finish. My son knew exactly what he was preparing for at every stage. The intensive format in the final months was especially effective — he went into the exam calm and ready."

J
Jasminder KaurParent · Son passed Kent 11 Plus

Common Questions

We prepare children for Redbridge CEM, Essex CEM, Kent GL Assessment, Hertfordshire-Barnet, and Enfield. Your child's preparation will be tailored to the specific boards relevant to the schools you are applying to.
We recommend starting at the beginning of the Year 5 academic year in September. This gives your child a full year of structured preparation before sitting the exam in September of Year 6. However, we do accept mid-year joiners — contact us to discuss your child's current level and what catch-up may be needed.
The Year 5 programme runs for the full academic year, starting with 2 hours per week and rising to 4 hours in the intensive phase. The Intensive programme runs April–September and is designed for children who need focused revision in the months immediately before the exam — ideal as a supplement to Year 5 or for children joining later.
Yes. Our online Year 5 sessions are delivered live by the same tutors, using the same materials and structure as our in-centre classes. Many families use online tuition during weekdays and attend in-centre at weekends. Both options are available — contact us to discuss what works for your family.
Yes. Ark Tuition Centre accepts Tax-Free Childcare, childcare vouchers, and the Universal Credit childcare element. Our team will explain exactly how to apply these towards your fees when you enrol.

Give Your Child the Best Possible Chance

Book a free assessment today and let our expert tutors show you exactly where your child stands — and what it will take to secure a grammar school place.