When Should I Start Entrance Exam Preparation? A Calm Guide for Parents

The right time to start entrance exam preparation depends on the exam type and your child. As a general rule, aim to begin preparation for the 11 Plus in Year 4 or 5, Common Entrance (13+) in Year 7, and independent school 7+ or 8+ assessments around six months before the assessment date.

In London, where competition for school places is high, earlier preparation is more common. Children with learning differences or additional needs often benefit from starting earlier with a gentler, more individually tailored approach.

When Should I Start Preparing for Entrance Exams?

If you have found yourself wondering whether your child should be preparing for an entrance exam, and whether you have left it too late, you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents across Sussex, Surrey, London and Hong Kong, and the honest answer is: it depends on the exam, your child, and what feels right for your family.

This guide will walk you through the main exam types, what they test, and when to start thinking about support. There is no single right answer, but there is usually a thoughtful one.

Which Entrance Exams Are We Talking About?

The term ‘entrance exam’ covers a wide range of assessments, from primary school entry to sixth form. The most commonly asked about across our regions are:

• The 11 Plus (11+): for selective state grammar schools and some independent schools
• Common Entrance (CE): for independent senior schools at 13+
• The 13 Plus (13+): for independent schools not using Common Entrance
• The 16 Plus (16+): for sixth form entry at independent schools
• Independent school assessments at 7+ or 8+

Some schools also set their own bespoke papers, so it is always worth checking directly with your chosen school what their process involves.

The 11 Plus: When to Start

The 11 Plus is typically sat in September or October of Year 6, meaning children are usually 10 or just turned 11. Most families begin preparing during Year 5, with focused preparation often starting in the spring or summer term of that year.

That said, some children benefit from a gentler, longer approach beginning in Year 4. This is particularly true for children who need more time to build confidence, or those with learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD who may need an adapted approach.

Regional Variation: Sussex, Surrey and London

The 11 Plus varies significantly depending on where you live. In Sussex, grammar schools such as those in the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) areas use their own format, whilst schools across Surrey and London may use GL Assessment or CEM papers. It is important to identify which provider your target school uses before beginning preparation, as the formats and question styles differ considerably.

In London, competition for selective school places is particularly high, and many families begin structured preparation earlier as a result. In Sussex and Surrey, preparation timelines tend to be slightly more relaxed, though the academic bar at the most sought-after schools remains significant.

What are the 11 Plus Tests

The 11 Plus is not a single national exam. It varies by region and by the organisation administering it. The main providers are GL Assessment and CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring).

Verbal reasoning: Understanding language, vocabulary, word patterns, and logical thinking through words.
Non-verbal reasoning: Identifying patterns and relationships in shapes and images.
Mathematics: Arithmetic, problem-solving, and applied maths at primary curriculum level.
English: Reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and in some papers, creative writing.

CEM papers tend to blend question types together rather than testing each area in isolation, and are generally considered less predictable. GL papers follow more structured formats, which means consistent practice can be highly effective.

Common Entrance at 13+: When to Start

Common Entrance (CE) is sat in February or March of Year 8, with results going to senior independent schools. Preparation typically builds across Years 7 and 8, though many children begin familiarising themselves with the format in Year 6 or early Year 7.

For children at independent preparatory schools, CE preparation is often embedded into school life. For those in state schools, or those with additional learning needs, external one-to-one support during Year 7 can make a significant difference.

Many of the independent schools popular with families in Sussex, Surrey and London, including schools in the Cowdray and Hurstpierpoint area, as well as schools along the Surrey commuter belt and in central London, use Common Entrance as their standard entry route at 13+.

What Common Entrance Tests

Common Entrance is a set of subject papers rather than a single test. The subjects assessed include:

• English, covering both reading and writing
• Mathematics
• Science
• Modern foreign languages, usually French, though Latin and other languages are also offered
• History, geography, and religious studies for some schools

The level of difficulty and which subjects are required varies by school. Many schools set their own pass marks, so understanding the expectations of your chosen school early is important.

Independent School Assessments at 7+ and 8+

Entry to independent junior schools often involves a short assessment rather than a formal exam. These typically take place in January of Year 2 (for 7+ entry) and assess early reading and comprehension, mathematical reasoning, writing ability, and sometimes a short interview or activity-based session.

Preparation for 7+ and 8+ is best kept light and confidence-building. The aim is not to produce a polished exam-taker but to help a young child feel settled and ready to show what they know. Starting structured support around six months beforehand is usually sufficient, though children with additional needs may benefit from a longer, more gently paced approach.

In London in particular, 7+ and 8+ competition can be intense, with some schools receiving many more applications than places available. Starting earlier is more common in this context, though we would always encourage families to consider their child’s readiness and wellbeing before committing to intensive preparation at such a young age.

The 13+ Pre-Test: An Earlier Step Many Parents Overlook

Some popular independent schools now ask children to sit a pre-test in Year 6 or early Year 7, even though CE is sat at 13+. These pre-tests are used to provisionally offer places before CE results are available.

Pre-tests are usually computer-adaptive and assess verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics. Families targeting highly competitive independent schools in London and Surrey in particular may want to factor this into their planning earlier than they expected.

16 Plus Entry: Supporting Sixth Form Transitions

Entry to sixth form at competitive independent schools often involves a combination of: predicted or actual GCSE grades, a school-set reasoning or aptitude test, an interview, and in some cases a subject-specific paper.

Preparation for 16+ tends to be more academic and subject-focused. Support is most useful in the autumn term of Year 11, working alongside GCSE revision rather than in competition with it.

The Emotional Side of Entrance Exam Preparation

It would be easy to focus only on the academic side of entrance exams. But we know from experience that how a child feels during this process matters just as much as what they know.

Anxiety, low confidence, and a fear of failure can all get in the way of a child performing at their best. This is true even for academically strong children. Preparation that builds resilience and self-belief alongside subject knowledge will always serve a child better than relentless drilling.

If your child is finding the process stressful, or if they have a diagnosis or difficulty that affects how they learn under pressure, please do speak with a qualified tutor or SEN specialist before committing to a preparation programme. The right support will work with your child, not just at the exam.

A Note on Children with SEND

Children with special educational needs and disabilities can and do successfully sit entrance exams. Many independent and selective schools have growing experience of supporting neurodiverse learners, and access arrangements are available at most schools for children with a formal diagnosis.

If your child has a diagnosis or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), it is worth checking early with your chosen school what arrangements may be available, such as extra time, a reader, or a scribe. Our team has significant experience supporting children with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and autism through the exam process in a way that protects both confidence and progress.

So, When Should You Start?

As a general guide:

• 7+ and 8+ assessments: Six months to one year before the assessment date
• 11 Plus: Year 4 to 5 depending on the child, with focused preparation in Year 5
• 13+ pre-test: Begin awareness in Year 5 or 6 if targeting selective independent schools
• 13+ Common Entrance: Build subject knowledge in Year 7, with targeted revision in Year 8
• 16+ entry: Autumn term of Year 11

These are guidelines, not rules. Every child is different, and the right starting point depends on your child’s confidence, learning profile, and the schools you are considering.

If you are unsure, the most useful thing you can do is have a conversation with someone who understands both the exams and your child’s needs. We are always happy to help you think this through without any pressure to commit.

Frequently Asked Questions