Year-by-Year Plans
What helps most depends on your child's school year. Earlier years are for reading and word habits; Year 5 is usually the main preparation year; Year 6 is for revision before the test.
These articles set out a calm, year-by-year approach, starting with vocabulary.
New to this topic? Start with Year 5 11+ Preparation Plan: Vocabulary First, Term by Term.
3 articles
Year 5 11+ Preparation Plan: Vocabulary First, Term by Term
A calm Year 5 11 plus preparation plan: what to do each term up to the September 2027 test, a 10-minute daily vocabulary routine and key dates.
11+ English Guide 2026: Vocabulary, Comprehension, Writing
How to prepare for the 11+ English paper: vocabulary, reading comprehension, grammar and creative writing for CEM and GL Assessment grammar school exams.
How to Build 11+ Vocabulary: A Year-by-Year Guide for Parents
How to build your child's 11+ vocabulary: daily habits, a weekly routine, what to do in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6, and free 11+ word lists to start with.
Free practice and our apps
- Free 11+ vocabulary quiz (70 questions, instant answers)
- 11 plus vocabulary list with meanings (500 words, free PDF)
- Free 11+ vocabulary flashcards and worksheets
- 11+ Vocab Master and 11+ Verbal Reasoning Master, our 11+ apps (7-day free trial)