Is the 11 Plus still relevant in 2026, and when should you actually start preparing?

In this episode, we break down the real difference between Year 4 and Year 5 preparation, what has changed with GL and CSSE, and why so many families feel more pressure now than a few years ago.

We also talk about the biggest hidden factor in success: confidence and mindset, not just content.

You’ll leave with a simple rule of thumb, practical foundations to prioritise, and a clear warning about what causes burnout when preparation starts too late or becomes too exam-heavy too soon.

If you are considering 11 Plus tuition for Year 4 or Year 5, Redbridge Tuition can help with small group classes (max 8), targeted vocabulary and comprehension, GL-style practice, CSSE-style writing, and full mock exams. Centres in Loughton and Seven Kings.

Book your free assessment: https://www.redbridgetuition.co.uk/11plus-course

Resources:

Redbridge Publishing Reasoning Books & Papers: https://tinyurl.com/5duchs8xFirst Aid in Mathematics: https://amzn.to/4bK0UurFirst Aid in English: https://amzn.to/4c0d0ASPeter Robson Book 1: https://amzn.to/4lQN2DkHayden Richards Junior English Revised: https://amzn.to/4lMY7Fx

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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:56 When should you start 11 Plus prep (and our background)
2:03 Why families are starting earlier in 2026
4:59 GL in 2026 and what’s changing
6:08 CSSE Essex papers and feeder school pressure
6:59 The general rule: Year 4 foundations, Year 5 sharpening
8:00 The foundations that matter most by Year 6
9:31 Vocabulary, reading, and why children struggle with context
13:25 Reasoning types and why transfer skills are slipping
18:02 Year 4 should be calm, foundation-based (avoid burnout)
20:06 The biggest gaps we see in Year 5 starters
35:51 Is 11 Plus prep valuable even without a place
43:22 What Year 4 should focus on first (books and resources)
48:27 Our resources and how to build skills step by step
53:25 How much practice is enough in Year 4
57:03 Final rule of thumb and avoiding burnout
58:57 Wrap up

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