How to prepare for the 11+ at home, without a tutor

Last reviewed: 12 July 2026

← All articles·Entrance exams·7 min read

In short: Yes, many families prepare for the 11+ at home without a tutor. The exam is knowable: question types are published, past papers are widely available, and steady, well-planned practice from Year 4–5 covers it, often for £200 or less. A tutor can help in specific situations, but it is far from essential. You know your child best, so let their needs, and your family’s, guide how you approach it.

A quick recap of the 11+

For state grammar schools, the 11+ is sat in September of Year 6 and set by GL or CEM, covering English, maths, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Many independent senior schools also run an 11+. See our exam guides for the detail on each format.

Why you can do it at home

Unlike much of school, the 11+ is a knowable target: the question types are published, practice papers are available, and the reasoning skills are learnable. A motivated family with good materials can prepare effectively. A full home-prep kit often costs £200 or less.

A realistic home plan

Year 4: gentle familiarisation, reading widely, a few reasoning puzzles, no pressure
Autumn of Year 5: steady, topic-by-topic practice, accuracy before speed
Spring of Year 5: introduce timed sections once accuracy is solid
Summer: practice papers under light mock conditions
Before the exam: taper off, keep it calm, protect sleep

What actually moves the needle

Reading, vocabulary is the single biggest driver of verbal reasoning and comprehension
Knowing YOUR region’s exact format (GL vs CEM; which subjects). Practising the wrong one wastes months
Answer-sheet technique, marking the sheet, not the booklet, costs children marks
Little and often, 20 focused minutes beats weekend marathons

When a tutor might help

If there is a wide gap to close, you genuinely do not have the time, or your child simply will not work with you, a tutor can help. Our guide on whether you actually need a tutor walks through how to decide.

If your child needs daily marathons just to scrape a pass, it is worth asking honestly whether a highly selective school is the right fit. Thriving matters more than getting in. You know your child best; be guided by what they and your family need, and when in doubt, ask the school or other parents about their experience.

Frequently asked questions

Can you really pass the 11+ without a tutor?

Yes, many children do. The question types are published and materials are affordable; consistent, well-planned home practice from Year 4–5 covers it.

What’s the difference between GL and CEM?

GL publishes its question types and is used by most grammar regions; CEM (now CEM Select) is computer-based, adaptive and leans more on vocabulary. Check which your target schools use.

When is the 11+ sat?

For state grammars, usually September of Year 6. Independent-school 11+ dates vary and are often earlier, check each school.

How much does home prep cost?

Often £200 or less using practice books and free familiarisation papers, a fraction of a year of tutoring.

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