Our Year 4 programme introduces structured 11+ preparation across English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, while continuing to strengthen the foundations children need for the final Year 5 stage.
This is the key year to secure the main 11+ skills before timed practice and exam technique become the focus in Year 5.
Year 4 is where children move from general foundations into structured 11+ preparation. It gives them enough time to learn the key question types before the pressure of Year 5.
Children begin regular practice in the main 11+ areas: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
We focus on understanding and accuracy before expecting children to work quickly under timed conditions.
Year 4 gives time to identify and fix weaknesses before Year 5 becomes more exam-focused.
Children who build strong Year 4 skills can approach Year 5 mock practice with more confidence.
Year 4 is more structured than Year 3, but it should still be carefully paced. The aim is to build strong understanding before moving into more intensive test preparation.
We want children to become familiar with 11+ content, improve accuracy and develop the confidence to approach unfamiliar question types.
We focus on building skill and accuracy first. Timed practice is introduced gradually, but children must understand the methods before speed becomes the priority.
The programme balances academic foundations with regular exposure to 11+ question styles.
Year 4 preparation moves children from basic familiarity to confident application across all four 11+ areas.
Children practise longer passages and learn to answer accurately using evidence from the text.
Vocabulary is developed systematically because it supports English and Verbal Reasoning.
Children strengthen core calculations so they can handle more demanding problem solving later.
Students learn to break down unfamiliar questions and choose the correct method.
Children build confidence with common Verbal Reasoning question families.
Children learn how to observe carefully and identify visual changes accurately.
The exact sequence may change according to the group’s needs, but Year 4 normally develops through three clear stages.
Secure English, Maths and vocabulary foundations while introducing 11+ question types gently.
Increase exposure to 11+ question styles and begin developing stronger methods.
Consolidate the key skills required before the Year 5 intensive and mock-exam stage.
Lessons are structured to combine teaching, practice, review and gradual independence.
By the end of Year 4, students should be more confident with the main 11+ areas and ready to begin more intensive Year 5 practice.
What we want to see
Why it matters for Year 5
More accurate comprehension, stronger vocabulary and clearer sentence-level understanding.
Year 5 passages and vocabulary become more demanding.
Secure arithmetic, better problem-solving and improved method selection.
Students need fluency before timed practice becomes effective.
Familiarity with common verbal reasoning question types and vocabulary patterns.
Year 5 preparation requires faster recognition of question methods.
Improved visual accuracy and ability to identify shape transformations.
NVR becomes easier when children have strong observation habits.
Better homework routine, checking skills and willingness to correct mistakes.
Independent practice becomes essential during Year 5.
The Year 4 programme is suitable for children preparing for Birmingham grammar schools or needing stronger academic challenge before Year 5.
A structured Year 4 pathway before the Year 5 intensive stage.
A natural next step after building early English, Maths and reasoning skills.
Support with comprehension, vocabulary, problem solving and reasoning methods.
Structured 11+ work helps stretch able pupils in a purposeful way.
Assessment in Year 4 helps us identify gaps early and guide children towards Year 5 readiness.
The Year 4 programme is a weekly 11+ preparation course designed to build strong foundations across all key 11+ areas.
Weekly 3-hour session covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Yes. Year 4 is one of the most important years because it allows children to learn the main 11+ skills before the more intensive Year 5 stage begins.
Timed work is introduced gradually. At first, the priority is understanding, accuracy and confidence.
That is fine. The initial assessment helps us understand their current level and decide whether the Year 4 group is suitable.
Homework should be completed consistently each week. It reinforces classwork and helps children build independence before Year 5.
No programme can guarantee success, but Year 4 preparation gives children a stronger foundation and more time to develop the skills needed for competitive entry.
Year 4 prepares children for the Year 5 intensive stage, where the focus shifts towards exam technique, mock-style questions and timed practice.
Students move into more focused exam preparation with timed practice and targeted gap filling.
Parents can compare Birmingham grammar schools, admissions criteria and key dates.
Mock-style practice later helps children become familiar with timing, pressure and exam technique.
An assessment helps us understand your child’s current ability and decide whether the Year 4 11+ Preparation group is the right fit.