Confidence takes time to build.
Year 3 is where it starts.
Year 3 starters achieve more.
How Atom supports Year 3 learners
What parents are saying

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What the 11+ actually tests
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โ Short daily sessions designed to build habits, not dread
โ Full 11+ and independent school exam coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In many ways it is the ideal time. The 11+ tests English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not taught at primary school, so the earlier children encounter them, the more natural they feel by exam day. In Year 3, learning is low-stakes and enjoyable. That is the environment where habits form best.
In Year 3, the focus should be on building subject knowledge. Short daily sessions covering English, maths and an introduction to reasoning are ideal. Practice papers and mock tests can be used to build familiarity but Year 3 is about laying foundations, not testing them.
Around 15โ20 minutes is ideal for children aged 7โ8. Child psychologists recommend shorter, focused sessions over longer irregular ones. Our brains remember new information more effectively in smaller chunks. Consistency matters more than duration. Five sessions of 15 minutes a week produces better results than one long session at the weekend.
The 11+ tests English and maths at Key Stage 2 level, which your child will cover at school. However, it also tests verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning โ subjects not on the national curriculum. Most primary schools do not teach these at all, which is why early, consistent practice at home is so important.
We find it is the opposite. Children who start in Year 3 have time to learn gradually, make mistakes without consequence, and build confidence before any pressure arrives. Families who start in Year 5 or 6 often have to work harder in less time, which is where stress tends to come from.
Most 11+ and Independent school entrance exams test some combination of English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The exact subjects depend on your target school - some test all four, others test two or three. GL Assessments, used by over 80% of grammar schools in England, typically tests all four subjects across separate papers.
Grammar schools are state-funded and free to attend. Your child earns a place through the 11+ exam. Independent schools charge fees and set their own entrance exams. The exams are similar - English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning - but the admissions process is different. Some families apply to both. Atom covers preparation for both grammar and independent school entry.
Grammar schools are available in certain parts of England, including Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Essex, Birmingham and parts of London. The right schools for your child depend on where you live and your catchment area. It is worth researching your local options in Year 3 so your preparation is targeted from the start.
Year 3 is the most effective time to begin. Starting early means your child builds knowledge gradually through short daily sessions. There is no pressure at this stage - just the right foundations, forming at the right pace.
Not yet for most schools, but it is worth starting to research your target schools now. Registration windows vary - some grammar schools open registration as early as spring of Year 5, while others do not open until summer. Knowing your target schools in Year 3 gives you time to understand the exam format and prepare accordingly.
Not sure where to start?
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