The Final Stretch — Focused, Structured 11 Plus Prep
2hr Weekly → 4hr Intensive2 hours per week until March, rising to 4-hour intensive format in the final months
Small Groups — Max 6Every child receives focused attention and targeted feedback every session
Mock Exam Sit a full mock paper in exam conditions — with detailed results and feedback
Parent Evenings Mid-YearStructured update sessions so you always know exactly where your child stands
Year 5 — The Critical Year Before the Exam
Year 5 is the last full academic year before children sit the 11 Plus. Our programme is built around this reality: rigorous subject coverage in the autumn and spring terms, followed by intensive exam technique and past paper practice as September approaches.
We cover all four 11 Plus subjects — Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning — in a structured sequence designed to build confidence and close any remaining gaps before the exam.
Targets Redbridge CEM, Essex CEM, Kent GL Assessment, Hertfordshire-Barnet, and Enfield
Weekly progress tests throughout the year
Seamlessly follows on from our Year 4 programme
Online and in-centre options available
Curriculum
What's Covered in Year 5
All core 11 Plus subjects covered in a structured sequence — building depth in the first half of the year and sharpening exam technique in the second.
Maths
Number, fractions, decimals, geometry, statistics, and NVR-style problem-solving. Covers all topics tested in CEM and GL Assessment formats.
English
Comprehension, creative writing, grammar, and verbal reasoning integrated with English skills. Timed reading exercises and vocabulary extension work.
Verbal Reasoning
All 21 VR question types covered systematically. Cloze exercises, synonyms and antonyms, word codes, number codes, and analogies.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
3D rotation for CEM, matrices, series, and spatial reasoning. Progressive difficulty to build fluency under timed conditions.
Exam Technique
Timed practice, question spotting, and paper management strategies. Simulated exam conditions introduced from spring term onwards.
Progress Testing
Weekly short tests throughout the year. Progress Test in full conditions with written feedback and a one-to-one results review for parents.
Class Details
Everything You Need to Know
Days
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Duration
2hr → 4hr Intensive
Class Size
Max 6 Students
Location
Ilford Centre + Online
Packages & Fees
Choose the Support That Fits
Three clear ways to learn. Fees are transparent and matched to the level of support your child needs.
Access
Affordable. Focused. Flexible.
Flexible group support for practice, difficult topics and exam preparation, with no long-term commitment.
We accept several government-backed funding schemes to help make 11 Plus preparation more affordable for eligible families.
Tax-Free Childcare
Open a government Tax-Free Childcare account and receive a 20% top-up on money deposited. Pay us directly via your TFC account.
Government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in
Up to £500 government contribution every 3 months
Available if you earn under £100k/year
Childcare Vouchers
If your employer offers childcare vouchers (older scheme, still valid for existing members), these can be used toward tuition fees.
Pre-tax salary sacrifice scheme
Accepted from all major voucher providers
Only available to existing scheme members
Universal Credit
Families receiving Universal Credit may be able to claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs through the childcare element.
Up to 85% of costs covered
Paid monthly in arrears
Must be in work or starting work
Need help working out which scheme applies to you? Call us on 020 3441 7272 or email info@arktuition.co.uk and we'll help you navigate the options. You can also visit childcarechoices.gov.uk for a full eligibility checker.
Ready to Secure Your Child's Grammar School Place?
Class sizes are strictly limited. Book a free assessment to discuss your child's current level and check availability for Year 5 groups.
Hear from families who have been through our Year 5 11 Plus programme.
"My daughter joined Ark in Year 5 and the difference was immediate. The tutors knew exactly what each exam board required and tailored the lessons accordingly. She passed her Redbridge 11 Plus with confidence — we couldn't be more grateful."
Anjali SharmaParent · Daughter secured grammar school place
"The mock exam was incredibly useful — my son had never sat anything like it before, and knowing what to expect made a huge difference on the real day. The feedback from the tutors was detailed and honest. Ark really prepares children properly."
Sara AhmedParent · Son passed Essex 11 Plus
"What I appreciated most was that the tutors kept us informed throughout the year. The parent evening gave us a clear picture of where our daughter was, and the adjustments they made in the final term really paid off. Highly recommended."
Liyana PatelParent · Daughter enrolled Year 5 programme
"Small classes, experienced tutors, and a clear structure from start to finish. My son knew exactly what he was preparing for at every stage. The intensive format in the final months was especially effective — he went into the exam calm and ready."
Jasminder KaurParent · Son passed Kent 11 Plus
FAQs
Common Questions
We prepare children for Redbridge CEM, Essex CEM, Kent GL Assessment, Hertfordshire-Barnet, and Enfield. Your child's preparation will be tailored to the specific boards relevant to the schools you are applying to.
We recommend starting at the beginning of the Year 5 academic year in September. This gives your child a full year of structured preparation before sitting the exam in September of Year 6. However, we do accept mid-year joiners — contact us to discuss your child's current level and what catch-up may be needed.
The Year 5 programme runs for the full academic year, starting with 2 hours per week and rising to 4 hours in the intensive phase. The Intensive programme runs April–September and is designed for children who need focused revision in the months immediately before the exam — ideal as a supplement to Year 5 or for children joining later.
Yes. Our online Year 5 sessions are delivered live by the same tutors, using the same materials and structure as our in-centre classes. Many families use online tuition during weekdays and attend in-centre at weekends. Both options are available — contact us to discuss what works for your family.
Yes. Ark Tuition Centre accepts Tax-Free Childcare, childcare vouchers, and the Universal Credit childcare element. Our team will explain exactly how to apply these towards your fees when you enrol.
Give Your Child the Best Possible Chance
Book a free assessment today and let our expert tutors show you exactly where your child stands — and what it will take to secure a grammar school place.