11 plus preparation roadmap| About Homefield | Homefield Prep | Sutton

In the early years of the prep journey, the focus is on developing:

• Core literacy and numeracy skills 
• Reading fluency and comprehension 
• Secure understanding of mathematical concepts 
• Confidence, curiosity, and independent learning habits 

• Structured teaching in English and maths aligned to strong academic foundations 
• Regular reading, spelling, and arithmetic practice 
• Development of vocabulary, comprehension, and written communication 
• Early problem-solving and reasoning activities integrated into lessons 
• Encouragement of positive study habits and organisation skills 

The emphasis at this stage is on ensuring boys develop confidence and accuracy in the essential skills that underpin later 11+ success.

• Continued curriculum focus on advanced English and maths skills 
• Introduction of additional mental maths lessons in Year 3 
• Development of: 
  • Comprehension techniques 
  • Vocabulary and grammar 
  • Problem-solving strategies 
  • Written reasoning 
• Dedicated reasoning lessons introduced in Year 3 
• Increasing focus on independent learning and exam technique 

Boys in Years 3 and 4 participate in:

• Biannual English and maths examinations during Exam Weeks 
• Formal exam practice to build familiarity with assessment conditions 

These experiences help boys develop resilience, confidence and familiarity with timed assessments.

The curriculum continues to provide strong preparation through:

• Advanced English teaching 
• Mathematical reasoning and problem solving 
• Dedicated reasoning lessons 
• Exam technique and time management strategies 
• Reasoning homework

During biannual Exam Week, Year 5 boys:

• Sit English, maths and reasoning examinations
• Complete examinations in the Performance Hall under formal exam conditions, helping boys develop confidence, resilience, and familiarity with the style and structure of 11+ assessments

Lunchtime Clinics

Additional English and maths lunchtime clinics are available for boys in Years 5 and 6, providing further support and targeted intervention where needed.

Senior School Guidance and Preparation

Alongside academic preparation, boys and parents benefit from a wide range of additional support throughout the senior school application process, including:

• Interview preparation for boys in Years 5 and 6 applying to independent senior schools
• A senior school transfer information session led by the Headteacher, Mrs Anderson, for parents of Year 5 boys
• A senior school fair where families can meet representatives from a range of independent senior schools
• Individual meetings with the Headteacher, Mrs Anderson, to discuss appropriate senior school pathways and applications

Wellbeing and Pastoral Support

Homefield recognises the importance of balancing academic ambition with emotional wellbeing. Boys are supported through:

• Year group wellbeing workshops designed to help boys manage stress and pressure associated with 11+ preparation
• Ongoing pastoral guidance to promote confidence, resilience and balance throughout the process

11+ Club (dependent on uptake, fee payable)

Focused after-school sessions providing targeted preparation in:

• English 
• Maths 
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning 

These sessions help boys consolidate skills and gain familiarity with 11+ style questions and techniques.

Revision Materials

Throughout Year 5, boys receive:

• English, maths, and reasoning revision resources via Teams 
• Independent practice activities to reinforce classroom learning 

11+ Summer Revision Packs

During the summer holiday before Year 6, boys are provided with:

• Structured revision packs in English, maths, and reasoning online and on paper
• Guidance for independent preparation 
• Opportunities to consolidate learning ahead of autumn assessments 

11+ Summer School (dependent on uptake, fee payable)

Optional summer lessons led by Homefield staff provide additional preparation and support in:

• English 
• Maths 
• Reasoning 

These sessions help boys return to Year 6 feeling confident, prepared, and academically focused.

In Year 6, the focus shifts towards:

• Consolidation of key skills 
• Refinement of exam technique 
• Confidence building 
• Secondary school transition readiness 

• Continued support in English, maths, and reasoning 
• Revision and targeted intervention where needed 
• Timed practice and exam strategy work 
• Development of independent study habits 

During the Autumn Term, Year 6 boys sit exams in :

• English 
• Maths  
• Reasoning  

These assessments take place in the Performance Hall to further develop confidence, resilience, and familiarity with formal examination conditions ahead of the 11+ process.

Alongside academic preparation, boys are supported pastorally to ensure they approach the 11+ process with confidence, resilience and balance.

Post-exam support is also provided to help boys maintain focus and prepare successfully for the transition into Year 7 at their chosen senior schools.

While preparing boys successfully for the 11+ remains an important aim, Homefield’s broader goal is to develop:

• Confident learners 
• Curious thinkers 
• Effective communicators 
• Resilient and independent young people 

The skills boys develop through this journey support not only success in entrance examinations, but also a successful transition to senior school education and beyond.