Starting 11 Plus (kent Test) Tuition In January
Starting 11 Plus (Kent Test) Tuition in January: Is It Too Late?
Every year, many parents begin to think seriously about the Kent Test after Christmas. Perhaps the autumn term has flown by, perhaps results from school assessments have raised questions, or perhaps your child has only recently expressed an interest in grammar school. A very common question I’m asked at this point in the year is:
“Is it too late to start 11 Plus tuition in January?”
The short answer is no — but it does require time, effort and commitment.
Understanding the Starting Point
My structured 11 Plus (Kent Test) course is designed to begin in September, allowing plenty of time to build skills gradually and confidently across maths, English and reasoning. By January, pupils who started in the autumn will already have covered a significant amount of core content and will be developing exam technique.
However, children starting in January are not automatically at a disadvantage — provided expectations are realistic and the right support is put in place.
What January Starters Need to Know
Beginning tuition in January means that progress needs to be more focused and more intensive. At this stage:
- Foundational gaps need to be identified quickly
- New content must be learned alongside consolidation
- Exam-style questions need to be introduced sooner
- Independent work at home becomes essential
In other words, success is still possible, but it is no longer a gentle introduction. It becomes a shared commitment between tutor, child and parent.
Catch-Up Support Materials
While my main course begins in September, I am happy to provide structured catch-up support materials for pupils who join later in the year. These materials are designed to:
- Cover key concepts already taught earlier in the course
- Support independent learning at home
- Reinforce methods and strategies used in lessons
- Help pupils bridge the gap as efficiently as possible
This allows January starters to integrate into the course without feeling overwhelmed, while still maintaining high standards.
The Importance of Time and Dedication
From January onwards, steady progress relies on consistency rather than cramming. Pupils who do best at this stage are those who:
- Attend sessions regularly
- Complete set work carefully
- Are willing to revisit challenging topics
- Receive calm, structured support at home
It’s also important to remember that confidence matters just as much as content. A positive, realistic approach makes a significant difference to how children cope with the increased pace.
A Balanced, Honest Approach
I believe in being honest with families. January is not the ‘ideal’ starting point — September is — but it is also far from pointless. With the right mindset, clear structure and sustained effort, many pupils who start later go on to make excellent progress.
If you’re considering starting 11 Plus (Kent Test) tuition in January and would like to discuss whether it’s the right step for your child, I’m always happy to have an open, realistic conversation.
Early action, even in January, is always better than waiting and hoping for the best.
