The 12-Month Plan: A Stress-Free Timeline for Year 5 Parents — Selective online tests: preparation tips

Don't Start in Kindergarten Starting intense tutoring in Year 3 or 4 can actually backfire. It leads to "burnout"—where a child hates learning by the time the test actually arrives.

The Ideal Timeline (For Test in May of Year 6) Year 5, Term 1-2: Foundations. Focus on reading widely (novels, news) and mastering times tables/basic maths. No test papers yet. Year 5, Term 3-4: Technique. Start learning specific question types (like "People-Time" maths or Logic Puzzles). Start practicing writing structure. Year 6, Term 1: Exam Mode. Do one full practice test per week. Focus on timing. Are they finishing? If not, why? 2 Weeks Before Test: Taper Down. Stop learning new things. Just do light revision. Sleep is more important than one extra maths formula now.