Why familiarity matters
The CAT4 measures reasoning, not learned facts, so cramming does little. Familiarity is different: knowing what each question type asks, how the timer works and what to do when stuck lets a child show what they can really do.
Week one: meet every question type
Try every question type once in learning mode, untimed, and read the explanations together. Spend a little longer on paper folding and hidden shapes, which are the least familiar to most children.
Week two: get used to the timer
Switch to short timed sets. The aim is to feel the pace, not to rush. Talk about what to do with a hard question: make a sensible choice, move on, and come back if time allows.
Week three: light and steady
Keep sessions short, two or three a week, and stop on a success. Use the parent report to choose one or two question types to revisit.
The night before and the morning of the test
- A normal evening and a good night's sleep.
- Breakfast, water and a calm journey.
- Remind them that nobody is expected to get every question right.
Where we checked
Admissions rules and test arrangements change and differ from school to school. Always check with the school your child is applying to. Independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by GL Assessment or any school.