Most parents do not start thinking about Quest Assessments until Year 5.
By then, time is already running out and the learning gaps are harder to close.
The truth is that preparation for top selective schools takes more than a year of catch-up work.
It requires consistency, curiosity, and confidence that is built over time.
In this post, we will explore the questions parents need to ask long before Year 5 begins.

This is the most important question, and it is often asked too late.
For competitive schools, informal preparation should begin around Year 3 or Year 4.
Waiting until Year 5 usually creates unnecessary stress and rushed learning.

Before beginning any formal test preparation, your child should feel comfortable with reading, writing, and number sense.
Skills like fluency, comprehension, and basic maths confidence are essential.
Without these building blocks, the more advanced preparation will be much harder.

Quest Assessments, formerly known as Atom, are very different from standard classroom tests.
They are adaptive, digital, and filled with reasoning-based questions.
Your child needs to apply knowledge and think critically, rather than simply recall facts.

More than 100 prep, grammar, and independent schools across the UK use Quest Assessments as part of their admissions process.
Examples include Brighton Girls and Dulwich College.
In addition, many grammar schools in Kent, Sutton, Buckinghamshire, Slough, and Southend include Quest in their 11+ entry process.

Not every child thrives in a highly academic or competitive environment.
It is important to consider whether the school and its expectations suit your child’s personality and learning style.
Success is not just about getting in, but about feeling confident and supported once they are there.

Quest Assessments grow more complex each year.
They cover Maths, English comprehension, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
In later stages, students may face more creative challenges and multi-step problem solving.

Consistent and focused practice works best.
Spend time reviewing weak areas each week and help your child reflect on their mistakes.
Cramming or doing endless worksheets rarely leads to lasting progress.

The Atom Learning platform provides adaptive practice and helpful feedback.
However, personalised tutoring adds deeper support and guidance.
When tutoring is regular and based on your child’s needs, real growth becomes possible.

Begin talking about the assessments well in advance.
Keep the tone calm and encouraging, and frame the test as a fun challenge.
Mock exams and regular low-pressure practice can build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Every child takes their own path.
Even if your child does not attend a school that uses Quest, the preparation still builds valuable skills.
Problem solving, literacy, and reasoning are all useful in any school environment.

If your child is currently in Year 3 or 4, this is the perfect time to begin preparing.
Year 5 is still a good time to review and sharpen skills, but it is harder to build strong foundations in a rush.
By asking the right questions early, you give your child a better chance of succeeding with Quest Assessments.

If you are looking for guidance that supports your child’s whole learning journey, feel free to get in touch.
I would love to help you build a plan that makes learning enjoyable and progress steady.