11+ Maths Preparation Guide: Essential Strategies for Success

Subject Overview

Maths forms a cornerstone of the 11+ examination, carrying equal weight to English in most selective school assessments. The subject tests not merely computational ability but mathematical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to apply concepts under timed conditions. Success in 11+ Maths requires fluency in arithmetic, strong mental calculation skills, and the ability to approach unfamiliar problems with confidence and logic.

What makes 11+ Maths particularly challenging is the breadth of topics covered and the sophistication expected of students at this age. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency across number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry, and word problems—all whilst working under strict time constraints. The questions often require multiple steps and the integration of different mathematical concepts, testing not only knowledge but also strategic thinking.

Achieving success demands more than classroom learning. Students must develop examination technique, build speed and accuracy, and cultivate the mental resilience to tackle complex problems systematically. Regular practice, targeted revision, and expert guidance prove essential in transforming mathematical understanding into examination performance.

Exam Format

Most 11+ Maths papers consist of one or two sections totalling 45-60 minutes of examination time. Multiple-choice formats appear in some assessments (particularly CEM-style papers), whilst others employ standard written answers requiring full working. Total marks typically range from 50-100, with papers designed to differentiate across a wide ability range.

Question types vary considerably depending on the examination board and school requirements:

• Standard computational questions testing arithmetic fundamentals
• Multi-step problems requiring several operations
• Word problems demanding interpretation and mathematical modelling
• Non-verbal reasoning elements involving patterns and sequences
• Applied mathematics scenarios testing real-world problem-solving

GL Assessment and CEM papers represent the two principal examination styles, though many independent schools set their own bespoke assessments. GL papers tend towards standard written questions with clear progression in difficulty, whilst CEM incorporates more varied question styles and often combines mathematical and reasoning elements within the same paper.

Topic Breakdown

The 11+ Maths curriculum draws from Key Stage 2 content but extends beyond standard Year 6 expectations. Understanding the relative importance of each topic helps prioritise revision effectively:

Core Topics (High Frequency)

• Number operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division with whole numbers and decimals. Essential foundation appearing throughout the paper.
• Fractions, decimals, and percentages: Converting between forms, calculating fractions of amounts, percentage increase and decrease. Consistently tested across multiple question types.
• Word problems: Real-world scenarios requiring mathematical interpretation. Often the most challenging questions, demanding careful reading and strategic planning.
• Mental arithmetic: Quick calculations without written working. Tests fluency and mathematical intuition.

Regular Topics (Medium Frequency)

• Algebra: Simple equations, sequences, function machines. Increasingly prominent in modern 11+ papers.
• Ratio and proportion: Sharing quantities, scaling recipes, best value problems. Requires strong conceptual understanding.
• Measurement and units: Length, mass, volume, capacity, time. Conversion between units frequently tested.
• Geometry: Properties of shapes, angles, perimeter, area. Both calculation and reasoning questions appear.

Occasional Topics (Lower Frequency)

• Data handling: Reading graphs, charts, tables. Interpretation rather than construction.
• Probability: Simple probability calculations and likelihood.
• Statistics: Mean, median, mode, range. Basic calculations only.

Common areas of difficulty include multi-step word problems, questions combining different topics, percentage problems involving original amounts, and time-based calculations. Problems requiring interpretation rather than straightforward calculation consistently challenge candidates.

Key Skills Required

Success in 11+ Maths depends upon developing competencies that extend beyond topic knowledge:

Mathematical fluency encompasses instant recall of number bonds, times tables to 12×12, and common fraction-decimal-percentage equivalents. Students should perform basic calculations automatically, freeing mental capacity for problem-solving. Development requires daily practice through quick-fire questions, timed arithmetic drills, and regular mental maths exercises.

Problem-solving strategy involves reading questions carefully, identifying relevant information, selecting appropriate methods, and checking answers sensibly. Examiners assess this through word problems and unfamiliar contexts. Students develop these skills by working through varied problem types, discussing solution strategies, and learning to break complex problems into manageable steps.

Examination technique means managing time effectively, showing clear working, and maintaining accuracy under pressure. This proves particularly crucial in high-stakes assessments. Regular timed practice papers, learning to estimate and check answers, and developing efficient written methods all contribute to strong examination performance.

Mathematical reasoning requires explaining thinking, spotting patterns, and making logical deductions. Modern 11+ papers increasingly test reasoning alongside calculation. Students strengthen these abilities through investigative tasks, explaining their methods aloud, and tackling problems that require justification rather than mere answers.

Revision Strategy

Effective preparation for 11+ Maths requires structured revision over an extended period. Starting preparation 12-18 months before the examination allows sufficient time to build skills systematically without overwhelming pressure.

Timeline Recommendations

18-12 months before: Complete topic coverage, ensuring solid understanding of all curriculum areas. Focus on building fluency in arithmetic and establishing strong foundational knowledge. Regular homework-style practice reinforces learning.

12-6 months before: Increase problem-solving work, tackle more challenging questions, and begin working under timed conditions. Identify and address weaker areas through targeted practice. Introduce past papers gradually.

6-3 months before: Intensive practice with full papers under examination conditions. Refine time management, perfect examination technique, and build confidence through repeated success. Focus sharpens on exam-specific question styles.

Final 3 months: Consolidation rather than new learning. Regular timed papers, addressing remaining weaknesses, and maintaining confidence. Reduce intensity in the final week to avoid exhaustion.

Study Techniques

Spaced repetition proves more effective than intensive cramming. Short, regular practice sessions (30-45 minutes) maintained consistently yield better results than irregular lengthy revision. Mixing topics within sessions strengthens connections and improves retention.

Active practice—solving problems rather than reading about methods—drives improvement. Students should work through questions independently, referring to solutions only after attempting problems fully. Reviewing mistakes thoroughly and understanding errors prevents repetition.

Resource allocation should reflect examination weighting. Approximately 60% of revision time should address core topics, 30% regular topics, and 10% occasional areas. Within each topic, prioritise question types that appear most frequently in target examinations.

Practise Schedule

A balanced weekly schedule might include:

• 3-4 topic-focused sessions (30-45 minutes each)
• 1-2 mixed practice sessions incorporating multiple topics
• 1 full practice paper (45-60 minutes) in examination conditions
• Brief daily mental arithmetic practice (10-15 minutes)

Adjust intensity based on proximity to examinations and individual progress, always maintaining consistency rather than sporadic intense effort.

Practise & Resources

Quality practice materials prove essential for effective preparation. Past papers from target schools provide the most relevant practice when available, though many independent schools maintain confidentiality around assessment materials.

Past Papers and Mark Schemes

GL Assessment publishes familiarisation materials available through educational suppliers. CEM-style practice papers appear in various commercial publications. Schools occasionally release sample questions or past papers—contact admissions offices directly to enquire about availability.

Working through mark schemes teaches students how examiners award marks, which steps require showing, and how partially correct answers receive credit. Understanding marking criteria helps students present work effectively and maximise marks even when unable to reach final answers.

Practise Questions

Bond 11+ books provide extensive practice across all topics with progressive difficulty levels. CGP 11+ Maths Study Books combine explanations with practice questions. Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic series develops calculation fluency. Many publishers offer both topic-specific workbooks and mixed question sets.

Online resources include dedicated 11+ practice websites offering adaptive question banks, though ensuring quality and appropriateness requires careful selection. Focus on materials aligned with examination styles students will encounter.

Recommended Materials

Essential resources include:

• Published practice papers from relevant examination boards
• Comprehensive topic revision guides with worked examples
• Mental arithmetic practice books for daily fluency work
• Full-length practice papers under realistic conditions
• Answer books with detailed solutions and explanations

Resist purchasing excessive materials. Thoroughly completing fewer high-quality resources proves more effective than superficially covering numerous books. Select materials matching target examination styles and focus on repeated practice rather than constant novelty.

Expert Support from Taylor Tuition

Whilst independent practice forms the foundation of successful preparation, expert guidance accelerates progress and ensures efficient revision. Taylor Tuition's specialist Maths tutors bring deep knowledge of 11+ requirements, extensive experience preparing candidates for selective schools, and proven strategies for maximising examination performance.

Our personalised revision plans begin with thorough diagnostic assessment identifying precise strengths and weaknesses. Rather than generic programmes, each student receives targeted support addressing their specific needs. Tutors prioritise high-impact areas, ensuring revision time delivers maximum improvement.

Examination technique coaching extends beyond mathematical knowledge to encompass time management, question interpretation, working presentation, and maintaining accuracy under pressure. Our tutors teach students how to approach unfamiliar problems systematically, check answers efficiently, and present working to secure maximum marks.

Regular progress monitoring ensures students remain on track, adjusting teaching strategies as preparation develops. We maintain close communication with families, providing clear feedback on development and realistic assessments of examination readiness.

Whether seeking comprehensive preparation from the beginning of the journey or targeted support addressing specific challenges, Taylor Tuition delivers the expert teaching that transforms mathematical potential into examination success. Our track record of placing students in leading selective schools reflects the effectiveness of our approach.

Discover how our Maths specialists can support your child's 11+ preparation. Contact us today to discuss personalised tuition programmes designed to achieve excellence in 11+ Maths examinations.