October 22, 2026
The 11+ Maths exam tests a child’s understanding of essential mathematical concepts, including number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry, algebra and problem-solving. Children should also practise word problems, mental arithmetic and timed questions to improve accuracy and confidence. Regular revision, practice papers and guidance from an experienced tutor can help children prepare effectively for the exam.
Number operations form the foundation of 11+ Maths preparation. Children need to understand how numbers work and apply basic calculations accurately.
Key topics include:
For example, a child may need to calculate 48 × 25 without a calculator or identify the lowest common multiple of two numbers.
Encourage your child to practise calculations both mentally and on paper. Understanding different methods can make questions easier to solve and reduce careless mistakes.
Fractions, decimals and percentages are important parts of the 11+ Maths syllabus. Children should understand how these concepts relate to one another and how to use them in calculations.
Your child should be able to:
For example, your child might need to calculate 25% of £80 or determine which is larger: 3/5 or 0.55.
Practising these conversions regularly helps children recognise patterns and answer questions more quickly.
Ratio and proportion questions test whether children can compare quantities and understand relationships between numbers.
Important skills include simplifying ratios, sharing quantities in a given ratio, recognising equivalent ratios and solving proportion problems.
For example, if the ratio of red balls to blue balls is 2:3, your child should be able to calculate how many balls of each colour there are when the total is 25.
These questions often appear in word problems, so children must understand the information given rather than rely on memorised formulas.
Geometry assesses a child’s understanding of shapes, angles and spatial relationships.
Topics to revise include:
Children should learn the relevant formulas and understand when to use them. For example, they may need to calculate the area of a rectangle measuring 8 cm by 5 cm.
Drawing diagrams and labelling measurements can help children visualise problems and avoid confusion.
Measurement questions assess how well children understand quantities and convert between units.
Common topics include length, mass, capacity, time and money. Children should practise converting millimetres to centimetres, grams to kilograms, millilitres to litres and minutes to hours.
Time-related questions may involve calculating journey durations, reading timetables or working out the difference between two times.
Encourage your child to solve practical examples, such as calculating the total cost of several items or determining how long a journey will take.
Some 11+ exams include questions that test early algebraic thinking and the ability to recognise patterns.
Children should practise:
For example, in the sequence 4, 9, 14, 19, what number comes next? Your child should recognise that five is added each time.
Algebra questions can also involve finding an unknown number, such as solving x + 7 = 15.
The aim is to develop logical reasoning rather than simply memorise answers.
Word problems are often challenging because children must identify the relevant information and choose the correct calculation.
Questions may combine several topics, such as percentages and money, distance and time, or fractions and quantities.
Teach your child to read each question carefully, underline important information, identify what needs to be calculated, and check whether the answer makes sense.
Regular practice with unfamiliar questions can improve reasoning skills and prepare children for more complex exam questions.
Effective preparation involves more than completing worksheets. Children need a balanced approach that combines learning, revision and timed practice.
Start by assessing your child’s current ability. Identify topics they understand well and those requiring additional attention. Create a weekly revision timetable that includes short, focused sessions and regular breaks.
Use practice papers to familiarise your child with different question styles and time limits. After each paper, review incorrect answers and explain the underlying concepts before attempting similar questions again.
An online maths tutor UK families choose should be able to explain difficult topics clearly, provide suitable practice and adapt lessons to the child’s learning needs.
With online maths tutoring sessions, children can receive individual attention from home, review challenging questions, and work towards specific learning goals. 11 plus online tutoring can also help families organise preparation around schoolwork and other activities.
Starting preparation early gives children more time to build a strong mathematical foundation. Many families begin structured revision during Year 4 or Year 5, depending on the child’s current ability and the target school’s admissions timeline.
However, the ideal starting point depends on the exam date, the child’s confidence and the topics that need improvement.
Check the requirements for the schools your child is applying to, as 11+ exam formats and syllabuses can vary between regions and providers. Some exams may include non-verbal reasoning or additional question types alongside Maths and English.
Preparing for the 11+ Maths exam becomes more manageable when children understand the core topics and practise applying them to different questions. Focus on building strong foundations, correcting mistakes and developing problem-solving skills rather than rushing through the syllabus.
Your Personal Tutor can support families looking for structured learning and personalised guidance. With consistent revision, suitable practice materials and the right support, children can approach the 11+ Maths exam with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of what to expect.
Common topics include arithmetic, place value, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, measurement, geometry, sequences, basic algebra and word problems. Exact content varies by exam provider and school.
The difficulty depends on the child's mathematical foundation, the exam format and the complexity of the questions. Regular practice helps children become more familiar with challenging problems and manage their time effectively.
There is no single ideal number of hours. Short, consistent sessions several times a week can be more effective than occasional long study periods. Adjust the schedule according to your child's needs and progress.
Yes. An online tutor can explain difficult concepts, identify learning gaps, provide targeted exercises, and help children practise exam-style questions. Progress depends on the quality of teaching and consistent practice.
Build accuracy first, then introduce timed exercises. Practise mental arithmetic, review efficient calculation methods and use timed papers to help your child become comfortable working under exam conditions.
We provide practical education that prepares you with real-world skills for lasting success.
Quick Links
Your Personal Tutor© 2026 All Rights Reserved. Design by Vivid Digisolution
