11+ Maths – Everything You Need to Know
The 11+ entrance exams typically assess students in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These exams are usually taken in Year 6, often during the autumn term or early January. If your chosen school uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test, this will typically take place in November.
In this post, we’ll focus on the 11+ Maths exams—breaking down the topics and skills required, exploring different exam formats, and offering top tips, especially for international students.
Breaking down the topics and skills required
Most 11+ Maths exams cover material from the UK National Curriculum up to the end of Year 5 and the early part of Year 6.
The topics are generally divided into five main categories:
Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
Geometry
Algebra
Ratios, Measurement, and Sequences
Statistics and Probability
These exams are intentionally challenging and often include abstract or multi-step problem-solving questions, particularly towards the end of the paper. These questions encourage students to think creatively and apply their knowledge in unfamiliar ways. It’s worth noting that most 11+ Maths exams are non-calculator papers.
Different formats: from paper-based to adaptive testing
The format of the 11+ Maths exams varies depending on the schools you’re applying to. Many schools are moving towards computerised testing, though traditional written formats are still used.
Here are the main types of 11+ Maths exams:
CAT4 Test: A non-adaptive cognitive abilities test, typically taken online.
Individual School Papers: Some schools create their own written assessments.
ISEB Common Pre-Test: An online adaptive test widely used by independent schools.
GL Assessment: Written tests commonly used by grammar schools in the UK.
Each format comes with its own style and requirements, so it’s essential to research the specific exams your child will face.
How our tutors can help with 11+ maths
Our experienced tutors are here to guide your child through every step of their 11+ Maths preparation. Here’s how we can help:
Tailored Lesson Plans: We design bespoke lesson plans that focus on your child’s strengths and target areas for improvement.
Exam-Specific Preparation: Whether it’s the ISEB Common Pre-Test, CAT4, or a specific school’s paper, we provide targeted practice and techniques for each format.
Building Confidence: Our tutors ensure students are not only equipped with knowledge but also feel confident tackling challenging questions under exam conditions.
Regular Assessments: We use mock exams and past papers to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Top tips for international students
For international students, the 11+ Maths exams can present additional challenges, particularly in understanding the language and phrasing of questions. Here are our top tips to help:
1. Create a Maths Vocabulary Book
As you work through 11+ Maths questions, jot down new terms and their definitions. This will help you build familiarity with commonly used language in UK exams.
2. Learn Synonyms for Key Concepts
Many Maths terms have multiple synonyms. For example, “add,” “sum,” “total,” and “plus” all mean the same thing. Create a list of these variations to better understand questions.
3. Practice with Past Papers
The 11+ Maths exams often follow similar patterns year after year. Regular practice with past papers will help students identify recurring question types and gain confidence.
4. Use Online Platforms
With many exams now conducted online, platforms like Atom Learning are excellent for practicing on timed assessments in a digital format.
5. Master Problem-Solving Questions
These are often the most challenging parts of the paper, typically found at the end. Expose students to a wide variety of problem-solving questions and encourage them to attempt every question, focusing on gaining method marks even if they’re unsure of the final answer.
By Helen, 2025
By preparing effectively and practicing consistently, your child can approach the 11+ Maths exams with confidence and a solid foundation of skills.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn how our expert tutors can help your child succeed in their 11+ Maths exams!