Best 11+ Maths Practice Resources (Free and Paid) for Parents

You've decided your child is sitting the 11+. Now you're facing an overwhelming question: which resources should you actually use?

I'm Aadam, and I've been tutoring students for 11+ and GCSE exams for over five years at SHLC. I've seen families waste hundreds of pounds on resources their child never uses whilst missing the excellent free materials readily available online.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the best 11+ maths resources, both free and paid, helping you build an effective practice library without breaking the bank or drowning in choice.

For the complete preparation strategy including when to start and how to use these resources, see my complete 11+ preparation guide.

Free Resources: Where to Start

1. Bond 11+ Free Sample Papers

Website: bond11plus.co.uk/free-resources

What's included:

• Sample papers for Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non Verbal Reasoning
• 10 minute timed test papers
• Bond Placement Tests to establish current level
• Free activities for ages 5-11
• Vocabulary flashcards with game ideas
• Revision planner template
• Motivation checklist and reward chart
• How to walkthrough videos with 11+ tutor Alvon Stewart

Why it's excellent: Bond is one of the most established names in 11+ preparation. Their free samples give you genuine insight into the quality of their paid materials before purchasing. The Placement Tests are particularly valuable, showing exactly where your child currently stands across all subjects.

How to use it: Start with the Placement Tests in Year 4 or early Year 5 to establish your child's baseline. Use the free sample papers to understand the question styles before investing in full books. The vocabulary flashcards are brilliant for daily practice.

Cost: Completely free (requires creating free account)

2. 11 Plus Exams Free Resources

Website: elevenplusexams.co.uk

What's included:

• Comprehensive guides explaining the 11+ process
• Regional information for specific grammar schools
• Admissions criteria and testing processes by area
• Parent advice and preparation tips
• Active parent community forum

Why it's excellent: This is the UK's first website dedicated specifically to 11+, regarded as one of the most trusted resources. The regional guides are incredibly detailed, telling you exactly which exam format each grammar school uses.

How to use it: Use this as your starting point for understanding which exam format your target schools require. The community forum connects you with parents who've recently gone through the process, providing current insights about specific schools.

Cost: Free

3. Sats Papers Free 11+ Collection

Website: sats-papers.co.uk/11-plus-papers

What's included: Over 450 free 11+ practice papers from multiple publishers including:

• GL Assessment official papers
• Bond papers (aligned with GL standards)
• Schofield & Sims papers
• Exam Ninja papers
• Owl Tutors papers
• IPS (Internet Primary School) papers
• Independent Junction papers
• Papers for Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non Verbal Reasoning

Why it's extraordinary: This is genuinely the UK's largest collection of free 11+ papers. Multiple publishers' materials in one place, all with answers provided, representing hundreds of pounds worth of commercial resources available free.

How to use it: Start with GL Assessment's own papers as these mirror actual grammar school tests most closely. Work through Bond papers for additional practice. Save the more challenging independent school focused papers for later preparation stages.

Important: Papers vary in difficulty and style. Don't let your child attempt the hardest independent school papers early on, it'll damage confidence. Progress systematically from easier to harder.

Cost: Completely free

4. 11 Plus eHelp Free Mock Exams

Website: 11plusehelp.co.uk

What's included:

• Free online mock exams
• Topic wise practice papers
• Performance reports after each mock
• Sample papers with detailed answers
• Progress tracking across multiple attempts

Why it stands out: The online format mimics the CEM Select digital exams increasingly used by schools. Performance reports show exactly which topics your child struggles with, making targeted practice straightforward.

How to use it: Complete one mock monthly from January Year 5 onwards. Use the performance reports to identify weak topics, then use topic wise practice papers to target those specific areas before attempting the next mock.

Cost: Free mocks available, additional resources purchasable

5. Owl Tutors Free Practice Papers

Website: owltutors.co.uk/advice/11-plus/exam-papers

What's included:

• Selection of 11+ maths, English, reading and writing papers
• Mark schemes included
• Advice on age appropriate resource use
• Guidance on when to start practice papers

Why it's valuable: Owl Tutors emphasises using age appropriate resources and building confidence before introducing pressure. Their papers are well constructed and their advice about not starting papers too early is sound.

How to use it: Read their guidance section first. They correctly warn against starting practice papers too early when low scores damage confidence. Use their papers once your child has covered topics through CGP books or similar.

Cost: Free

6. 11 Plus Lifeline (RSL Educational)

Website: rsleducational.co.uk

What's included:

• Wide range of practice questions and papers
• Well regarded in the 11+ community
• Focus on thorough preparation across question types

Why people recommend it: RSL Educational has been creating 11+ resources for many years. Parents consistently mention 11 Plus Lifeline as particularly relevant and helpful preparation.

How to use it: Their materials provide thorough preparation suited for both grammar schools and independent schools. Use alongside other resources for comprehensive coverage.

Cost: Mix of free samples and paid materials

7. School Specific Past Papers (SHLC Collection)

What we provide at SHLC:

• Extensive collection of school specific 11+ past papers
• Papers for independent schools that don't publish publicly
• Custom mark schemes if you send us papers we don't have
• Guidance on which format suits your target schools

Why this matters: Many independent schools don't publish their past papers publicly. Having access to actual papers from your target school is invaluable, showing exactly what question types and difficulty level to expect.

How to access: Contact SHLC with your target school names. We'll let you know which papers we have available. If you have papers we don't, send them to us and we'll create detailed mark schemes for you.

Cost: Some papers free, custom marking services available

Paid Resources: What's Actually Worth Buying

1. CGP 11+ Books (£8-£12 per book)

What you get:

• Comprehensive topic coverage with clear explanations
• Topic based practice questions
• Answer books sold separately
• Covers all four subjects (Maths, English, VR, NVR)

Why CGP is worth buying: These books systematically teach each topic before providing practice. Perfect for building understanding before attempting full papers. The explanations are clear and child friendly.

Which ones to buy:

• CGP 11+ Maths Study Book
• CGP 11+ Maths Practice Book (includes realistic test papers)
• Answer books for marking

When to use them: Year 4 and early Year 5 for topic learning. Work through systematically before moving to full mock papers.

Cost: £8-£12 per book, £30-£40 for complete maths set

2. Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic (£4-£6 per book)

What you get:

• Systematic mental arithmetic practice
• Books at different difficulty levels
• Timed exercises building speed
• Answer books included

Why this is essential: 11+ maths heavily tests mental arithmetic and numerical reasoning. Students with slow, inaccurate arithmetic struggle significantly. Schofield & Sims builds automaticity through systematic daily practice.

Which level to buy: Test your child on one page from each level. Buy the level where they score 50-70%. Too easy (90%+) wastes time. Too hard (30%-) damages confidence.

When to use it: Daily from Year 4 onwards. One page per day, timed, marked immediately. This builds the arithmetic foundation everything else relies on.

Cost: £4-£6 per book

3. Bond 11+ Test Papers (£8-£10 per book)

What you get:

• Realistic exam style papers
• GL or CEM format options
• Multiple papers per book
• Answer books with detailed marking guidance

Why Bond is the gold standard: Bond papers closely mirror actual 11+ exams. The GL format papers align with grammar school tests, whilst CEM format suits independent schools. Thousands of families have successfully used Bond for preparation.

Which format to choose:

• GL format: For grammar schools using GL Assessment (Kent, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, etc.)
• CEM format: For independent schools or remaining CEM Select users

Check my complete 11+ guide for which format suits your target schools.

When to use them: Once topics are covered through CGP books. Start papers February Year 5 for strong students (Group A), Summer Year 5 for average students (Group B), Autumn Year 5 for students needing more support (Group C).

Cost: £8-£10 per book, £35-£45 for complete maths set

4. SHLC Professional Support Services

What we provide:

One to One 11+ Tutoring:

• Diagnostic assessment identifying current level and gaps
• Personalised programme targeting your child's exam format
• Systematic topic coverage with homework between sessions
• Regular mock exams with detailed feedback
• Progress tracking showing measurable improvements

Mock Exam Marking Service: Submit completed practice papers, receive expert analysis showing exactly where marks are lost, topic by topic breakdown, specific guidance on what to practice next.

Professional marking service details

School Specific Preparation: We provide past papers and mark schemes for independent schools, guidance on realistic preparation timelines, strategic advice for your specific target schools.

Why professional support matters: Books and free resources provide content. Professional expertise provides diagnosis, strategic planning, and personalised teaching that adapts to your child's specific needs.

When it's worth the investment:

• Group C students (struggling with basics) benefit enormously from expert gap filling
• Group B students (average) often need strategic guidance maximising their potential
• Group A students (strong) pursuing very competitive schools benefit from advanced technique coaching

Contact SHLC to discuss your child's specific situation.

Cost: Contact for current tutoring rates. Marking service significantly cheaper than ongoing tutoring.

Resources to Avoid (Save Your Money)

Expensive "Comprehensive" Packages (£200-£500)

Multiple companies sell massive resource bundles promising "everything you need." Usually these contain:

• Papers you can find free elsewhere
• Resources at wrong difficulty level for your child
• Materials for exam formats you're not sitting
• Overwhelming volume your child will never use

Better approach: Start with free resources, add CGP books for £30-£40, add Bond papers for £35-£45. Total £70-£85 covers everything genuinely needed.

Apps and Online Subscriptions (£20-£40/month)

As covered in my Medly AI review, most study apps over promise and under deliver. For 11+ specifically:

• AI marking is unreliable for 11+ question types
• Apps rarely match specific exam board formats accurately
• Free resources (Bond, Sats Papers collection) provide better content
• £240-£480 annual cost buys 8-16 hours of qualified teacher tutoring instead

Exception: Apps specifically designed for vocabulary building or times tables practice can be useful supplements, but shouldn't be your primary resource.

Past Papers from Wrong Exam Boards

Don't buy CEM format papers if your child is sitting GL format (or vice versa). The question styles differ significantly. Check which format your target schools use before purchasing anything.

Building Your 11+ Resource Library: Recommended Spending

Essential purchases (£70-£85):

• Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic (appropriate level): £4-£6
• CGP 11+ Maths books (study book + practice book + answers): £30-£40
• Bond 11+ papers (correct format, 3-4 books): £35-£45

Optional additions based on budget:

If budget allows £150-£200:

• Add professional mock marking service for 5-8 papers: £50-£80
• Add Bond papers for other subjects (VR, NVR, English): £30-£45
• Add revision planner and progress tracker: £15-£25

If budget allows £500+:

• Consider monthly or bi-weekly one-to-one tutoring: £200-£400
• Professional mock marking throughout: £80-£120
• Complete paid resource library: £80-£100

Important principle: Quality resources used properly beat expensive comprehensive packages used sporadically. Better to own 10 books your child completes than 50 they don't.

How to Use Resources Effectively (Not Just Own Them)

The Common Trap

Many families buy excellent resources, stack them in the corner, and wonder why grades don't improve. Owning resources means nothing. Using them systematically means everything.

The System That Works

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Year 4, early Year 5)

• Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic: One page daily, timed
• CGP topic books: Work through systematically, one topic per week
• Free online activities: Bond vocabulary flashcards, mental arithmetic practice

Phase 2: Applied Practice (Mid Year 5)

• Continue Schofield & Sims daily
• CGP practice book: Topic based tests after learning each topic
• Begin Bond past papers: One paper weekly, marked thoroughly

Phase 3: Intensive Preparation (Late Year 5, Summer)

• Multiple papers weekly (2-3)
• Use free paper collections for volume practice
• Get professional marking for key mocks identifying patterns in lost marks
• Focus revision on repeatedly problematic topics

Use my digital revision planner to track which resources have been completed, which topics remain weak, and overall progress over time.

The Critical Mistake to Avoid

Don't jump straight to past papers without topic foundation work. Students attempting full papers when they haven't learned topics:

• Score poorly and feel demoralised
• Develop exam anxiety before exams even arrive
• Don't actually learn from practice, just reinforce gaps

Build foundations through CGP books, then practice through papers. That's the sequence that works.

For Different Student Groups

Group A (Top 10%, Starting Sept Year 5): Essential purchases: CGP books, Bond papers (GL or CEM), Schofield & Sims Free resources: Massive online collection for volume practice Budget investment: Consider professional marking for mocks plus periodic tutoring for advanced technique

Group B (Average, Starting Christmas Year 4): Essential purchases: Schofield & Sims (crucial for arithmetic building), CGP books, Bond papers Free resources: Use Bond free samples and online collections extensively Budget investment: Periodic tutoring filling specific gaps, professional marking identifying patterns

Group C (Struggling, Starting Year 3/4): Essential purchases: Schofield & Sims lower levels, CGP books worked through slowly Free resources: Use free activities for confidence building before papers Budget investment: Strongly consider regular tutoring filling fundamental gaps systematically

See my complete student type guide for detailed recommendations.

Regional Specific Resources

Grammar School Regions (GL Assessment)

Buckinghamshire, Kent, Birmingham, Lincolnshire: Focus heavily on GL format Bond papers, use GL Assessment's own free papers, check 11 Plus Exams website for specific regional guidance.

Independent Schools (Varied Formats)

London, Home Counties, Nationwide: CEM format Bond papers are good starting point, obtain school specific past papers wherever possible, contact SHLC for papers from your target schools.

Mixed Regions (Schools use Different Formats)

Essex, Hertfordshire, Yorkshire: Check each target school's format individually, don't assume format based on region, prepare for the specific format each school uses.

The Bottom Line

The best 11+ resources combine:

• Excellent free materials (Bond samples, 450+ paper collection)
• Strategic paid purchases (Schofield & Sims, CGP, Bond papers)
• Professional expertise when needed (tutoring, marking services)

Total essential spending: £70-£85 covers everything genuinely needed for thorough preparation.

What actually matters:

• Starting early enough based on your child's ability level
• Using resources systematically, not sporadically
• Building foundations before attempting full papers
• Getting expert feedback identifying specific gaps
• Maintaining consistent daily practice over many months

Resources are tools. Used properly, they transform preparation. Collected randomly, they gather dust whilst your child remains underprepared.

For comprehensive guidance on when to start, which topics to prioritise, and how to structure daily practice, see my complete 11+ preparation guide.

If you need professional support alongside these resources, contact SHLC to discuss how qualified teaching can maximise your child's chances of success.

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Ready to start your child's 11+ preparation with the right resources and expert guidance? Get in touch with SHLC to discuss their specific needs and build a strategic preparation plan.