11+ Maths Preparation Guide: Get Your Child Into Grammar School

With only 164 grammar schools in England and thousands of families competing for places, proper 11+ preparation isn't optional. It's essential.

At SHLC, we've helped students secure places at top grammar and independent schools including Bradford Grammar, Merchant Taylors', Queen Elizabeth's School, The Latymer School, and St George's College. Some received scholarships. Many moved from bottom sets to top sets through structured preparation.

Quick Links: When to Start | What to Study | Resources | Our Services | Success Stories

When to Start Preparing

Not all children need the same timeline. Start based on your child's current ability:

Top Performers (Top 10% of Class)

Profile: Always getting full marks, confident across all subjects, excels in maths.

Start: September Year 5 (12-15 months before exams)

Why: Strong foundations already in place. Needs exam exposure and 11+ specific question styles rather than basic skill building.

Average Performers (Middle 50%)

Profile: Solid understanding but doesn't excel specifically. Capable with proper guidance.

Start: Christmas or January Year 4 (18-21 months before exams)

Why: Needs time building arithmetic fundamentals (times tables, mental maths, fractions) before tackling 11+ complexity. Extra 6 months builds confidence.

Struggling Students (Bottom 40%)

Profile: Gaps in basic times tables, addition, subtraction. Needs significant support.

Start: End of Year 3 or start of Year 4 (24-30 months before exams)

Why: Most ground to cover. Many move from bottom sets to top sets through intensive preparation. Extended timeline removes pressure whilst building strong foundations.

Take our quick quiz: What's my child's study profile?

Watch: When Should Your Child Start 11+ Preparation?

The 15 Most Important Maths Topics

Based on hundreds of students we've tutored, these topics consistently appear and cause difficulty:

Foundation Topics (Must Be Automatic)

Times Tables (up to 12×12)
Non negotiable. If these aren't instant, everything else struggles.
Master times tables in hours not months (Free tool)

Place Value and Rounding
Understanding what digits represent in numbers, rounding to nearest 10, 100, 1000, and decimal places.

Long Multiplication and Division
Column methods for multiplying and dividing large numbers including decimals.

Fractions (All Operations)
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing fractions. Converting between mixed and improper. Finding fractions of amounts.

Common Struggle Topics (Practice Heavily)

Reverse Percentages
Finding original amounts after percentage increases or decreases. This consistently trips students up.

Ratio and Proportion
Simplifying ratios, sharing amounts in given ratios, scale problems.

Long Word Problems
Multi step problems requiring careful reading and planning. Often combine several topics.

Simultaneous Equations (Simple)
Basic two variable equations that top students encounter.

Interior and Exterior Angles
Calculating angles in polygons, including using formulas for interior angle sums.

Sequences (Nth Term)
Linear sequences, finding the nth term rule, geometric sequences, alternating sequences.

Advanced Topics (For Strong Students)

Algebra
Collecting like terms, creating expressions, substitution, solving two step equations, expanding and factorising.

Quadratic Factorising Skills
Basic factorising of expressions like x² + 5x + 6.

Data Analysis
Reading complex tables, calculating averages (mean, median, mode, range), identifying misleading data presentations.

Compound Measures
Speed, distance, time calculations. Units and conversions. Time calculations.

Probability (Multiple Events)
Tree diagrams, sample spaces, exhaustive events, combined probabilities.

Complete list of all 11+ topics covered

Essential Resources & Practice Materials

Free Resources

Times Tables Mastery Tool
Learn tables in hours not months using our proven method.
Start learning now (Free)

YouTube Video Guides
Complete 11+ preparation walkthrough, GL paper solutions, parent guides.
Watch our 11+ playlist (Free)

Featured videos:

Complete 11+ Exam Preparation Guide
GL Maths Familiarisation Paper Walkthrough
3 Must Have 11+ Maths Books
When to Start 11+ Preparation Timeline

Recommended Books

1. Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic
Building mental maths speed and accuracy. Choose the level where your child gets 50-70% correct, not 100%.

2. CGP 11+ Books
Topic by topic explanations and practice. Perfect for systematic coverage after learning each topic.

3. Bond Test Papers
Exam style practice under timed conditions. Choose GL or CEM format based on your target schools.

Complete guide to choosing the right resources

Practice Papers (£4.95 each)

11+ maths practice paper with worked solutions"

Our 11+ maths practice papers come with complete worked solutions showing exactly how to solve each question.

What's included:

Practice papers at true 11+ standard
Step by step worked solutions
Topic coverage for major grammar schools
Individual papers available

Browse 11+ practice papers

How Many Mock Exams Should They Complete?

Minimum: 5 complete mock exam sets
Ideal: 8-10 complete sets
Ambitious: 12-15+ sets

Students completing fewer than 5 mocks often underperform due to exam shock. Those completing 10+ feel significantly more comfortable and confident.

The Critical Part: What You Do AFTER Each Mock

Don't just complete and move to the next one. That wastes the learning opportunity.

Proper process:

Complete under strict timed conditions
Mark thoroughly using mark schemes
Analyse results by topic (which topics caused lost marks?)
Spend 2-3 days intensively practising weak topics
Reflect on exam technique (time management? Misread questions?)
Attempt next mock 1-2 weeks later

Get professional mock marking with detailed feedback

Daily Practice Routine That Works

Research shows consistent daily practice beats irregular intensive sessions.

Option 1: Rotating Subjects (20 mins daily)

Monday: Maths | Tuesday: English | Wednesday: Verbal Reasoning
Thursday: Non Verbal Reasoning | Friday: Mixed/Weak areas
Weekend: One full practice paper under timed conditions

Option 2: Multiple Short Sessions (60 mins daily)

20 minutes practice + 5 minute break (x3)
Choose one subject per day, rotate through four subjects.

The non negotiables:

Practice 5-6 days per week minimum
Each session must be focused (no phones, TV, distractions)
Mark work immediately and review errors
Track which topics improve and which remain difficult

Warning Signs: When Preparation Isn't Working

Red Flag 1: Frustration and Overwhelm

Looks like: Child becomes emotional, upset, or says "I can't do this."

Means: Content too advanced for current level. Moved to 11+ material before foundations secure.

Do this: Return to Schofield & Sims arithmetic. Master times tables. Build confidence with easier content first.

Red Flag 2: Not Remembering Topics

Looks like: They seem to understand during the lesson but completely forget a week later.

Means: Learning isn't consolidating. Moving too fast without sufficient practice.

Do this: Slow down dramatically. Practice each topic daily for a full week before moving on.

Red Flag 3: Parent-Child Relationship Deteriorating

Looks like: Arguments every practice session. Child resents you. Both stressed.

Means: Attempting to be parent and tutor simultaneously damages relationships.

Do this: Get professional help. Outsource the teaching to preserve your relationship as parent.

SHLC 11+ Preparation Services

One to One 11+ Tuition

£40 per session or Grammar School Success Programme - £500/month

The success programme includes maths and English tuition plus many benefits beyond standard sessions.

What's included in all tuition:

Diagnostic assessment identifying gaps
Personalised programme for your target schools
Systematic topic coverage with homework
Regular mock exams with detailed feedback
Progress tracking showing improvements
Parent updates after each session

Best for: All student groups, particularly those needing structured support.

Book free consultation

Mock Exam Marking Service

Can't afford weekly tutoring? Get expert feedback on practice papers.

What's included:

Submit completed practice papers
Detailed marking showing where marks lost
Topic by topic analysis
Specific guidance on what to practice next
Feedback your child can understand and act on

Professional marking service

Free Consultation & School Specific Advice

What we provide:

Advice on which exam format your target schools use
Realistic preparation timelines based on current level
Access to past papers (we have extensive collection)
Custom mark schemes if you send papers we don't have

Get in touch for free advice

Real Results: Our Students' Success Stories

Schools Our Students Attend

Grammar school logos including Merchant Taylors and QE School

Students we've tutored have been accepted into:

Bradford Grammar School (West Yorkshire)
Merchant Taylors' School (Hertfordshire)
Queen Elizabeth's School (London)
The Latymer School (London)
St George's College (Surrey)
Thorpe House School (Buckinghamshire)
St Margaret's School (Hertfordshire)
John Lyon School (London)
Heckmondwike Grammar School (West Yorkshire)
Plus St Aubyn's School and many more

Real Student Journeys

Failed first 11+ attempt → Joined SHLC 3 months before retake → Two sessions per week focusing on weak areas → Passed and got into Bradford Grammar → Now in top set.

Three students received scholarships → All through strong maths foundations, consistent practice, and commitment to homework.

Students who completed full SHLC programme → Reached GCSE Level 3 by Year 6 → Finished entire GCSE course by Year 9-10 → Confidently secured Grade 9s.

Read complete success stories

Understanding 11+ Exam Formats

GL Assessment (Most Common)

Used by most grammar schools including Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Medway.

Format: Separate subject papers for English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non Verbal Reasoning.
Timing: Each paper typically 45-60 minutes.
Advantage: Published practice materials available, making preparation more predictable.

CEM Format

Still used by approximately 40 independent schools (CEM Select online format).

Format: Mixed subject papers (English + VR together, Maths + NVR together).
Timing: More time pressured and unpredictable.
Challenge: No published practice papers. Designed to be "tutor proof."

Independent Schools

Many set their own entrance exams or use ISEB Common Pre Test.

Action: Contact your target schools directly to confirm which format they use. Never assume based on region alone.

Complete guide to exam formats and preparation

Interview Preparation

Many independent schools include interviews alongside written exams.

What schools look for:

Genuine enthusiasm for learning
Ability to think and explain reasoning
Confidence without arrogance
Good communication skills

How to prepare:

Practice explaining maths solutions out loud
Discuss current affairs and books they're reading
Mock interview practice with tutor or teacher
Visit the school beforehand to feel comfortable

Complete interview preparation guide

The Complete Preparation Timeline

Top Performers (Starting Sept Year 5)

Sept-Dec Year 5: Topic coverage + speed building
Jan-April Year 5: Weekly practice papers + refinement
May-Aug Year 5: Intensive past papers (2-3 per week)
Sept Year 6: Ready and confident

Average Performers (Starting Christmas Year 4)

Christmas-Summer Year 4: Arithmetic building + basics
Sept-Feb Year 5: Systematic topic coverage
March-June Year 5: Introduce practice papers (weekly)
July Year 5 onwards: Intensive past papers
Sept Year 6: Ready for exams

Struggling Students (Starting Year 3/4)

Year 3/4: Times tables mastery + basic arithmetic
Year 4: Schofield & Sims + foundation topics
Year 5: Topic coverage at appropriate pace
Year 5 summer onwards: Steady practice papers
Sept Year 6: Ready and confident