11+ Maths Preparation Guide: Get Your Child Into Grammar School
11+ Maths Tuition That Gets Students Into Top UK Schools
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 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.
When to Start Preparing
Not all children need the same timeline. Start based on your child's current ability:
Top Performers
Always getting full marks, confident across all subjects, excels in maths.
Why: Strong foundations already in place. Needs exam exposure and 11+ specific question styles rather than basic skill building.
Average Performers
Solid understanding but doesn't excel specifically. Capable with proper guidance.
Why: Needs time building arithmetic fundamentals (times tables, mental maths, fractions) before tackling 11+ complexity.
Struggling Students
Gaps in basic times tables, addition, subtraction. Needs significant support.
Why: Most ground to cover. Many move from bottom sets to top sets through intensive preparation. Extended timeline removes pressure.
The 15 Most Important Maths Topics
Based on hundreds of students we've tutored, these topics consistently appear and cause difficulty:
- Times Tables (up to 12×12)Non-negotiable. If these aren't instant, everything else struggles.
- Place Value & RoundingWhat digits represent, rounding to nearest 10/100/1000 and decimals.
- Long Multiplication & DivisionColumn methods for large numbers including decimals.
- Fractions (All Operations)Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing. Mixed/improper conversions.
- Reverse PercentagesFinding original amounts after % changes. Trips students up consistently.
- Ratio & ProportionSimplifying ratios, sharing in given ratios, scale problems.
- Long Word ProblemsMulti-step problems requiring careful reading and planning.
- Simultaneous EquationsBasic two-variable equations for top students.
- Interior & Exterior AnglesPolygon angles including formulas for interior angle sums.
- Sequences (Nth Term)Linear, geometric, alternating sequences and finding nth term rules.
- AlgebraLike terms, expressions, substitution, two-step equations, expanding, factorising.
- Quadratic FactorisingBasic factorising of x² + 5x + 6 type expressions.
- Data AnalysisComplex tables, mean/median/mode/range, misleading data.
- Compound MeasuresSpeed, distance, time. Units, 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 →YouTube 11+ Playlist
Complete preparation walkthrough, GL paper solutions, parent guides.
Watch the playlist →Study Profile Quiz
Find out what type of learner your child is in under 60 seconds.
Take the quiz →11+ Readiness Quiz
Discover which student group your child is in and what their timeline should look like.
Check readiness →Featured videos in the playlist: Complete 11+ Exam Preparation Guide · GL Maths Familiarisation Paper Walkthrough · 3 Must-Have 11+ Maths Books · When to Start 11+ Preparation Timeline.
Recommended Books
Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic
Building mental maths speed and accuracy. Choose the level where your child gets 50-70% correct, not 100%.
CGP 11+ Books
Topic-by-topic explanations and practice. Perfect for systematic coverage after learning each topic.
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 →
SHLC Practice Papers
11+ Practice Papers with Worked Solutions
Our 11+ maths practice papers come with complete worked solutions showing exactly how to solve each question.
- Practice papers at true 11+ standard
- Step-by-step worked solutions
- Topic coverage for major grammar schools
- Individual papers available
How Many Mock Exams Should They Complete?
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.
Get professional mock marking with detailed feedback →
Daily Practice Routine That Works
Research shows consistent daily practice beats irregular intensive sessions.
Rotating Subjects (20 mins daily)
Multiple Short Sessions (60 mins daily)
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 & Overwhelm
Red Flag 2: Not Remembering Topics
Red Flag 3: Parent-Child Relationship Suffering
SHLC 11+ Preparation Services
Grammar School Success Programme
- Maths AND English tuition included
- Diagnostic assessment & gap analysis
- Personalised programme for target schools
- Systematic topic coverage with homework
- Regular mock exams with detailed feedback
- Progress tracking & parent updates
One-to-One 11+ Tuition
- Diagnostic assessment identifying gaps
- Personalised programme by exam format
- Systematic topic coverage with homework
- Regular mocks with detailed feedback
- Progress tracking & parent updates
Mock Exam Marking
- Submit completed practice papers
- Detailed marking showing where marks lost
- Topic-by-topic analysis
- Specific guidance on what to practice next
- Feedback children can act on
Free consultation & school-specific advice: We can advise on which exam format your target schools use, give realistic preparation timelines based on current level, share access to past papers from our extensive collection, and create 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
- Bradford GrammarWest Yorkshire
- Merchant Taylors'Hertfordshire
- Queen Elizabeth'sLondon
- The Latymer SchoolLondon
- St George's CollegeSurrey
- Thorpe HouseBuckinghamshire
- St Margaret'sHertfordshire
- John Lyon SchoolLondon
- Heckmondwike GrammarWest Yorkshire
- St Aubyn'sEssex & many more
Real Student Journeys
Read complete success stories →
Understanding 11+ Exam Formats
GL Assessment
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 September Year 5
Average Performers · Starting Christmas Year 4
Struggling Students · Starting Year 3/4
The SHLC Method: Our 6-Step Success Process
Whether a student comes with 3 months or 9 months to prepare, we use the same proven process:
This focused approach has helped students from bottom sets achieve scholarships at top schools.
Start Your Child's 11+ Journey Today
Success comes from the right plan, right mindset, and right support. No secret tips or backdoor tricks.
Three things successful students have in common:
- Started early enough for their ability level
- Practised consistently without massive gaps
- Sought expert feedback identifying exactly what needed work
You now have the complete roadmap. Will you follow it systematically?
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free consultation to discuss your child's specific situation, target schools, and the best path to grammar or independent school success. I respond within 12 hours.
Book a Free ConsultationNot ready to book yet? Take the free 11+ Readiness Quiz first.
More 11+ Resources
Browse all education resources →
Want to find out more?
Book a free, no-obligation call with us today. Let us talk you through how we can help you and your family.