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
In shortTop 10% start September of Year 5. Middle 50% start Christmas of Year 4. Bottom 40% start Year 3 or 4. Go by current ability, not by age.
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
In shortFifteen topics cause most of the lost marks, split into foundation, common struggles and advanced. Times tables have to be instant before any of the rest holds.
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.
Essential Resources & Practice Materials
In shortFree tools and past papers first, then three books, then timed papers. Pick the level where your child scores 50 to 70%, not 100%.
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 →Stepwise Method Practice
Tests whether your child knows which method a question wants, then drills it.
Try Stepwise →Shape Sleuth NVR Game
Rotations, reflections and odd-one-out in real GL and CEM styles.
Play free →Turbo Times Tables Racer
Timed drills that build the recall every 11+ paper assumes.
Start racing →Also free: the Quick Maths Challenge, an adding and subtracting negatives trainer, KS2 SATs maths papers, and the full free tools library.
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.
For maths specifically, our interactive Maths Mastery Lessons teach one topic at a time, then set tiered questions with worked answers.
Useful when a child understands a topic in the moment but cannot reproduce the method a week later.
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 Past Paper Library
911 Free 11+ Papers
Every free 11+ paper we could find, from the exam boards and from the schools themselves, in one filterable library.
- GL, CEM, CSSE and 112 schools and boards
- 208 real entrance papers, 625 sample and practice sets, 78 familiarisation booklets
- Maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning
- Answers included where the setter published them
- Filter by board, subject, school and paper type
How Many Mock Exams Should They Complete?
In shortFive complete sets is the floor, 8 to 10 is the target. What happens in the days after each mock matters more than the mock itself.
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.
Daily Practice Routine That Works
In shortTwenty focused minutes, 5 to 6 days a week, beats one long weekend session. Mark the work immediately or the practice is wasted.
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
Not sure whether your child is actually on track?The free 11+ Readiness Quiz takes a few minutes and tells you which areas need work before you commit to a plan.
Take the Free QuizWarning Signs: When Preparation Isn't Working
In shortThree red flags: overwhelm, forgetting a topic a week later, and arguments every session. Each one has a specific fix below.
Red Flag 1: Frustration & Overwhelm
Red Flag 2: Not Remembering Topics
Red Flag 3: Parent-Child Relationship Suffering
SHLC 11+ Preparation Services
11+ Tuition Programmes
What the monthly fee covers
- Weekly sessions of 45 or 60 minutes, 4 a month
- A written note to you after every session
- Targeted practice set between lessons
- Mocks marked to the board's mark scheme
- The same teacher every week, start to finish
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
Full detail on how one-to-one sessions run, who teaches them and what a term looks like is on our 11+ maths tutor page.
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
All through strong maths foundations, consistent practice, and commitment to homework.
Read complete success stories →
Read what parents and students say about SHLC →
Every one of those places started with a plan.Tell us your target schools and your child's current level, and we will map out what the next few months need to look like.
Book a Free CallUnderstanding 11+ Exam Formats
In shortGL for most grammar schools, CEM Select for around 40 independents, own papers or ISEB for many others. Confirm with the school, never assume from your region.
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.
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
The Complete Preparation Timeline
In shortSame finish line, three different runways. Find your child's starting point and read across.
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
In shortSix steps: diagnose, plan, student-led homework, topic drills, mixed exam practice, then paper after paper.
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?
11+ Preparation FAQs
When should we start preparing for the 11+?
It depends on where your child is starting. Strong performers can start in September of Year 5 and be ready.
Average performers are better starting around Christmas of Year 4. Children with real gaps should start in Year 3 or Year 4 so there is time to fix the foundations before exam technique work begins.
How many mock exams should my child complete?
Five complete sets is the minimum, 8-10 is the ideal, and 12-15 or more is ambitious.
Children who sit fewer than five often underperform through exam shock alone. What matters more than the number is the review cycle after each mock.
What is the difference between GL Assessment and CEM?
GL is used by most grammar schools, including Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Lincolnshire and Medway.
It uses separate subject papers of roughly 45-60 minutes, and published practice material exists, so preparation is predictable.
CEM Select is still used by around 40 independent schools, mixes subjects within a paper, is more time pressured, and has no published practice papers by design.
How much does 11+ tuition cost?
Our 11+ programmes start at £220 a month for one subject, and two subjects together is £480 a month. One-to-one 11+ tuition is £40 per session if you want flexibility on frequency.
Mock exam marking starts at £39.99 if you are preparing independently and only want expert feedback.
Which schools have your students got into?
Bradford Grammar, Merchant Taylors', Queen Elizabeth's School, The Latymer School, St George's College, Heckmondwike Grammar and St Aubyn's among others.
Three students have received independent school scholarships.
How much practice should my child do each day?
Twenty focused minutes a day, five or six days a week, beats long irregular sessions.
Rotate subjects across the week and use the weekend for one full timed paper. Older or more able children can move to three 20 minute blocks with short breaks.
Is it too late if the exam is only a few months away?
Not necessarily. One of our students failed their first attempt, joined three months before the retake, worked twice a week on their weak areas, passed, and is now in the top set at Bradford Grammar.
A short runway means the plan has to be precise, which is exactly what a diagnostic assessment is for.
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.