The 11+ is an entrance test for selective schools, mainly grammar schools in England and some independent schools, and maths is a big part of it. It is easy to over-prepare in the wrong way, so this guide sets out what the maths paper actually looks like, what varies from place to place, and a calm way to use the months before the test.
What the 11+ is, and when it happens
The 11+ is not one national exam. It is a collection of tests used by particular schools and local areas, and it is optional: you register your child for the test at the school or area you are aiming for. Children usually sit it at the start of Year 6, in September or October, for entry to secondary school the following September, although registration deadlines come earlier and some places run their own timetable. Always check the dates, format and registration process on the website of the school or admissions authority you are applying to. That page is the only reliable source for your child’s test.
Who sets the paper
Three sources of papers are common:
- GL Assessment. Used by several areas, including Kent, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, Lincolnshire and Warwickshire, as well as by individual schools. GL tests are multiple choice.
- CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring). Used by other areas and schools. Its format and mix of question types differ from GL’s, so practice material written for one does not always transfer neatly to the other.
- The school’s own paper. Some selective schools write their own, and independent schools often set their own or use a common entrance style paper.
This is the main reason to find out early which one your child is sitting.
What the maths paper covers
Papers vary, but the maths sections generally draw on the primary maths curriculum:
- Number and arithmetic: the four operations, times tables, mental arithmetic and quick calculation.
- Fractions, decimals and percentages, and converting between them.
- Ratio and proportion, and simple algebra-style missing-number problems.
- Measures, shape and space: perimeter, area, volume, angles, units and time.
- Data: reading tables, charts and averages.
- Word problems, where the maths is hidden in a short story and the child has to choose the method.
Some papers include material a child may not have met in class yet, to see how they reason about something unfamiliar. That is one reason problem-solving practice matters as much as content.
Many areas also test verbal and non-verbal reasoning and English, which is separate from maths. Check which sections your target school uses.
A calm way to prepare
There is no single right method, but these habits are widely recommended and easy to keep going:
- Find out the format first. Know whether it is GL, CEM or a school paper, how long the test is, and whether answers are multiple choice.
- Start early and keep sessions short. Fifteen to twenty focused minutes, several days a week, is easier to sustain than a long weekend session, and it leaves time for other things.
- Fill gaps before doing timed papers. If fractions or ratio are shaky, work on those topics first. Timed papers show what is wrong; they do not fix it.
- Make times tables and mental arithmetic automatic. Speed on the basics frees up time for the hard questions.
- Practise word problems slowly first. Underline what is asked, write down what is known, then choose a method. Speed comes later.
- Review every mistake. Ask why it was wrong: a slip, a gap, or a misread question. Keep a short list and revisit it.
- Add timed practice in the last weeks, so the real test feels familiar.
- Look after morale. Children who feel pressured tend to freeze. Stopping while it is still going well is a good rule.
Keep in mind that a place is never guaranteed by any amount of practice, and that the test is one route among several. If your child is not enjoying the preparation, it is worth asking whether the pace is right.
Choosing practice material
Practice books, online platforms, tutors and school resources all work for some families. Whatever you pick, look for material that matches your target test’s format, explains the method behind every answer rather than only marking it right or wrong, and does not put your child’s data or a subscription in the way. If you use an app, check what it does with children’s data before you install it.
Frequently asked questions
When do children sit the 11+? Usually at the start of Year 6, in September or October, for entry the following September. Registration closes earlier, and dates vary by school and area, so check your target school’s admissions page.
What maths is on the 11+? Mostly the primary curriculum: arithmetic, fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio, measures, shape and space, data and word problems. Some papers include material beyond what has been taught in class.
Are 11+ papers multiple choice? GL Assessment papers are multiple choice. Other providers and school papers may use different formats, so check with the school.
How early should we start preparing? There is no fixed answer. Many families begin in Year 5 with short regular sessions and add timed practice closer to the test. Start earlier if there are gaps in the basics.
Is the 11+ the same everywhere? No. The provider, the subjects, the format and the dates all vary by area and school.