Maths is the one 11+ subject that children have the most school experience with—yet the exam demands speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills beyond what's taught in the standard KS2 curriculum. Here's how to identify gaps and close them efficiently.
What Makes 11+ Maths Different from School Maths?
The 11+ pushes into the upper end of KS2 and occasionally touches early KS3 concepts. The key differences:
- Speed: Questions are designed to be answered in about 1 minute each—much faster than school assessments.
- Word problems: Many questions wrap mathematical concepts in real-world scenarios requiring careful reading.
- Multi-step problems: Rather than testing one skill, questions often chain 2–3 concepts together.
- Mental arithmetic: Limited or no calculator access means mental maths must be fluent.
Core Topics and Their Weighting
| Topic | Typical Weighting | Difficulty Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Number & Place Value | 15–20% | Rounding, ordering, negative numbers |
| Fractions, Decimals & Percentages | 20–25% | Converting, comparing, word problems |
| Ratio & Proportion | 10–15% | Sharing, scaling, recipe problems |
| Algebra | 5–10% | Simple equations, sequences, function machines |
| Geometry | 15–20% | Area, perimeter, angles, properties of shapes |
| Statistics & Data | 5–10% | Reading graphs, mean/median, interpreting data |
| Word Problems | 15–20% | Multi-step, real-world contexts |
The Most Common Knowledge Gaps
Based on thousands of diagnostic assessments, these are the topics children most frequently struggle with:
1. Fractions (Especially Mixed Operations)
Adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators, converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions, and fraction word problems consistently catch children out.
Fix: Use visual fraction bars first, then progress to numerical methods. Practise finding common denominators daily until it becomes automatic.
2. Time and Speed Problems
Calculating journey times, converting between 12-hour and 24-hour clocks, and understanding speed-distance-time relationships.
Fix: Use real-life scenarios: "If we leave at 2:45 and the journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes, when do we arrive?" Make it practical and relevant.
3. Ratio and Proportion
Sharing in ratios, scaling recipes, and understanding proportional relationships—particularly when the total isn't given.
Fix: Use cooking as practice. Scaling a recipe for 4 people up to 6 is genuine ratio practice.
4. Multi-Step Word Problems
The challenge isn't usually the maths itself—it's reading the problem, identifying what's being asked, and planning the steps.
Fix: Teach RUCSAC: Read, Underline key info, Choose operation, Solve, Answer the question, Check.
5. Mental Arithmetic Speed
Many children know how to do calculations but are too slow under timed conditions.
Fix: Daily 5-minute speed drills. Start with times tables, then progress to division facts, doubles/halves, and decimal equivalents.
Weekly Maths Practice Plan
A balanced approach covers all topics without becoming overwhelming:
- Monday: Number work—fractions, decimals, percentages (15 mins)
- Tuesday: Geometry—angles, area, perimeter (15 mins)
- Wednesday: Word problems—mixed topics (15 mins)
- Thursday: Speed drills + mental arithmetic (10 mins)
- Friday: Review errors from the week (10 mins)
Quick FAQ
Q: Does my child need to know algebra for the 11+?
A: Basic algebra (simple equations, sequences, function machines) appears in most GL papers. It's less prominent in CEM.
Q: Should we use calculators during practice?
A: No. The exam doesn't allow calculators, so all practice should be done mentally or with pen and paper.
Q: How important are times tables?
A: Absolutely essential. Instant recall of tables up to 12×12 underpins almost every other maths skill tested.
Build a complete preparation plan → The Ultimate 11+ Preparation Timeline
Understand how maths scores are calculated → 11+ Scoring Demystified
Use our score calculator to track your child's progress.
