11+ Maths Exam: Preparation, Pass Marks & Exam Tips (2026)

Preparing for the 11+ Maths Exam is an important part of overall 11+ Exam Preparation. Whether you’re looking for advice on how to pass the 11 Plus, understand pass marks, improve exam technique, or find the best maths practice resources, this guide covers everything parents need to know to help their child succeed in 2026. If you’re building a complete preparation plan, we also recommend exploring our 11 Plus Practice Papers and 11 Plus Practice Questions guides to develop confidence and exam readiness before test day.

What topics are on the 11+ maths exam?

The content of the Maths 11+ tends to follow that of the National Curriculum, and so it is important to check that your child is familiar with all of the following concepts: addition, multiplication, subtraction and division; fractions; decimals; time; area and perimeter; prime numbers and prime factors; averages; distance, speed and time; graphs and charts; calculating angles; reflection and rotation; percentages; simple ratio and probability; sequences and number patterns; nets of shapes and working out the volume of cubes and cuboids.

Many independent schools’ websites, such as the City of London School for Boys, also post helpful checklists of all the topics a student will need to be familiar with for the test. 

Here’s a section you can paste straight into the page:

How to Pass the 11 Plus Maths Exam

Many parents ask how to pass the 11 Plus Maths Exam, but success rarely comes from last-minute revision. Students who perform well typically follow a structured preparation plan that combines strong mathematical foundations, regular practice, and effective exam technique. While every child learns at a different pace, there are several strategies that can significantly improve performance in the 11+ maths exam.

Learn the 11 Plus Maths Syllabus

The first step is ensuring your child understands all of the key topics commonly tested in the exam. These include fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, algebra, geometry, measurements, data handling, and problem-solving. Before focusing on difficult questions, students should make sure they are confident with the core skills covered in our 11 Plus Maths Topics Checklist.

Practise Timed Papers Regularly

Many students know the maths but struggle with the pace of the exam. Completing 11 Plus Practice Papers under timed conditions helps build speed, improve concentration, and develop confidence. Regular exposure to exam-style questions also helps students become familiar with common question formats and reduce anxiety on exam day.

Review Mistakes Carefully

One of the most effective ways to improve is by analysing mistakes after every practice session. Instead of simply checking whether an answer is right or wrong, students should understand why an error occurred and how to avoid making the same mistake again. Working through 11 Plus Practice Questions and reviewing incorrect answers can often lead to faster progress than repeatedly completing new questions.

Build Strong Exam Technique

The 11+ maths exam tests more than mathematical knowledge. Students must learn how to manage their time, identify key information in word problems, and decide when to move on from difficult questions. Developing these exam techniques can help students maximise their score even when faced with unfamiliar question types.

Start Preparation Early

Children who begin 11 Plus Preparation early often have more time to build confidence and strengthen weaker topics. Many families start introducing 11+ maths practice during Year 4 before increasing the amount of timed work throughout Year 5. Consistent preparation over several months is usually far more effective than intensive revision immediately before the exam.

Ultimately, the best way to pass the 11 Plus Maths Exam is through steady, structured preparation. By learning the syllabus, practising timed papers, reviewing mistakes, developing exam technique, and starting early, students can improve both their confidence and their chances of success on exam day.

How to Pass the 11 Plus Maths Exam

Many parents ask how to pass the 11 Plus Maths Exam, but success rarely comes from last-minute revision. Students who perform well typically follow a structured preparation plan that combines strong mathematical foundations, regular practice, and effective exam technique. While every child learns at a different pace, there are several strategies that can significantly improve performance in the 11+ maths exam.

Learn the 11 Plus Maths Syllabus

The first step is ensuring your child understands all of the key topics commonly tested in the exam. These include fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, algebra, geometry, measurements, data handling, and problem-solving. Before focusing on difficult questions, students should make sure they are confident with the core skills covered in our 11 Plus Maths Topics Checklist.

Practise Timed Papers Regularly

Many students know the maths but struggle with the pace of the exam. Completing 11 Plus Practice Papers under timed conditions helps build speed, improve concentration, and develop confidence. Regular exposure to exam-style questions also helps students become familiar with common question formats and reduce anxiety on exam day.

Review Mistakes Carefully

One of the most effective ways to improve is by analysing mistakes after every practice session. Instead of simply checking whether an answer is right or wrong, students should understand why an error occurred and how to avoid making the same mistake again. Working through 11 Plus Practice Questions and reviewing incorrect answers can often lead to faster progress than repeatedly completing new questions.

Build Strong Exam Technique

The 11+ maths exam tests more than mathematical knowledge. Students must learn how to manage their time, identify key information in word problems, and decide when to move on from difficult questions. Developing these exam techniques can help students maximise their score even when faced with unfamiliar question types.

Start Preparation Early

Children who begin 11 Plus Preparation early often have more time to build confidence and strengthen weaker topics. Many families start introducing 11+ maths practice during Year 4 before increasing the amount of timed work throughout Year 5. Consistent preparation over several months is usually far more effective than intensive revision immediately before the exam.

Ultimately, the best way to pass the 11 Plus Maths Exam is through steady, structured preparation. By learning the syllabus, practising timed papers, reviewing mistakes, developing exam technique, and starting early, students can improve both their confidence and their chances of success on exam day.

How do I find past papers for the 11+ maths exam?

This will depend on which schools you are applying for. For grammar schools, there are two main exam boards used: CEM (Durham University) and GL Assessment. It’s very important to check which exam board your chosen grammar school uses, as this will affect how you prepare your child. 11 Plus Guide has a great range of CEM resources; GL Assessment resources are more difficult to find, as they tend to only publish sample questions rather than past papers, but you can find some useful resources here.

Past papers for independent schools can be found on individual schools’ websites, but they can vary in availability. Some schools, such as Dulwich College, post multiple specimen papers online, whilst others, such as St Paul’s, include a syllabus but no specific past papers. Don’t be disheartened if you can’t find papers for your specific school though; most have similar question styles and test similar skills, and so practising exams from other academic schools is still a useful and worthwhile exercise.

This website has a helpful list of both grammar and independent school past papers if you are unsure where to start.

What is the structure of the 11+ maths exam?

This will vary from school to school, although on average most 11+ Maths exams are between 40 and 50 minutes long.

For those applying to grammar schools, there are some key differences between CEM and GL papers worth noting. Firstly, GL papers tend to be a mixture of multiple-choice and standard format questions, and tend to be a little shorter, with students being asked around 40 questions.

For CEM, students are asked a combination of Maths and non-verbal reasoning questions, and therefore the paper is split into different sections: for example a Maths question, some puzzles, and a problem-solving activity. Each section has its own allocated time, and so time management is key.

What is the pass mark for the 11+ maths exam?

For grammar schools, this will depend on what local educational authority (LEA) you take the test in, as each region has its own pass mark. Regions with lots of grammar schools (for example, Buckinghamshire and Kent) tend to have a lower pass mark than regions with fewer grammar schools (for example, Greater London). 

For independent schools, this is more complicated. Most private schools rank students’ abilities and then offer places to a certain number of students, and therefore the pass rate will vary year to year depending on the strength of the cohort applying.

However, as a general rule students should be aiming to score over 75%, or over 85% if they are applying for more competitive grammar schools or independent school scholarships and bursaries.

How can I best prepare my child for the 11+ maths exam?

Once you know the exam board your child is sitting if applying for grammar school, then a good place to start is buying a few CGP and Bond books to help familiarise your child with the different question styles. There are two key advantages to using these books: firstly, they include mark schemes (which many online practice papers don’t), and secondly, they offer a variety of different exercises which can fit around your students’ schedule – for example, both sell a 10-minute tests booklet for fun, bite-sized revision.

Our online maths tuition is also a safe, successful and cost-effective way of preparing students for the 11+. Remote learning is becoming increasingly popular as parents appreciate the greater flexibility; there is no need to travel and pupils can have access to excellent, engaging tutors regardless of their location. Our tutors have extensive experience of preparing students for the 11+ exams and our variety of courses means that we have something suited for every age and ability. Our small group format also enables students to build up their confidence in a less intimidating environment, whilst also developing their social skills in a fun, friendly and supportive way.

If you have any further questions about how we can help you prepare for the 11+ exam, feel free to contact us and we would be more than happy to help.

What Is the 11 Plus Maths Exam?

The 11 Plus Maths Exam is a selective entrance assessment used by many grammar schools and independent schools as part of their admissions process. The exam is designed to assess a student’s mathematical understanding, problem-solving ability, and reasoning skills beyond the standard primary school curriculum.

While the exact format varies between schools and exam boards, most 11+ maths exams test a broad range of topics including number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, algebra, geometry, measurements, and data handling. Students are often required to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar problems, demonstrating logical thinking and the ability to work accurately under timed conditions.

Some schools use GL Assessment papers, which typically include multiple-choice questions, while others use bespoke exams with written answers and more challenging problem-solving tasks. Independent schools may also set their own maths papers, with question styles and difficulty levels varying significantly between institutions.

Success in the 11 Plus Maths Exam depends on more than simply knowing the syllabus. Students must develop strong exam technique, effective time management, and confidence when tackling multi-step questions. Regular practice with 11 Plus Maths Questions and 11 Plus Maths Papers can help students become familiar with the format and improve their overall performance.

11 Plus Maths Exam Questions

11 Plus Maths Exam Questions are designed to test much more than basic calculation skills. Students are expected to apply mathematical knowledge to a wide range of problems, often under significant time pressure. Questions typically assess accuracy, logical reasoning, and the ability to solve unfamiliar problems using multiple mathematical concepts.

The exact question types vary between schools and exam boards, but most 11+ maths exams include topics such as number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, algebra, geometry, measurements, and data handling. Many papers also feature word problems that require students to interpret information, select the correct method, and complete several steps before arriving at the final answer.

One of the biggest challenges for students is adapting to the style of questioning. While some questions are straightforward, others are deliberately designed to test problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning. This is why regular practice with a variety of 11 Plus Maths Questions is so important. Exposure to different question formats helps students recognise patterns, improve speed, and build confidence.

Parents can support preparation by ensuring their child has covered all key topics in the 11 Plus Maths Topics Checklist and by incorporating regular 11 Plus Maths Practice into their revision schedule. Completing full 11 Plus Maths Papers can also help students experience realistic exam conditions and identify areas that require further improvement before exam day.

11 Plus Maths Exam Format

The format of the 11 Plus Maths Exam varies depending on the school and exam board, but most assessments are designed to test a student’s mathematical knowledge, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills under timed conditions. Some schools use standardised papers produced by GL Assessment, while others create their own bespoke exams with unique question styles and difficulty levels.

GL Assessment maths papers commonly contain multiple-choice questions covering topics such as number operations, fractions, percentages, ratio, algebra, geometry, and data handling. Students must work quickly and accurately, as the time available is often limited. Independent schools may use written-answer papers that require students to show their working and explain their reasoning, particularly on more complex problem-solving questions.

Most 11+ maths exams last between 40 and 60 minutes, although timings can vary between schools. The number of questions also differs, with some papers containing around 40 questions and others featuring fewer but more challenging multi-step problems. As a result, students should become familiar with a variety of question types through regular practice with 11 Plus Maths Papers and 11 Plus Maths Questions.

Understanding the format of your target school’s exam is an important part of preparation. Parents should check whether the school uses GL Assessment papers or a bespoke entrance test, as this can influence revision priorities and the style of questions students are likely to encounter. Reviewing the 11 Plus Maths Topics Checklist can help ensure that all key areas of the syllabus have been covered before exam day.

11 Plus Maths Pass Marks

There is no single pass mark for the 11 Plus Maths Exam. The score required depends on the school, local authority, and admissions process. In many grammar school areas, raw marks are converted into standardised scores, which take account of a child’s age and overall performance relative to other candidates. Schools then use these scores to determine whether a student has met the required standard for entry.

For grammar schools, the qualifying score varies between regions. Some areas publish a minimum standardised score, while others rank students and allocate places based on performance, catchment rules, and the number of available places. This means that achieving the pass mark does not always guarantee a place at a particular school.

Independent schools often use a different approach. Rather than publishing a fixed pass mark, many schools assess applicants against the overall strength of the cohort and make offers to the highest-performing candidates. As a result, the score needed for admission can change from year to year.

As a general guide, students should aim for strong performance across all areas of the syllabus rather than targeting a specific percentage. Building confidence in the topics covered in the 11 Plus Maths Topics Checklist, completing regular 11 Plus Maths Practice, and working through full 11 Plus Maths Papers can significantly improve a student’s chances of achieving a competitive score.

Parents should remember that admissions decisions are rarely based on maths performance alone. Many schools combine maths results with English, Verbal Reasoning, or Non-Verbal Reasoning scores, meaning that balanced preparation across all tested subjects is often the best strategy.

How Is the 11 Plus Maths Exam Scored?

The way the 11 Plus Maths Exam is scored depends on the school, region, and exam provider. In many grammar school admissions processes, raw marks are converted into standardised scores. This adjustment takes into account factors such as a student’s age, ensuring that younger candidates are not disadvantaged when compared with older children in the same year group.

For schools using GL Assessment or other standardised testing systems, students are typically awarded a score based on their overall performance rather than simply receiving a percentage mark. Local authorities and individual schools then use these scores to determine whether a student has reached the required standard for entry. In highly competitive areas, achieving the pass mark may not guarantee a place, as offers are often influenced by factors such as ranking, catchment area, and the number of applicants.

Independent schools usually follow a different approach. Rather than publishing a fixed pass mark, many schools rank candidates according to their performance and make offers to the highest-scoring applicants. This means the score required for admission can vary from year to year depending on the strength of the cohort.

As a general guide, students should aim for a high level of accuracy across all major topics covered in the 11 Plus Maths Topics Checklist. Consistent practice with 11 Plus Maths Questions and full 11 Plus Maths Papers can help improve scores while building confidence and exam technique ahead of test day.

How to Prepare for the 11 Plus Maths Exam

Preparing for the 11 Plus Maths Exam requires a combination of strong subject knowledge, regular practice, and effective exam technique. Rather than focusing solely on difficult questions, students should first ensure they have a solid understanding of the core topics commonly tested in the exam, including fractions, percentages, ratio, algebra, geometry, measurements, and problem-solving. Our 11 Plus Maths Topics Checklist provides a useful overview of the areas students should master before exam day.

Once the fundamentals are secure, students should begin practising a wide range of exam-style questions. Working through 11 Plus Maths Questions helps children become familiar with common question formats while developing accuracy and confidence. Regular timed practice is particularly important, as many students find time pressure one of the most challenging aspects of the exam.

Completing full 11 Plus Maths Papers is another effective way to prepare. Practice papers help students build stamina, improve time management, and identify weaker areas that require additional revision. After each paper, it is important to review mistakes carefully and understand why errors occurred rather than simply moving on to the next test.

A structured revision plan can also make a significant difference. Using targeted 11 Plus Maths Practice sessions throughout Year 4 and Year 5 allows students to strengthen weaker topics gradually while building confidence ahead of the exam. Consistent preparation over time is usually far more effective than intensive last-minute revision.