Are you trying to find all the 11 plus maths topics for your child’s revision? Here at Think Academy, we have prepared this full KS2 Maths topics checklist for 11+ and 13+ exam preparation. Learn which areas are covered in school and which are not taught in the National Curriculum — but are essential for 11+ success.
Also, Think Academy offers FREE 11+/13+ Maths Assessment, after your child completes the assessment, we will contact you to provide personalised feedback and tailored maths resources, completely free of charge.
Why This 11 Plus Maths Topics Checklist Matters
Did you know that over 50% of 11+ Maths topics are not taught at school?
Most UK primary schools follow the National Curriculum (Key Stage 2), which focuses on arithmetic fluency and foundational understanding. However, 11+ and 13+ entrance exams used by selective and independent schools test far beyond that.
At Think Academy, we specialise in bridging this gap.
Our 11+ Maths Curriculum adds crucial topics in logical reasoning, algebraic thinking, geometry, and non-routine problem solving that typical schools don’t cover — ensuring students are truly exam-ready.
KS2 Maths: 11+ / 13+ Maths Knowledge Checklist
Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of maths topics split into two parts:
- Part 1 — 11+ Maths Topics Taught at School (KS2 National Curriculum)
- Part 2 — 11+ Maths Topics Not Taught at School (Think Academy Extension Topics)
Use it to track progress and identify any learning gaps.
11 Plus Maths Topics That Are Taught at School (National Curriculum KS2)
These topics are covered in Years 3–6 at UK primary schools. They form the foundation of 11+/13+ maths knowledge.
Number & Place Value
- Reading and writing numbers up to 10 million
- Comparing, ordering, and rounding numbers
- Negative numbers in context
- Roman numerals (to 1000)
- Counting in multiples (2–12, 25, 50, 100, 1000)
Four Operations
- Addition and subtraction (mental and written)
- Multiplication and division methods (short/long)
- Factors, multiples, and prime numbers
- Inverse operations and estimation
Fractions, Decimals & Percentages (FDP)
- Equivalent and simplified fractions
- Adding/subtracting fractions with same denominator
- Fractions of amounts and mixed numbers
- Basic decimals and percentages (10%, 25%, 50%)
- Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages
Measurement
- Metric units (mm–km, g–kg, ml–l)
- Perimeter and area of rectangles and squares
- Volume of cubes and cuboids
- Time (12 / 24 hr clock, duration problems)
- Money calculations and change
Geometry
- 2D and 3D shapes — names and properties
- Lines of symmetry and rotations
- Angles in triangles and quadrilaterals
- Coordinates in first quadrant
Statistics
- Bar charts, line graphs and pictograms
- Reading and interpreting data tables
- Mean, median, mode and range (basic level)
Algebra (Basic KS2 Introduction)
- Using letters to represent numbers
- Simple one-step equations
- Finding patterns and missing numbers
Problem Solving & Reasoning
- Multi-step word problems
- Logical reasoning and pattern spotting
- Checking answers using inverse operations
11 Plus Maths Topics That Are NOT Taught at School (But Taught in the Think Academy 11+ Curriculum)
These advanced topics make up around half of the 11+ and 13+ exam content. They involve reasoning, multi-step logic, and mathematical thinking beyond KS2.
Advanced Number & Operations
- BIDMAS/BODMAS with integers and decimals
- Calculation of large numbers and estimation techniques
- Arithmetic progressions and number series
- Graphical solutions to progressions
- Deficit and excess methods
Number Theory & Divisibility
- Divisibility rules (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 25)
- Prime factorisation and HCF/LCM
- Odd and even properties and remainders
- Digital roots and casting out nines
Geometry & Spatial Reasoning
- Complex angle chasing and polygon theorems
- Area of triangles, parallelograms and trapezia
- Surface area and nets of 3D shapes
- Transformations in all four quadrants
- Coordinate geometry and vector reasoning
Counting & Combinatorics
- Venn and Carroll diagrams
- Tree diagrams and systematic listing
- Logical enumeration (“How many ways?”)
- Probability (beyond KS2 level)
- Shortest route and path-counting problems
Algebra (Advanced)
- Substitution with positive and negative numbers
- Simplifying expressions and multi-step equations
- Simultaneous equations and unknowns
- Algebra in word problems (age, ratio, money)
- Nth term and sequence formulae
Challenging Word Problems
- Money and optimisation problems
- Time difference and clock problems
- Train and speed–distance–time problems
- Ratio and proportion applications
- Same–difference, remainder and age problems
- Cycle, interval and pattern logic problems
- Best buy and percentage change questions
Miscellaneous & Logical Reasoning
- Patterns and sequences (nth term)
- Magic square and number puzzles
- Non-verbal reasoning with shapes and grids
- Strategic reasoning and bridge puzzles
Try our Free Maths Assessment that covers these real 11 plus question from 11+ past papers
How to Use This 11+ Maths Topics Checklist
- Audit Knowledge: Tick off topics your child has mastered.
- Identify Gaps: Highlight “Not Taught at School” areas — these often appear in 11+ exams.
- Plan a Study Path: Master KS2 basics first, then add Think Academy extension topics.
- Practise Regularly: Use 11+/13+ mock papers (GL, CEM, ISEB) and timed quizzes.
- Seek Expert Support: Think Academy UK offers specialised courses that systematically cover every topic — with exam-style questions and expert teachers.
Why Parents Choose Think Academy for Their Children’s 11+ Exam Preparation
- Structured 11+ and 13+ Maths curriculum designed by top educators
- Covers all “missing” topics from school curriculum
- Builds speed, accuracy and reasoning skills
- Proven track record for independent school admissions
KS2 Maths: 11+ / 13+ Maths Knowledge Checklist
11 Plus Maths Topics That Are Taught at School (National Curriculum KS2)
11 Plus Maths Topics That Are NOT Taught at School (But Taught in the Think Academy 11+ Curriculum)
How to Use This 11+ Maths Topics Checklist
Why Parents Choose Think Academy for Their Children’s 11+ Exam Preparation 
