The 11+ maths exam is a significant assessment that evaluates your child’s mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills. Given the challenging nature of these tests, it’s common for students to encounter unfamiliar questions. To help you support your child’s preparation for the 11+ maths exam, here’s a breakdown of the key topics they should master.
1. Number and Place Value
read, write, order, compare and round numbers up to 1,000,000
count backwards and forwards with positive and negative numbers (including through zero)
count backwards and forwards in steps of 10 for any number up to 1,000,000
interpret negative numbers in context
read Roman numerals up to 1,000 (M) and recognise years written in Roman numerals
2. Addition and Subtraction
add and subtract numbers mentally, using increasingly larger numbers
use formal written methods (columnar addition and subtraction to add and subtract whole numbers of more than 4 digits
use rounding to check their answers and work out levels of accuracy when solving problems
decide whether to use addition or subtraction when solving multi-step problems
3. Multiplication and Division
identify multiples, all the factor pairs of a number, and the common factors of two numbers
understand and use the vocabulary of prime numbers, prime factors and composite numbers
work out whether a number up to 100 is prime
recall prime numbers up to 19
use long multiplication when multiplying numbers up to 4 digits by a 2-digit number
use short division when dividing numbers up to 4 digits by a 1-digit number
solve multiplication and division problems using knowledge of factors, multiples, squares and cubes
multiply and divide numbers mentally
multiply and divide whole numbers, and numbers involving decimals, by 10, 100 and 1,000
recognise and use square numbers and cube numbers
solve problems using multiplication and division, including scaling by simple fractions, and problems involving simple rates
4. Fractions (Including Decimals and Percentages)
compare and order fractions whose denominators are multiples of the same number
multiply proper fractions and mixed numbers by whole numbers
identify, name and write equivalent fractions
add and subtract fractions with the same denominator(s)
read and write decimals as fractions
compare numbers with up to 3 decimal places, and round numbers with 2 decimal places, to the nearest whole number
recognise mixed numbers and improper fractions and convert from one form to the other
recognise the percent symbol (%) and write percentages as a fraction with the denominator 100, and as a decimal
5. Measurement
convert between different units of metric measure (such as centimetres and metres, or litres and millilitres)
use approximate equivalences between metric and imperial units
measure and calculate the perimeter of rectilinear shapes using metres and centimetres
calculate and compare the areas of rectangles
estimate the area of irregular shapes
estimate volume
use standard units, square centimetres and square metres
6. Geometry – Properties of Shape
identify 3D shapes from 2D representations
learn how to compare and estimate acute, obtuse and reflex angles
draw angles and measure them in degrees
understand rectangle properties to deduce facts and find missing lengths and angles
distinguish between regular and irregular polygons
7. Geometry – Position and Direction
reflect shapes and lines
identify, represent and describe the position of shapes following a reflection or translation
8. Statistics
complete, read and interpret statistical information in tables (including timetables)
use line graphs to solve comparison, sum and difference problems
With Quest for Exams, your child can practise for the 11+ maths exam consistently with various question types to help improve their skills. Additionally, we offer past paper bundles that will help your child familiarise themselves with the format of the exam. Quest for Exams even allows parents and children to track their progress and identify topics where they feel less confident, and focus their time on to reinforce skills.
The 11+ maths exam covers a broad range of topics that require a solid understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques. By focusing on these key areas and providing your child with the necessary resources and practice from Quest for Exams, such as our past paper bundles divided by topic and our mock exams, you can help them approach the exam with confidence and readiness.