Your guide to the 11+
Understanding the problem, choosing a method
11+ maths combines accurate calculation with reasoning. Children need to understand what a question is asking, choose an appropriate method and check that their answer makes sense.
What does 11+ maths involve?
Many topics will be familiar from primary school, but a question may present them in an unfamiliar way or combine several steps. Knowing a calculation method matters; recognising when to use it matters just as much.
Why is maths tested?
Maths questions help schools assess number knowledge, accuracy and the ability to apply ideas to a problem. A child might interpret a timetable, compare quantities or work backwards from an answer. The aim is to see both what they know and how they use it.
What are the main skills?
Number and calculation
Understanding place value and using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division accurately. This includes estimating, recalling number facts and selecting an efficient mental or written method.
Fractions, decimals and percentages
Understanding parts of a whole, comparing amounts and finding equivalent values. Children may need to find a fraction of a quantity or recognise how different forms represent the same amount.
Shape, space and measure
Using properties of shapes, angles and coordinates, and working with length, mass, capacity, money and time. It is important to distinguish measurements such as perimeter and area and to include the correct units.
Data and problem-solving
Reading tables, graphs and scales, identifying useful information and linking steps together. Reasoning means being able to explain why a method works and check whether a result is reasonable.
How should a child approach a question?
- Understand: identify what you need to find and which information matters.
- Plan: decide the calculation or draw a simple diagram. Do not rely on one keyword alone.
- Work: show clear steps and keep units consistent.
- Check: estimate, reverse a calculation or reread the question.
Try some 11+ style questions
These original multiple-choice questions practise calculation, fractions, measurement and multi-step reasoning in an 11+ style. Choose one answer for each question. Try without a calculator, then open the explanation to check your method. Actual papers vary by school and provider.
Try it · 1
Choose the steps
Three notebooks cost £2.75 each. A pencil costs £1.60. You buy all four items and pay with £10. How much change do you receive?
Give me a hint
Find the total cost of the three notebooks, add the pencil, then subtract that total from £10.
Show answer and explanation
A · 15p. 3 × £2.75 = £8.25. £8.25 + £1.60 = £9.85. £10 − £9.85 = £0.15. Check: £9.85 + £0.15 = £10.
Try it · 2
Find a fraction of an amount
A box contains 96 counters. Three eighths of them are blue. How many counters are not blue?
Give me a hint
Find three eighths of 96 to work out how many are blue. Then subtract that number from 96.
Show answer and explanation
D · 60. 96 ÷ 8 = 12, so three eighths is 3 × 12 = 36 blue counters. Subtract these from the total: 96 − 36 = 60 counters that are not blue.
Try it · 3
Distinguish perimeter from area
A rectangular garden is 12 m long and 7 m wide. What is its perimeter?
Give me a hint
Perimeter is the distance around the outside. Include all four sides.
Show answer and explanation
B · 38 m. 12 + 7 + 12 + 7 = 38 m. Multiplying 12 × 7 would find the area, 84 m², which is a different measurement.
Try it · 4
Work backwards
A stall sells one third of its cakes in the morning, then one quarter of the remaining cakes in the afternoon. There are 30 cakes left. How many cakes were there at the start?
Give me a hint
After the afternoon sale, three quarters of the lunchtime amount remain. Work backwards from 30 before undoing the morning sale.
Show answer and explanation
C · 60 cakes. 30 is three quarters of the lunchtime amount, so one quarter is 10 and the lunchtime amount is 40. That 40 is two thirds of the original amount: one third is 20, so the start was 60. Check: sell 20 in the morning, leaving 40; sell 10 in the afternoon, leaving 30.
How can parents help?
Ask your child to explain what they are finding before they calculate. Practise number facts and written methods, but also discuss everyday problems involving shopping, cooking or journeys. When an answer is wrong, check whether the difficulty was understanding, choosing a method or carrying out the calculation.
Build accuracy first, then introduce short timed practice. Follow the rules of the target test about calculators and working out.
Is the content the same everywhere?
No. Topics, difficulty, timing and answer formats vary. Check your target school’s current admissions guidance and recommended familiarisation materials.
GL Assessment’s official 11+ information explains that local test formats can differ. These examples are independently written by Advantage Tutoring.
Explore maths in more detail
Find out about the different question types, the skills they use and how to approach them, with short worked examples.
A clearer next step for your child
Our 11+ tuition gives children time to explore unfamiliar questions and explain their thinking. Mock exams provide an opportunity to practise working through a paper in an exam setting.
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