11+ Maths Topics: The Complete Checklist

Knowing exactly what to revise makes a huge difference in 11+ preparation. This checklist covers every maths topic that appears in 11+ papers — with priority ratings so you can focus where it matters most.

How to Use This Checklist

Work through each topic section and honestly rate your child's confidence: Secure, Developing, or Needs Work. Prioritise any "Needs Work" areas in your revision timetable, and revisit "Developing" topics before the exam.

⭐⭐⭐ High-Priority Topics (appear in almost every paper)

1. Number and Arithmetic

• Place value (up to millions)
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers
• Multiplication tables to 12×12 — must be instant recall
• Order of operations (BODMAS/BIDMAS)
• Rounding to nearest 10, 100, 1,000 and to decimal places
• Negative numbers — ordering and arithmetic

2. Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

• Simplifying fractions and finding equivalent fractions
• Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions
• Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages
• Finding a percentage of an amount; percentage increase/decrease
• Fraction of a quantity

3. Word Problems and Problem Solving

• Multi-step problems combining multiple operations
• Money and financial contexts
• Time problems (intervals, 12- and 24-hour clock)
• Speed, distance and time (for selective school papers)

⭐⭐ Medium-Priority Topics (appear regularly)

4. Ratio and Proportion

• Simplifying and comparing ratios
• Dividing amounts in a given ratio
• Direct proportion and scaling recipes/maps

5. Algebra and Sequences

• Continuing number sequences and finding the rule
• Simple algebraic expressions and substitution
• Solving one-step and two-step equations
• Function machines (input/output)

6. Geometry — Shapes and Measures

• Properties of 2D shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons)
• Area and perimeter of rectangles, triangles, compound shapes
• Volume of cuboids
• Angles in triangles, on a straight line, around a point
• Symmetry — lines and rotational
• Coordinates in all four quadrants

⭐ Lower-Priority Topics (appear in some papers)

7. Data Handling and Statistics

• Mean, median, mode and range
• Reading and interpreting bar charts, line graphs, pie charts and tables
• Tally charts and frequency tables
• Pictograms

8. Probability

• Basic probability (certain/likely/unlikely/impossible)
• Simple probability fractions (e.g. probability of rolling a 3)

Speed and Accuracy: The Hidden Factor

Many children know how to do the maths but lose marks because they run out of time. GL papers allow roughly one minute per question; CEM papers are even faster-paced. Time your child on practice sets and work on reducing hesitation on times tables, fraction conversions and mental arithmetic.

Our 11+ Maths specialists work through the complete topic checklist for each target school, identifying gaps early and focusing practice where it matters most before the exam. Our students have achieved a 95%+ offer rate across selective school entry, and we're rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot. Book a free consultation to get started.

How Leading Tuition Can Help

Our Oxford-educated tutors diagnose exactly which topics your child needs to strengthen and build a targeted revision plan. We use timed drills, past papers and one-to-one feedback to build both knowledge and exam confidence. Children who work with us typically improve by 15–25% over a preparation programme.

For more information, see the GL Assessment 11+ resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What maths topics are in the 11+ exam?

The 11+ covers number (arithmetic, fractions, percentages, ratio), algebra (sequences, equations), geometry (area, perimeter, angles, 2D/3D shapes), data handling (mean, median, mode, graphs), and problem-solving. Some schools also include basic probability.

Q: How many maths questions are in the 11+?

This varies by exam board. GL Assessment papers typically contain 50 questions in 50 minutes. CEM papers integrate maths with data skills and often have 40–50 questions across sections. School-specific papers vary widely.

Q: What maths level is needed for the 11+?

Broadly Year 6 curriculum level, but top-scoring children typically master Year 7 content such as algebra, negative numbers, and more advanced ratio work. Speed and accuracy under time pressure are equally important.

Q: How do I know which topics to prioritise?

Focus first on topics that appear most frequently: number operations, fractions/decimals/percentages, and word problems. Then layer in geometry and data handling. Use past papers to identify your child's specific weak areas and drill those.