11 plus Maths
GCSE-MATHS
11+ Maths Tuition
Year 4 & Year 5 Support
Avidator provides structured maths tuition for Year 4 and Year 5 students, focusing on foundational skills and exam-style practice tailored for 11+ preparation.
What is the 11+ Exam?
The 11 Plus (11+) exam is a selective entrance examination taken by children in Year 6 (aged 10–11) for admission into grammar schools in England.
- Typically held in September of Year 6
- Determines eligibility for Year 7 entry
- Designed to assess a child’s academic potential and suitability for selective education
We Offer
The Avidator 11+ Maths Tuition Programme is designed to support Year 4 and Year 5 students with focused and organised learning experiences to prepare for the 11+ Maths exam.
Curriculum Coverage
- Key areas: Number, Arithmetic, Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Graphs, Data, and more.
- Topics follow the structure commonly found in 11+ maths content.
Year-Based Learning Structure
- 11+ Maths Foundation (Year 4): Introduction to core concepts and gradual exposure to problem-solving techniques.
- 11+ Maths Preparation (Year 5): Deeper exploration of topics with exam-style questions and timed activities.
Lesson Format
- Each session includes a concept explanation followed by guided practice.
- Students engage with problem-solving tasks and reasoning challenges.
Practice
- Timed mock tests after each module to reflect exam-style question formats.
- Quizzes after each session to reinforce learning.
- Homework sheets provided after every lesson for continued practice.
Parental Involvement & Progress Tracking
- Live progress reports and updates available through the parent dashboard.
- Clear insights into student strengths and areas needing improvement.
- Tutor support is guided by ongoing progress data.
- Parents can stay informed and involved throughout the learning journey.
Where Is the 11+ Exam Used?
Not all regions of England have grammar schools. The 11+ exam is mainly relevant if you live in or near the following areas:
- Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire
- Birmingham, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire
- Parts of London (e.g. Bexley, Barnet, Sutton, Enfield)
- Slough, Reading, Medway, Trafford, Plymouth, Torbay
Check local authority and school websites to confirm whether the 11+ applies in your area.
Avidator’s 11+ Maths Tuition Course Duration and Structure
A 24-month structured programme for Year 4 and Year 5
8 live sessions per month focusing on topic mastery and exam techniques
Regular assessments and full-length practice papers to monitor progress
Personalised support tailored to build strong foundations and exam confidence
Progress Tracking Dashboard to monitor your learning and topics covered in real time.
11+ Exam Timeline (Key Dates)
Dates vary slightly by area, always confirm with your local authority or grammar school.
Note – National Offer Day in the UK is when parents are officially informed which school their child has been allocated for the upcoming academic year.
Exam Boards in 2025
The structure of the 11+ exam differs depending on location and school. There are currently two main types:
GL Assessment
(widely used across counties like Kent and Buckinghamshire)
School-Designed Tests
(used by select grammar and independent schools)
CEM
(The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) exams will no longer be used from 2025
The 11+ Application Process
- Research local grammar schools and their 11+ policies.
- Register online via the local authority or school’s admissions portal.
- Prepare using structured resources (see tips below).
- Attend the exam on the scheduled date.
- Receive results (typically in October).
- Submit school preferences before 31 October.
- Receive the offer on 1 March the following year.
When Should Students Start Preparing?
- Ideally, start in Year 4 or early Year 5
- Early preparation builds strong maths foundations.
- Allows time to develop problem-solving and exam techniques
- Helps reduce stress by avoiding last-minute cramming
Preparation Tips
- Start early, ideally in Year 4 or early Year 5
- Practice under timed conditions.
- Use mock tests to simulate real exam scenarios.
- Focus on speed and accuracy.
- Balance study with rest and recreation
- Track progress with a structured revision plan.
Subjects Covered in the 11+ Exam
- English : Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, spelling, and sometimes creative writing
- Mathematics : Arithmetic, problem-solving, number patterns, algebra, measurement, geometry, and statistics
- Verbal Reasoning : Logic-based word problems, sequences, analogies, and codes
- Non-Verbal Reasoning : Shape puzzles, spatial reasoning, image sequences, mirror and rotational symmetry
Some schools may test only English and Maths; others include all four components.
Who Is This Course For?
Students in Years 4 and 5 are preparing for the 11+ Maths exam.
Learners aiming to build strong foundations in maths concepts, problem-solving, and exam techniques.
Parents seeking a structured, curriculum-aligned maths tuition with personalised progress tracking
Help your child build confidence and skill in 11+ Maths with the right resources, focused tuition, and exam-ready guidance.
Enquire now or book a free trial session.
Ready to Get Started? ​
11+ Maths Tuition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the 11+ exam?
The 11+ is a selective entrance exam taken by children in Year 6 (ages 10–11) to gain admission to grammar schools and some independent schools in the UK.
Q2: Who takes the 11+ exam?
The 11+ is taken by pupils aiming for grammar schools in the UK.
Q3: Do all schools use the 11+?
No. Only selective grammar schools use the 11+ exam. Independent schools usually have their own entrance exams. Comprehensive schools do not require the 11+.
Q4: When is the 11+ exam taken?
Children typically take the 11+ at the beginning of Year 6, usually in September.
Q5: What subjects are covered in the 11+?
This depends on the school or region in which you are located. Typically, it includes:
- English
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Some schools may test just English and Maths.
Q6: What are GL and CEM exams?
- GL Assessment is currently the main provider of 11+ exams. It tests subjects individually (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning), and is used by many grammar schools across England.
- CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring) was previously used by several schools and focused on mixed-format papers, emphasising vocabulary, comprehension, and reasoning. However, CEM discontinued its 11+ assessments from 2023.
Note: Some schools may still refer to the “CEM-style” format in practice materials or mock tests, but actual CEM exams are no longer administered.
Q7: Is the exam the same across all regions?
No. The exam board, content, format, and scoring can vary significantly between countries and schools.
Q8: How long is the 11+ exam?
Papers usually last between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the subject and board.
Q9: When should we start preparing for the 11+?
Most families begin in Year 4 or early Year 5 to build confidence and thoroughly cover all content.
Q10: How can we prepare for the 11+?
- Use practice papers and workbooks regularly.
- Develop exam techniques like time management.
- Structured programmes, such as Avidator Maths for Year 4 and Year 5, can provide guidance and practice.
Q11: How do we register for the 11+?
Registration is done through your local authority or the school’s admissions website, usually between April and June of Year 5.
Q12: Do we need to apply separately to each school?
In many areas, yes. You may need to:
- Register for the 11+ exam with each school, local authority, or exam consortium — usually between April and July of Year 5.
- Then, in October of Year 6, submit the Secondary School Application Form (CAF), listing your preferred schools in order.
Registering for the 11+ exam is separate from applying for a school place. Both steps are required.
Examples of areas requiring separate 11+ exam registration include:
- Sutton (London) – Sutton Grammar School Consortium
- Birmingham – Grammar Schools of Birmingham
- Kent – Kent County Council
- Buckinghamshire (Bucks) – The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS)
- Essex – CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex)
- Redbridge, South West Herts, Slough Consortium
- Lincolnshire, Torbay (Devon), Plymouth, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Medway, Trafford, Wirral, and other regions with grammar schools.
 Check the registration deadlines on your local authority or school website, as they can vary by region.
Q13: How is the 11+ scored?
 Each section is marked separately and then standardised to account for the child’s age. Schools set their cut-off scores for selection.
Q14: What is a standardised score?
 It adjusts your child’s raw marks based on their exact age at the time of the exam to ensure fairness.
Q15: When are results released?
Typically, this occurs in mid-to-late October, before the secondary school application deadline.
Q16: How are places offered?
Places are offered based on a combination of factors, including:
- 11+ exam scores
- School admission criteria (such as distance from school, siblings already attending, etc.)
- Local authority coordination and allocation processes
Q17: What if we move to a new area?
 You’ll need to check the admissions policy of the new area. You may need to re-register or apply late if still eligible.
Q18: What happens if my child is ill on the day of the 11+ exam?
If your child is ill on the exam day, you should contact the school or exam centre immediately. Usually, there are no formal resits for the 11+, but some areas may offer an alternative date in exceptional cases. Check your local authority’s policy for details.
Q19: Can my child use a calculator or any aids during the 11+?
No. Calculators, dictionaries, or other aids are not allowed during the 11+ exam. The test is designed to assess your child’s mental arithmetic, reasoning, and problem-solving skills without assistance.
Q20: Is my child right for the 11+?
 Your child may be suited if they:
✔ Excel in English and Maths
✔ Have strong reasoning and problem-solving skills
✔ Enjoy academic challenges
✔ Work independently and manage time well
Q21: Are there interviews or further tests?
- Grammar schools: Rarely
- Independent schools: Often include interviews, group tasks, or second-stage exams
Q22: Can my child retake the 11+?
No. The 11+ is usually a one-time exam per academic year. Retakes are not permitted unless applying in a new area the following year.
Q23: What if my child doesn’t pass the 11+?
There are many excellent non-selective schools. The 11+ is not the only route to success, many children thrive without it.
Q24: Is the 11+ exam required for admission to independent (private) schools?
No, the 11+ exam is not always required for independent schools. Many independent schools have their own entrance exams that may be similar to or more advanced than the 11+.
Q25: What is the difference between grammar schools and independent schools?
Q26: What entrance requirements do independent schools usually have?
Most independent schools require:
- A school-specific entrance exam (English, Maths, Reasoning)
- An interview or informal meeting
- A school report or reference from the current school
Q27: Do independent schools use standardised tests like the 11+ or GL Assessment?
Some do. Independent schools may use:
- The ISEB Common Pre-Test (mainly for 13+ entry)
- A version of the GL Assessment
- Their own bespoke written exams
Q28: Can preparing for the 11+ help with independent school entrance exams?
Yes. While independent schools often have their own tests, the skills tested (English, Maths, reasoning) overlap significantly with the 11+. Preparing for the 11+ can be good practice.
