A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

What Is the Syllabus for the 11+ Maths Exam?

Explore the mathematical skills your child may need, from number and calculations to shape, measurement and problem-solving.

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Check the requirements for your child's assessment

There is no single maths syllabus that applies to every 11+ examination. The topics, question formats and level of difficulty depend on the school and assessment provider.

Use the areas below to organise preparation, then compare them with the current specification and official familiarisation materials for your child's test.

Not every assessment includes every topic. Check the required depth of work on areas such as algebra, ratio, surface area, averages and probability before choosing additional practice.

Maths topics to explore

1. Number and Place Value

Understand how numbers are represented, compared and organised.

  • Reading, writing and ordering whole numbers.
  • Place value, including decimal places.
  • Rounding and estimating.
  • Prime numbers, factors and multiples.
  • Square numbers and cube numbers where required.

2. Arithmetic Operations

Build accuracy and confidence with the four operations.

  • Mental and written addition and subtraction.
  • Multiplication and division methods.
  • Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1,000.
  • Choosing the correct operation for a problem.
  • Using estimates and inverse operations to check answers.

3. Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

Recognise different ways of expressing parts of a whole.

  • Equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions.
  • Comparing fractions and decimals.
  • Calculating with fractions at the required level.
  • Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • Finding fractions and percentages of amounts.

4. Ratio and Proportion

Where included, explore relationships between quantities.

  • Understanding and interpreting ratio notation.
  • Comparing quantities.
  • Sharing an amount in a given ratio.
  • Scaling quantities in practical problems.

5. Patterns and Introductory Algebra

Identify rules and work out unknown values, using formal notation where the assessment requires it.

  • Recognising and continuing number sequences.
  • Solving missing-number problems.
  • Understanding simple expressions and formulae.
  • Solving simple equations where required.

6. Geometry

Develop an understanding of shapes, angles and position.

  • Properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.
  • Recognising, measuring and calculating angles.
  • Lines of symmetry and reflections.
  • Coordinates and position where included.
  • Interpreting diagrams carefully.

7. Measurement

Apply calculations to quantities and everyday situations.

  • Units of length, mass and capacity.
  • Converting between relevant units.
  • Time, timetables and elapsed time.
  • Money and practical calculations.
  • Reading temperature scales.
  • Perimeter, area and volume at the required level.
  • Surface area only where specified.

8. Data, Statistics and Probability

Read information accurately and use it to answer questions.

  • Interpreting tables, charts and graphs.
  • Reading scales, labels and keys.
  • Comparing values and identifying patterns.
  • Calculating averages where required.
  • Understanding chance and simple probability where included.

9. Word Problems and Logical Reasoning

Problem-solving connects the topics above. Your child may need to interpret a situation, choose suitable calculations and combine several steps to reach an answer.

  • Identify what the question is asking.
  • Pick out the relevant numbers and units.
  • Break a longer problem into manageable steps.
  • Use a diagram, table or written working where helpful.
  • Check whether the final answer is reasonable.

Turn the topic list into a preparation plan

Start with the topics included in your child's assessment. Use a few suitable questions to identify confident areas and those that need further explanation.

  1. Understand the method. Work through an example together and discuss each step.
  2. Practise independently. Give your child time to apply the method without rushing.
  3. Review the answers. Identify whether mistakes came from the calculation, the instructions or the choice of method.
  4. Build towards mixed practice. Combine familiar topics and introduce timed work when your child is ready.

Preparing for the SEAG Entrance Assessment

If your child is preparing for the Northern Ireland SEAG Entrance Assessment, use the current SEAG specification to decide which mathematical topics and skills to practise. Do not assume that every topic in a general 11+ guide is part of that assessment.

Review the official format and sample materials alongside your chosen practice resources. You can find further information in the SEAG assessment guide.

Explore our online 11+ maths practice

Try free samples and see whether the question types suit your child's preparation.

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This page provides general preparation guidance rather than an official examination syllabus. Always check the current requirements published by your chosen school, admissions authority or assessment provider. Preparation cannot guarantee an examination result or a school place.