Many children across the UK find the 11+ exam challenging, especially when it comes to the maths section. To support their child’s success, parents often search for a trusted 11 plus maths tutor online in the UK, hoping to build confidence and close knowledge gaps. But even with regular support, children commonly make mistakes that can affect their scores. Knowing what these mistakes are, and how to address them early, can make a real difference.
Below is a clear, parent-friendly guide to the most common maths mistakes in the 11+ exam, along with advice on how to help your child avoid them.
1. Skimming the Question Instead of Reading Carefully
A major cause of wrong answers in the 11+ maths paper is rushing through the question. Children often miss important words like "not" or overlook multi-step instructions. These small slips can lead to completely incorrect answers, even if the child understands the maths behind it.
Tip: Encourage your child to read each question twice. Suggest that they underline or circle key parts, especially numbers, units, and action words like "find", "calculate", or "estimate".
2. Not Being Confident with Core Number Facts
Quick recall of number bonds, times tables, and place value is essential in the 11+ exam. Without these, children take longer to solve problems and may make careless errors.
Tip: Make regular number practice a habit. Use apps, quizzes, or flashcards for short daily sessions. You could also bring maths into daily life by involving your child in measuring ingredients or handling money.
3. Avoiding Topics They Find Difficult
Many children prefer to spend time revising topics they already feel comfortable with, such as addition or basic multiplication. This often leads to weaker performance in more demanding areas like fractions, ratios, or algebra.
Tip: Use a revision checklist and tick off topics only after reviewing them. Try to keep revision balanced by mixing stronger and weaker topics during weekly practice.
4. Not Showing Working or Using Scratch Paper
In exams like the 11+, children might try to solve everything in their heads. This can lead to errors and leaves no trace of their thinking, which makes it harder to identify where they went wrong.
Tip: Teach your child to always write down working, even in rough. Encourage a clear method, step-by-step layout, and good use of space. This helps spot mistakes and improves marks.
5. Misunderstanding Word Problems
Word problems are often the trickiest part of 11+ maths. They test reasoning, reading comprehension, and maths skills all at once. Children sometimes jump to an answer without fully understanding what is being asked.
Tip: Help your child break down the problem. Ask: "What do you know?" and "What do you need to find out?" Encourage drawing simple models or diagrams to help visualise the situation.
6. Not Reviewing Mistakes
Repeating the same errors is common when children don’t spend time reviewing what went wrong. Some just skip past the corrections or try to memorise answers without learning the method.
Tip: After each practice session, take time to look through mistakes together. Ask your child to explain their thinking and identify where they went off track. This builds deeper understanding and helps prevent similar mistakes in future.
7. Leaving Questions Blank Too Easily
When faced with a difficult question, some children give up too quickly. They may skip it altogether or write nothing down, especially if the question looks unfamiliar.
Tip: Teach your child to try something, even if they’re unsure. Often, starting with a drawing or estimation leads to a useful method. Partial working may even gain marks, depending on the exam format.
8. Relying Too Much on Cramming
Some families rely on heavy revision right before the exam, hoping for a quick fix. This can add stress and lead to confusion, especially if a child is introduced to new topics too close to the exam date.
Tip: Steady and consistent practice is more effective. Just 20–30 minutes of focused maths revision, three or four times per week, helps your child retain knowledge and improve accuracy over time.
How Structured Weekly Practice Can Help
Structured revision helps children avoid common mistakes and build long-term confidence. Online support programmes have become popular with UK families because they offer flexible, curriculum-based learning at home.
SMASH Maths is one example used by parents and schools across the UK. It is built around a Spiral Learning method, which means children revisit all key topics each week. This style of revision helps fill gaps, strengthen understanding, and prepare pupils for SATs and 11+ exams in a calm, regular way.
Children who use SMASH Maths are exposed to different question types, including word problems, mental maths, and reasoning, helping them become familiar with the types of questions that often appear in the 11+ exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What age should my child begin preparing for 11+ maths?
Many families begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5. Starting early allows children to practise in smaller chunks, giving more time for understanding.
2. Can we manage 11+ revision at home without a tutor?
Yes. Many parents successfully support their children at home, especially with the help of online revision tools that follow the national curriculum.
3. What’s the best way to tackle harder maths topics?
Break them into small steps, use visual methods, and revisit them often. Don’t rush. Tools like SMASH Maths help by repeating topics weekly so children get used to the patterns and steps.
4. How do I know if my child is improving?
Look at their confidence, accuracy, and the types of mistakes they make. If they’re beginning to explain their methods clearly and need less help, it’s a good sign of progress.
5. Are online 11+ resources suitable for all abilities?
Yes. Quality resources adapt to the child’s level and focus on building skills over time. They’re helpful for both children who are struggling and those aiming for high scores.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the 11+ exam takes time, effort, and the right approach. Most children make similar mistakes in maths, from misreading questions to avoiding difficult topics. But these can be corrected with clear guidance, steady practice, and support at home.
You don’t need to rely on last-minute revision or expensive tutoring. With regular, structured learning and a calm approach, your child can improve their maths ability and feel ready for the exam.
SMASH Maths supports families across the UK with weekly online maths practice designed for pupils aged 5 to 13. Whether you’re helping your child revise for the 11+ or just looking to build steady maths skills, this flexible programme fits easily into busy routines and helps your child stay on track.
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