Comprehensive Review: 11+ Maths Practice Papers Book 1 (Age 9-11) by Eleven Plus Maths Academy

📖 Introduction: A Must-Have for 11+ Maths Preparation

Preparing for the 11+ exams can be a daunting experience for both children and parents. The pressure to perform well, coupled with the vast syllabus, makes structured practice essential. Enter 11+ Maths Practice Papers Book 1 (Age 9-11) by Eleven Plus Maths Academy—a meticulously designed resource that bridges the gap between learning and exam readiness.

Unlike traditional storybooks, this review focuses on the book’s structure, effectiveness, and value as a study aid. Whether you’re a parent seeking the best tools for your child or a tutor looking for reliable practice material, this review will break down why this book stands out in the competitive 11+ prep market.

📚 Overview: What’s Inside the Book?

This book is the first in a series of practice papers tailored for children aged 9-11 preparing for the 11+ Maths exam. It includes:

  • Four full-length practice papers mirroring the difficulty and format of real 11+ exams.
  • A mix of question types—multiple-choice, problem-solving, and word-based problems.
  • Detailed answer explanations to help students understand mistakes and learn correct methods.
  • Time management practice with realistic exam conditions.

The book is structured to gradually build confidence, making it ideal for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills.

🔍 Detailed Breakdown: Strengths & Features

✅ 1. Realistic Exam Simulation

One of the biggest challenges in 11+ prep is acclimating to the exam format and timing. This book excels by providing papers that closely resemble actual 11+ Maths tests. The questions are well-balanced, covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and logical reasoning.

✅ 2. Clear, Step-by-Step Solutions

Many practice books offer answers without explanations, leaving students confused. This book breaks down each solution methodically, ensuring learners grasp the underlying concepts rather than just memorizing answers.

✅ 3. Progressive Difficulty

The papers are strategically ordered—starting with slightly easier questions and gradually increasing in complexity. This helps students build confidence before tackling tougher problems.

✅ 4. Focus on Weak Areas

The variety of questions helps identify common weak points (e.g., fractions, percentages, or word problems). Parents and tutors can use this to target revision effectively.

📝 Writing Style & Educational Approach

Since this is a practice workbook, the writing is concise and instructional, avoiding unnecessary fluff. The language is child-friendly, ensuring clarity without oversimplifying concepts.

The layout is clean and distraction-free, with:

  • Ample space for working out problems
  • Bold headings for different sections
  • Clear diagrams where needed

This makes it easy for students to focus without feeling overwhelmed.

🎯 Thematic Exploration: What Makes This Book Stand Out?

While not a novel with deep themes, this book’s core philosophy is mastery through practice. It reinforces:

  • Confidence: Repeated exposure to exam-style questions reduces test anxiety.
  • Independent Learning: The answer key encourages self-assessment.
  • Time Efficiency: Helps students learn to manage exam time effectively.

💡 Personal Experience & Emotional Impact

As a parent who has used this book with my child, I’ve seen tangible improvements in both speed and accuracy. The structured approach reduces frustration—my child went from dreading maths problems to tackling them methodically.

The biggest emotional win? Seeing my child’s confidence grow after completing each paper. The sense of accomplishment after checking answers and understanding mistakes is invaluable.

🔁 Comparison to Other 11+ Maths Books

Compared to similar books (e.g., CGP or Bond 11+), this one stands out for:

✔ More detailed explanations than Bond’s answer keys.
✔ Better difficulty progression than some CGP papers, which can feel uneven.
✔ Cleaner layout than some older publications with cramped text.

However, it’s best used alongside a full curriculum (like Schofield & Sims or KS2 textbooks) rather than as a standalone resource.

👍 Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

✔ Strengths:

  • Authentic exam feel
  • Excellent answer explanations
  • Builds confidence gradually
  • Great value for money

✖ Minor Weaknesses:

  • Only four papers—supplementing with Book 2 is recommended.
  • No digital version (some parents prefer printable PDFs).

🎯 Target Audience: Who Should Buy This?

This book is perfect for:

  • Parents of 9-11-year-olds preparing for the 11+.
  • Tutors needing reliable practice material.
  • Students who want structured, exam-style practice.

It’s less suitable for complete beginners—children should have a basic grasp of KS2 maths before diving in.

🔗 Get the Book:

If you’re looking for a high-quality, exam-realistic 11+ Maths practice book, this is a fantastic choice.

🔗 Get 11+ Maths Practice Papers Book 1 on Amazon

💬 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This book fills a crucial gap in 11+ prep by offering focused, exam-style practice with clear explanations. While it’s not a teaching guide, it’s one of the best practice resources available.

Would I recommend it? Yes—especially for students needing to refine their exam technique. Pair it with a solid maths curriculum, and it’s a winning combo for 11+ success.

📢 Discussion Points for Readers:

  • Have you used this book? How did your child find it?
  • What other 11+ resources have you found helpful?
  • Do you prefer more practice papers or in-depth concept guides?

Let’s chat in the comments! 🚀

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.