Y1
Counting to 100 · Addition & subtraction within 20 ·
Introduction to multiplication · Halves and quarters ·
Simple measurements · 2D and 3D shapes
Parents Guide
Your Complete Guide to
Primary School Maths
Understanding the UK national curriculum, SATs preparation, 11+ readiness, and how structured online tuition supports your child from Years 1 to 6.
National Curriculum
What Your Child Covers Each Year
The UK national curriculum sets out specific objectives for each year group. Here is a summary of the core maths topics by year.
Y2
Place value to 100 · Addition & subtraction to 100 ·
2, 5, and 10 times tables · Unit fractions ·
Measurements including money · Telling the time
Y3
Place value to 1,000 · 3, 4, and 8 times tables ·
Column addition & subtraction · Fractions of shapes and quantities ·
Perimeter · Roman numerals to 100
Y4
All times tables to 12×12 · Multiplication & division of large numbers ·
Equivalent fractions · Decimal notation ·
Coordinates · Introduction to statistics
Y5
Place value to 1,000,000 · Long multiplication & division ·
Fractions, decimals, and percentages · Area and volume ·
Angles · Negative numbers
Y6
Algebra · Ratio and proportion · Fractions of amounts ·
Order of operations (BODMAS) · Geometry · Statistics and mean ·
SATs arithmetic and reasoning
Year 6 SATs
How SATs Maths Works
The KS2 SATs maths tests are taken in Year 6, usually in May. There are three papers, and together they test both calculation fluency and mathematical reasoning.
Delivered by qualified, DBS-checked tutors. All SATs preparation on our platform follows the Department for Education (England) national curriculum standards and is structured by teachers with specialist Key Stage 2 assessment experience.
Paper 1 — Arithmetic
30 minutes, 40 marks. Tests calculation fluency: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages. No calculator.
Papers 2 & 3 — Reasoning
40 minutes each. Tests applying maths to real-world problems, including multi-step questions, shape, measurement, and data. Require explanation, not just answers.
When to Start Preparing
Year 5 is the ideal time to begin structured SATs preparation. Leaving it all to Year 6 puts children under unnecessary pressure.
What Matters Most
Strong arithmetic fluency, reliable times table recall, and the ability to show working clearly. Consistent daily practice makes more difference than intensive cramming.
📋 SATs Readiness — Year 6
👧
Amelia · Year 6
Arithmetic91%
Fractions78%
Reasoning62%
🎯 Tutor has assigned extra Reasoning practice
Grammar & Independent Schools
11+ Maths Preparation
Specialist preparation by DBS-checked tutors. Our 11+ maths preparation follows the Department for Education (England) national curriculum as its foundation, with additional problem-solving and reasoning content delivered by tutors with experience in grammar and independent school entrance requirements.
The 11+ tests mathematical reasoning and problem-solving beyond the standard curriculum. A strong maths foundation from Years 4–5 is the most effective preparation.
Arithmetic Accuracy
Fast, reliable calculation is the foundation. Children who are fluent in arithmetic spend more time thinking about reasoning problems rather than struggling with arithmetic.
Problem-Solving
11+ questions often involve multi-step problems and unfamiliar formats. Regular exposure to varied question types builds the flexibility needed to tackle these confidently.
Speed Under Pressure
11+ papers are timed and competitive. Consistent daily practice builds the pace and confidence children need to perform under exam conditions.
When to Start
We recommend beginning structured 11+ preparation by Year 4 at the latest. Starting early allows a calm, thorough approach rather than rushed last-minute practice.
Supporting at Home
How to Help Without Being an Expert
You do not need to be a maths teacher to support your child effectively. What matters most is consistency, encouragement, and knowing where they need help.
- ✅ Create a calm, regular time for maths practice each day
- ✅ Use the parent portal to see exactly which topics need attention
- ✅ Encourage effort rather than just correct answers
- ✅ Keep sessions short — 10–15 minutes daily beats 1 hour weekly
- ✅ Ask the tutor for guidance if you see the same topic appearing repeatedly
- ✅ Celebrate improvement, not just test scores
📊 Weekly Overview
Year 4 · This Week
Times Tables
95%
Fractions
67%
Word Problems
52%
⚠️ Word Problems — focus area this week
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What maths does my child need to know by the end of primary school?
By the end of Year 6, children should be confident with the four operations with large numbers and decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio, basic algebra, measurements, geometry, and statistics. The national curriculum specifies exact objectives for each year group from Year 1 to Year 6.
How do I know if my child is behind in maths for their year group?
If your child regularly finds homework difficult, scores below 70% in assessments, or is uncertain about core concepts from the previous year, they may benefit from targeted support. Our platform identifies gaps by topic so you can see exactly where extra practice is needed — not just a single overall score.
What is covered in the Year 6 SATs maths exam?
The KS2 SATs maths tests consist of: an arithmetic paper (30 minutes, 40 marks — testing calculation fluency) and two reasoning papers (40 minutes each — testing the ability to apply maths to real-world problems). Papers cover the entire primary maths curriculum.
How should I help my child prepare for SATs maths?
The most effective SATs preparation combines: consistent daily practice throughout Year 5 and 6, structured work on all arithmetic operations, timed test practice, and targeted revision of weak topics. Starting in Year 5 makes a significant difference — leaving everything to Year 6 creates unnecessary pressure.
What is the 11+ exam and how is it different from SATs?
The 11+ is a selective secondary school entrance exam. The maths element focuses on problem-solving and reasoning beyond standard curriculum content. Strong SATs preparation provides a solid foundation, but 11+ preparation should also include specific reasoning practice. We recommend starting by Year 4 at the latest.
How much time should my primary school child spend on maths each week?
Short daily sessions of 10–20 minutes are far more effective than one long weekly session. This builds consistent habits, allows errors to be corrected quickly, and keeps maths feeling manageable rather than overwhelming.
My child gets anxious about maths — what can I do?
Maths anxiety is common and manageable. Make practice low-stakes and routine, celebrate small improvements, use a consistent structure, and address specific gaps rather than repeating failed approaches. Children who know exactly which topics they need to work on tend to feel less anxious than those who feel generally "bad at maths".
Is online maths tuition as effective as face-to-face for primary children?
For building consistent habits and providing immediate feedback — the two most important factors in maths progress — online platforms have real advantages. Feedback is instant (stopping incorrect methods being reinforced), parents have full visibility, and sessions can happen daily without the cost of daily in-person tuition.
What should I look for when choosing a maths tutor?
Look for: alignment with the UK national curriculum, structured progression through topics, regular transparent feedback to parents, experience with children of the same age, and the ability to target specific weak areas. A parent dashboard that shows you progress independently is a strong signal of accountability.
How quickly can online maths tuition improve my child's results?
Most children see measurable improvement in accuracy within 4–6 weeks of consistent daily practice. Speed of progress depends on regularity of practice, quality of feedback, targeting of weak areas, and parental involvement. Children who complete homework daily and have engaged parents consistently show the strongest results.