7 Plus Mental Arithmetic

Why Mental Arithmetic Matters for the 7 Plus

The 7 Plus maths exam is designed to test how well children can work with numbers in their heads. Questions often involve quick-fire calculations, number bonds, and times tables, as well as problem-solving and reasoning tasks.

For children who are comfortable with mental arithmetic, these questions become second nature. They can spend more time thinking about how to approach the problem rather than getting stuck on basic calculations. This helps enormously with more complex word problems, multi-step reasoning questions, and even other areas of the exam, such as non-verbal reasoning, which often involves number patterns. Many children find maths daunting, but with the right techniques and plenty of practice, they can learn to approach calculations quickly and confidently—without relying on fingers or written methods.

Mastering the Year 3 Curriculum by the 7 Plus Exam

One of the biggest surprises for parents preparing their child for the 7 Plus exam is that although children sit the test in Year 2, the level of maths expected is much closer to the Year 3 curriculum. This means that by Christmas of Year 2, your child will need to be working at least a year ahead of their peers in a standard school setting.

This advanced level can be particularly challenging for children in state schools, where the curriculum follows a slower pace. To compete effectively, children must be familiar with a wide range of maths topics beyond what is typically covered in Year 2.

Key Mental Arithmetic Skills for the 7 Plus

The 7 Plus exam assesses a broad range of maths skills, but certain areas are particularly important for mental arithmetic.

Number Bonds & Place Value

A strong understanding of number bonds helps children quickly recall pairs that make 10, 20, and 100. They also need to understand place value, so they can work with two- and three-digit numbers efficiently.

Times Tables & Multiplication

By Year 2, children should be developing fluency in the 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 times tables. However, for the 7 Plus, they also need to be confident with the 6, 7, 8, and 9 times tables, which are part of the Year 3 curriculum. Fast recall of multiplication facts makes division, fractions, and word problems much easier to handle.

Addition & Subtraction Strategies

Children should be comfortable with:

• Adding and subtracting numbers mentally, without counting on fingers.
• Bridging through 10 (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4).
• Recognising number patterns that make addition and subtraction quicker.
• Working with numbers up to 1000.

Division & Fractions

Understanding how numbers relate to one another helps children work confidently with division and fractions. They should be able to:

• Recognise simple fractions such as ½, ¼, and ¾.
• Understand that division is the opposite of multiplication.
• Solve division problems using multiplication knowledge.
• Work with fraction equivalences (e.g., knowing that ½ is the same as 2/4).

Word Problems & Multi-Step Calculations

A major part of the 7 Plus is problem-solving. These can include:

• Multi-step word problems, requiring children to work out several calculations in one question.
• Understanding units of measurement, including time, money, and lengths.
• Applying maths in real-life scenarios.

Problem-Solving & Estimation

Children should be able to:

• Estimate answers before working them out.
• Use rounding techniques to check their answers.
• Break problems into smaller, manageable steps.

Helping Your Child Improve Their Mental Arithmetic

Parents often ask: How can I help my child get better at mental arithmetic? The key is practice, but it needs to be the right kind of practice—fun, engaging, and structured in a way that builds confidence.

Here are some simple ways to boost mental maths skills at home:

• Use Flashcards & Quick-Fire Questions – Short, daily bursts of recall help embed number facts.
• Play Number Games & Puzzles – Apps, board games, and number-based puzzles make learning fun.
• Involve Maths in Everyday Life – Encourage children to count coins, measure ingredients, or calculate change in a shop.
• Practise Multi-Step Problems – Children should become comfortable working through problems that require more than one calculation.

Many children benefit from structured tuition to reinforce these skills and ensure they’re fully prepared for the exam.

How Mentor Education Can Help

At Mentor Education, we understand how important strong mental arithmetic skills are for success in the 7 Plus exam. Our specialist tutors help children build speed, confidence, and accuracy through:

• One-to-One Tutoring – Tailored support focusing on areas where your child needs the most help.
• Mock Exams – Realistic practice under timed conditions to improve recall and problem-solving speed.
• Holiday Courses – Intensive sessions designed to strengthen core number skills and fill any gaps.
• Expert Teaching & Resources – Proven techniques to develop number fluency and make maths feel easy.

Our 7 Plus programme, based in Dulwich, provides a structured learning environment with expert teachers, holiday courses, and interview preparation. We work with children to ensure they are not only confident in their Year 2 maths but also secure in the Year 3 content that will be tested in the exam.

Preparing for Success

A confident approach to mental arithmetic makes all the difference in the 7 Plus exam. By ensuring your child has the right support—whether through daily practice, structured tuition, or targeted mock exams—you can help them feel ready for the challenge ahead.

Contact Mentor Education today to find out more about our 7 Plus tutoring, mock exams, and holiday courses. With the right preparation, your child can master mental maths and approach their 7 Plus exam with confidence.

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