Start at the Right Level with Mental Arithmetic

Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic is a carefully structured series of maths books that helps children build strong number fluency and mental maths skills. Widely used in primary schools across the UK, the series offers clear progression from Year 3 to Year 6, revisiting key topics while developing deeper mathematical understanding.

To help schools place pupils on the correct book, we’ve created two free Entry Tests that can be downloaded and printed. These tests are designed to assess current understanding and provide guidance on which book to begin with, ensuring every pupil gets the right level of challenge and support.

What are the Entry Tests?

There are two versions of the test:

• Entry Test A – for lower Key Stage 2 (Books 1 to 3)

• Entry Test B – for upper Key Stage 2 (Books 4 to 6)

 Each test includes a range of carefully selected questions covering key areas of the curriculum. Questions become gradually more difficult, helping to identify where a child may begin to struggle. The results can then be matched to the recommended starting book.

 Download Entry Test A (PDF)

 Download Entry Test B (PDF)

How to use the Entry Tests in school

You can use the tests with a whole class, a small group or individual pupils, especially if you’re unsure of their current level or are introducing the series for the first time.

What you’ll need:

• a printed copy of the test
• a pencil and spare paper for working out.

Before you begin, explain to pupils that:

• the test is designed to help them get the right maths book
• it’s not a timed test, but it usually takes around 45–60 minutes
• the questions get harder as they go along, and they don’t have to finish every question
• they should try their best.

Marking and placing pupils: 

• award one mark per correct answer (or half a mark for two-part questions)
• use the official Marking Keys (PDF) to check answers
• then refer to our score placement table (PDF) to match each pupil to the most suitable Mental Arithmetic book.

Additional support for schools

If you’d like more detailed guidance on using the Entry Tests across a class or school, you can download our full Entry Test Guide for Schools, which includes advice on implementation, interpreting scores and managing mixed-ability groups.

 Download the Entry Test Guide for Schools

A printed copy of this guide will also be included with school orders of Mental Arithmetic.

Supporting practice at home

Although Mental Arithmetic is designed primarily for schools, many parents also use it to provide extra maths practice at home. To help families choose the right book, we’ve created a separate Entry Test Guide for parents, tailored to home use. This guide includes a short test and simple marking instructions.

 Download the Entry Test Guide for parents 

Whether in the classroom or at home, Mental Arithmetic offers a reliable way to support maths fluency and ensure that every child is working at the right level.

comments powered by Disqus