At Notting Hill Prep, we want every child to leave as an inquisitive, independent, resilient and skilful mathematician with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. Through practical activities, real-life problems and a focus on the process rather than just the answer, maths becomes something pupils enjoy and feel confident in at every level.
Mathematics at a Glance
| Age range | 4–13 (Reception to Year 8) |
| Teaching | Subject specialists throughout the school |
| Class sizes | Capped at 22 |
| Core focus | Efficient mental maths strategies and creative problem solving |
| Senior school preparation | 11+ and Common Entrance preparation from Year 5 |
| Online learning | Atom Learning, MyMaths and Mangahigh |
| Thinking tools | Thinking Maps, De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, the NHP Habits |
Our Approach to Maths
In a world where a calculator is always at hand, our goal is not to create human calculators. It is to develop creative mathematical thinkers with a real appetite for solving problems.
Lessons combine engaging practical activities with relevant, real-life material, and value how pupils reach an answer as much as the answer itself. Every pupil feels a sense of achievement, whatever their starting point, and leaves NHP able to apply their knowledge confidently in new, unfamiliar contexts.
Maths Through the School
Reception to Year 4: Pupils build secure number sense and fluent mental strategies that underpin everything that follows.
Years 5 and 6: Pupils deepen their reasoning and tackle more complex, multi-step problems. Structured preparation for the 11+ and Common Entrance examinations begins in Year 5, building both competence and confidence.
Years 7 and 8: Pupils follow the Common Entrance syllabus, developing the algebra, geometry and data-handling skills needed for senior school.
Mental Maths and Problem Solving
The school prioritises efficient mental maths strategies throughout. They form the foundation of every pupil’s mathematical journey, helping them approach problems with speed, confidence, and agility.
These strategies free pupils to focus on reasoning: spotting patterns, choosing an approach, explaining their thinking and checking whether an answer makes sense.
Thinking Skills in Maths
NHP’s Advanced Thinking School approach suits mathematics naturally. Pupils are encouraged to explain their thought processes, challenge their own assumptions and see mistakes as part of learning.
- Thinking Maps help pupils break a problem into steps and see how mathematical ideas connect.
- De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats encourage pupils to check facts, spot what could go wrong in a method and look for alternative approaches.
- The NHP Habits build the resilience to persist with a tricky problem rather than reaching straight for the answer.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
We use online platforms including Atom Learning, MyMaths and Mangahigh to reinforce learning at school and at home. They give pupils extra practice tailored to their level, and give teachers and parents a clear view of progress.
Preparing for 11+, 13+ and Common Entrance
From Year 5, we prepare pupils carefully for the 11+ and Common Entrance examinations, so they are well equipped for the demands of these assessments. Because exam-style reasoning is built into everyday lessons, pupils approach their tests with confidence rather than anxiety.
