Maths with Shiva

04/03/2026

🌞 Proud to support our community as the Main Sponsor of the 2026 Kent Sinhalese & Tamil New Year celebration in Gravesend. 🇱🇰🇬🇧

07/10/2025

17/09/2025

St Olaves Exam Data
📊 Applications & Competition
Applicants: ~1,500 per year (since 2019).
Actually sit Stage 1: ~1,300 (20% drop out).
Offers available: 128 (including 4 for choristers).
Success rate: Roughly 8% of applicants secure a place.
🔑 This is much more competitive than many other grammar schools – with no catchment, the applicant pool is wide and fierce.
📝 Exam Structure & Scoring
Stage 1 (SET): 60 marks.
Stage 2: English + Maths, 200 marks.
Total: 260 marks (though a couple of years used 200).
Standardisation: Stage 1 counts for one-third of final score, Stage 2 for two-thirds.
🔑 A strong Stage 1 score is critical, as it boosts final standardisation weight.
📉 Stage 1 Cut-off
Top 450 proceed to Stage 2.
Lowest Stage 1 qualifying score:
39/60 (2024, lowest recorded)
Average cut-off: ~42/60.
🔑 Students should aim for at least 42+ to feel secure for Stage 2 invitation.
🎯 Stage 2 Attendance & Offers
Of 450 invited, ~370 attend Stage 2.
Of those, ~128 get offers → about 28% success rate once at Stage 2.
Across Stage 1 + 2, only ~1 in 4 who pass Stage 1 eventually secure a place.
📈 Historical Offer Scores (out of 260)
2020 → 175
2022 → 162
2023 → 165
(2024 not yet published)
🔑 Students need to target 165+ overall to be in a competitive position.
🧠 Key Takeaways for Preparation
Stage 1 is decisive – it filters out 75% of candidates. High marks here improve chances at the end.
Score target – aim for 170+ overall for realistic entry chance.
Specialist prep required – the exam format is very specific; generic 11+ isn’t enough.
Success odds – ~8% overall, so preparation must be strategic and intensive.
Comparison – while St Olave’s has fewer applicants than Sutton Grammar (2,500+), the no-catchment policy makes competition just as intense.

10/09/2025

09/09/2025

🌟 Why Russell Group Universities Matter for Your Child’s Future 🌟

Russell Group universities are recognised worldwide for their academic excellence. A degree from one of these institutions is a powerful advantage because:

✅ Employers know graduates have received a rigorous, high-quality education
✅ Students benefit from world-class teaching, research, and facilities
✅ Competitive entry shows ability, resilience, and determination
✅ They open doors to prestigious careers, scholarships, and postgraduate study

🎓 Choosing the Russell Group path means giving your child the best possible foundation for success.

👉 Learn more at: www.mathswithshiva.co.uk

Maths With Shiva Expert Tutoring for 11+, GCSE, and Further Maths Book Your Spot Today! 07860 220759 Academic Levels Covered 11+ / Key Stage 2 Building strong foundations for grammar and independent school entry. Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) Closing gaps and accelerating progress for secondary success....

04/09/2025

🎉 7 Years Ago Today: Randy’s Journey Began at St Olave’s Grammar!

04/09/2025

Turn Maths Struggles into Success 🚀

02/09/2025

🎯 Boost Your 11+ Success with Our Weekly Booster Classes! 🚀

01/09/2025

🎓 What are Russell Group Universities?
The Russell Group is a network of 24 leading UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, UCL, and more.

✅ Renowned for academic excellence
✅ World-class research opportunities
✅ Highly valued by top employers
✅ Strong graduate career prospects

For ambitious students aiming for the best, Russell Group universities often open doors to global opportunities.
🌍

31/08/2025

🎯 11 Plus Maths & NVR Lessons
📍 St Edmunds Church, Dartford
🗓️ Every Saturday, starting 13th September 2025
⏰ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
👥 Suitable for Year 4 & Year 5 students

📞 Contact: Shiva – 07860 220759

🌐

Maths With Shiva Expert Tutoring for 11+, GCSE, and Further Maths Book Your Spot Today! 07860 220759 Academic Levels Covered 11+ / Key Stage 2 Building strong foundations for grammar and independent school entry. Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) Closing gaps and accelerating progress for secondary success....