Download the Class 1 Maths Olympiad previous-year paper PDF

Help your child build early number sense and mathematical reasoning with the Class 1 Maths Olympiad previous-year paper shared by School Connect Olympiad (SCO). Open the free PDF below, then use this guide for topic-by-topic preparation, newly written practice questions with explanations, and a gentle paper-review routine.

Download the Class 1 Maths Olympiad paper (PDF). The original on-page PDF viewer and download button are retained directly below. If the preview is blank on your device, select the linked file to open it in a PDF reader.

This free Maths practice PDF was shared on the School Connect Olympiad blog in 2024. For the latest Class 1 Maths topics, try the SCO Class 1 Maths learning resources. Work through the questions at a comfortable pace and use the solved examples below when you need help.

Original SCO Class 1 maths paper

What should a Class 1 child know before attempting the paper?

The SCO Class 1 Maths learning page organises preparation around shapes and space, two-digit addition and subtraction, weights and comparisons, money, lines and plane shapes, and time. The broader SCO Class 1 subject overview also recommends number understanding and logical reasoning. The following table turns those topics into activities that work at home or in the classroom.

Different examination organisers may have overlapping mathematical topics but different papers, scoring and rules. Avoid copying another organiser’s question count, marking system or exam dates onto the SCO paper.

12 original Class 1 maths Olympiad practice questions with answers

These questions are new examples written for this educational article. They are not represented as questions from the downloadable archive, and their solutions are not an official answer key to that PDF. Have the learner attempt each question before opening its explanation.

1. Number sense: Which number is the greatest? A. 47 B. 74 C. 57.
   Answer and explanation

   B. 74. Compare the tens digits: 7 tens is greater than 5 tens or 4 tens.

2. Addition: 27 + 15 = ? A. 32 B. 42 C. 52.
   Answer and explanation

   B. 42. 7 ones + 5 ones = 12 ones. Write 2 ones and carry 1 ten; 2 tens + 1 ten + 1 ten = 4 tens.

3. Subtraction: 53 − 18 = ? A. 35 B. 45 C. 25.
   Answer and explanation

   A. 35. Exchange a ten for 10 ones: 13 − 8 = 5 and 4 tens − 1 ten = 3 tens.

4. Number order: Which number comes immediately after 39? A. 38 B. 40 C. 49.
   Answer and explanation

   B. 40. Counting forward one from 39 reaches 40.

5. Geometry: Which shape has three corners? A. Triangle B. Square C. Circle.
   Answer and explanation

   A. Triangle. A triangle has three sides meeting at three corners.

6. Pattern: Star, heart, star, heart, __. A. Square B. Heart C. Star.
   Answer and explanation

   C. Star. The pair repeats in the same order.

7. Measurement: A ribbon is 7 identical blocks long. Another is 5 identical blocks long. Which is longer? A. First B. Second C. Equal.
   Answer and explanation

   A. First. Seven equal blocks cover more length than five when placed end to end without gaps.

8. Time: A lesson begins at 3 o’clock and lasts one hour. When does it finish? A. 2 o’clock B. 3 o’clock C. 4 o’clock.
   Answer and explanation

   C. 4 o’clock. One hour after 3 o’clock is 4 o’clock.

9. Money: You have three pretend coins worth 10 units each and one coin worth 5 units. What is the total? A. 25 B. 35 C. 45.
   Answer and explanation

   B. 35 units. 10 + 10 + 10 + 5 = 35. Using pretend units keeps the arithmetic valid across different currencies.

10. Word problem: A basket has 18 oranges. Seven are taken out. How many are left? A. 11 B. 12 C. 25.
    Answer and explanation

    A. 11. Start at 18 and subtract 7: 18 − 7 = 11.

11. Higher-order comparison: Which two expressions have the same value? A. 21 + 9 and 40 − 10 B. 21 + 9 and 40 − 9 C. 21 + 8 and 40 − 10.
    Answer and explanation

    A. 21 + 9 = 30 and 40 − 10 = 30. The other pairs have different totals.

12. Reasoning with two steps: Sam has 12 crayons. He receives 5 more and gives 4 away. How many crayons remain? A. 13 B. 17 C. 21.
    Answer and explanation

    A. 13. First add: 12 + 5 = 17. Then subtract: 17 − 4 = 13.

How to solve the archived PDF without turning it into a stressful test

1. Preview first: open the PDF and check whether each question and picture is legible on the screen or printed page.
2. Work in short sets: for a beginning Class 1 learner, select 5–8 suitable questions rather than requiring the whole paper immediately.
3. Ask for a reason: “How did you decide?” is more useful than simply giving the correct option.
4. Write workings: draw tens-and-ones, a quick clock or tally marks for questions involving calculation.
5. Review independently: mark each question as correct, uncertain or needs help. Use a verified official key only if one is provided for that exact PDF.
6. Try a new question: after discussing one error, give a fresh example on the same topic so the child demonstrates understanding.

Simple 14-day practice plan for parents and teachers

This is a home-learning suggestion, not an official mandatory SCO timetable. Use shorter lessons for children who tire easily, and celebrate clear explanations rather than speed alone.

Current 2026 SCO Maths resources and related PDF pages

The official SCO Class 1 Maths subject page separately lists the 2026 syllabus, sample-paper resources, answer-key resources and previous-year materials. The current Class 1 Maths syllabus (2026) helps families check what to study. Availability of any linked PDF or key should be verified on its own resource page.

If you need a sample paper rather than this previously published paper, visit the separate Class 1 Maths Olympiad sample-paper page. For a broader list of years and grades, use the Maths Olympiad previous-year paper directory. Use the linked Class 1 questions to build confidence before moving to more difficult Maths Olympiad topics.

For current exam dates or registration, consult the SCO Maths Olympiad exam page and official calendar for the current session and participation details.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Class 1 Maths Olympiad previous-year paper free?

Yes. You can open and download the PDF linked above without paying on this article.

Where can I find worked answers?

The 12 original practice questions in this guide include their own explanations. For questions in the downloadable PDF, use a matching answer key provided by the paper’s organiser; do not apply an answer key from a different paper.

Where are the latest Class 1 Maths Olympiad resources?

The SCO Class 1 Maths subject page provides current learning topics and practice links. The downloadable paper here is an additional resource from the blog’s 2024 collection.

Is SCO IMO the same as SOF IMO?

No. SCO and Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) are distinct competition organisers. Their respective papers, dates, score schemes and entry rules should not be mixed together.

How many questions should a Class 1 learner attempt per session?

Start with about five to eight well-chosen questions and discuss the reasoning. Increase the number gradually as confidence and concentration improve.

Should we prioritise solving quickly?

Understanding comes first. Once a child can explain the operations, shapes or patterns accurately, gentle practice can help develop fluency without unnecessary pressure.

Ready to begin? Open the original Maths Olympiad Class 1 PDF, practise a short section and use the explained questions above to strengthen any tricky concepts.