What is the 7+ Exam?

The 7+ exam is a competitive selection test for entry into Year 3, used by the top independent schools in London. Usually by students of around six or seven years of age, this exam will become extremely vital for entry into some of the UK’s finest schools.

Most schools use the 7+ exam as a way of assessing young learners who have great potential for academic achievement and are ready to be exposed to the challenging curriculum offered by these schools. Early selection has been greatly emphasised, and this gives a chance to students to express themselves in a setting that is put in order.

State schools typically do not provide specific preparation for the 7+ examinations, although they offer limited support if requested. Consequently, it falls on the parents to guide their children through the preparation process.

PrepPlus can assist parents by offering tailored resources and guidance designed to help students excel in their 7+ exams. Their comprehensive support includes practice materials, expert advice, and strategies to build confidence and skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of the 7+ assessment.

Age Range and Eligibility

Children in Year 2 typically take the 7+ exam when they are six or seven years old. This age bracket may differ a few months from one school to the next, so parents should check the exact age limit set by each school. The cutoff date for most schools to determine age eligibility is when their academic year begins. The first step in the admission process is to confirm that your child meets the eligibility criteria.

The Pattern and Syllabus for Examination

 Exam Format and Timing

The content of the 7+ exam follows the National Curriculum, including Key Stage 1 content and some content from very early Key Stage 2. The exact format varies from school to school, and typically involves some form of assessment in English, maths and reasoning. Some schools include a reasoning examination, which may test either verbal or non-verbal reasoning skills.

These assessments are designed to measure a child’s aptitude across key academic areas. The exam typically spans several hours, with each section focusing on different subjects and timed individually. The format generally includes the following:

• English Assessment: This is the test of reading comprehension, writing and listening tests.
• Maths Assessment: It assesses the child’s knowledge of the KS1 mathematics curriculum, which is primarily based on arithmetic and problem-solving, occasionally broadening to higher-level issues.
• Reasoning Assessment: The 7+ exam tests maths and English, but some schools also include a reasoning paper containing Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. students have to show a good understanding of the comprehension passage and be able to answer questions relating to it.

Key Subjects and Skills

The 7+ exam assesses fundamental skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, and they also include evaluations of verbal and non-verbal reasoning, though this is not always the case. This assessment aims to gauge a child’s readiness for a challenging academic environment. Key areas of focus include:

• Reading and Comprehension: Evaluate a child’s ability to understand and interpret written texts.
• Listening Skills: Assesses how well a child can follow and understand spoken instructions or information.
• mathematical Ability: Test a child’s proficiency in basic mathematical concepts and problem-solving.
• Timetable and Mental maths: Checks a child’s capability to perform mental arithmetic and manage time effectively during the exam.

PrepPlus provides comprehensive study materials to support students in these areas. Their resources include practice papers, interactive exercises, and targeted revision guides designed to enhance skills in reading, listening, mathematics, and mental arithmetic, helping students to perform confidently in the 7+ exams. 

maths, Mental maths and Times Tables 

For the 7+ exam, a strong foundation in mathematics is essential. This includes basic arithmetic, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle mental maths efficiently. Candidates should be comfortable with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as more complex operations as they progress. Mental maths is particularly important, as it involves performing calculations quickly and accurately without the aid of paper or a calculator. 

Additionally, understanding and working with timetables such as those involving multiplication tables plays a crucial role in the exam. Mastery in these areas ensures that students can tackle mathematical questions confidently and with ease, making effective preparation crucial. PrepPlus offers valuable resources and practice materials that help students build these skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the 7+ exam.

English and Creative Writing

Students should be able to read fluently and answer comprehension questions in full sentences. They should have a good understanding of the text and draw inferences from it. At the very least, they should be able to write at least a half-A4-page composition with a clear beginning, middle, and end, demonstrating creativity and grasp of the language. Effective creative writing will develop a coherent story, a rich vocabulary, and good grammar and punctuation.

Non-Verbal Reasoning and Problem-Solving

Some schools test reasoning separately at the 7+ level; others embed the reasoning questions within the English and maths papers. Reasoning, particularly non-verbal reasoning, is likely to be a novel skill for the majority of 7+ applicants. These tests assess a child’s ability to understand and analyse visual information, as well as to solve problems using visual reasoning.

At this point, preparation can make a big difference in a child’s exam performance. There can be verbal sections testing mental arithmetic, spelling, memory and dictation. 

How Competitive is the 7 Plus Exam?

The 7+ examination is highly competitive, especially during the entry process to top independent schools in London and other major UK cities. 

The 7+ entrance exam is administered by an increasing number of top schools, both within and outside London, to help them select students for entry into Year 3.  The intense competition stems from the limited availability of spots at these highly sought-after educational institutions, coupled with an overwhelming number of applicants. The tests include written as well as face to face interview and group sessions.

Factors That Contribute to the Competition

The competition for the 7+ examination is influenced by several factors, making it a challenging process for many families. Understanding these elements can help parents prepare their children more effectively. Here are ten key factors contributing to the competition:

1. High Demand for Prestigious Schools: Many parents seek admission to well-regarded or selective primary schools, increasing the number of applicants and intensifying competition.
2. Increased Awareness of Early Education: Growing recognition of the role of early education in future academic success leads to more families investing in preparatory measures for the 7+ exam.
3. Comprehensive Exam Content: The 7+ exam typically covers a broad range of subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics, and sometimes verbal and non-verbal reasoning, requiring thorough preparation.
4. Investment in Preparation Resources: Parents often invest in tutoring, preparatory courses, and educational materials to give their children an advantage, which can create disparities in preparedness.
5. Limited School Places: The scarcity of spots in sought-after schools means only a fraction of applicants will be successful, increasing competition among candidates.
6. High Standards of Assessment: The rigorous nature of the exam demands high standards of performance across all tested areas, making it crucial for candidates to excel in multiple subjects.
7. Pressure on Young Students: The competitive environment can place significant pressure on young students, requiring not only academic skills but also resilience and confidence.
8. Parental Expectations: Expectations from parents for their children to succeed can add additional stress and motivate families to seek extensive preparation and support.
9. Variability in School Requirements: Different schools may have varying criteria for assessment, requiring tailored preparation strategies for each institution, adding to the complexity of the process.
10. Availability of Prep Resources: The availability and quality of preparatory resources, such as practice papers and expert guidance, can impact a child’s readiness. PrepPlus provides targeted study materials and support to help address these needs effectively.

By leveraging resources like those offered by PrepPlus, parents can better equip their children to handle the demands of the 7+ examination and improve their chances of securing a place in a desirable school.

Preparation and Practice

Effective Study Routine and Timeline

The best time to start 7 exams preparation is in September of the autumn term of Year 1. Some students start earlier and some later, but at least it is essential to have begun the preparation 12–18 months before the examination. This ensures sufficient time to cover the practice papers, helps in the identification of gaps in learning, and facilitates the implementation of core strengthening measures. 

Daily Study Sessions: Short sessions, done daily, at times prove to be more fruitful than longer ones, once in a while. 

Balanced Approach: A balanced approach of work and extracurricular activities is essential in order to avoid burnout. 

Monitoring Progress: Monitoring progress is essential to ensure growth and helps reassess and tweak preparation that is best suited to the child. 

Expert help 

Due to the challenging nature of the exam, a team effort is essential to understand the nuances of the exam which in turn will help in navigating through this process. PrepPlus helps with facilitating tailored preparation.

PrepPlus experts are qualified teachers with experience in preparing students for 7+ entrance exams and in achieving highly successful results. Parent’s involvement is also vital to the learning process and by providing a positive study environment, encouraging the child, and providing the materials or resources needed, the child can gain confidence and feel rest assured. 

Foundations of the 7 Plus Examination Process

Reading

Develop daily reading habits. Pick a variety of books at a challenging reading level for your child, and discuss the stories to improve comprehension. This regular reading will help build vocabulary and enhance understanding while cultivating an interest in reading, which is very important for the English section of the exam.

Writing Skills

Regular practice in writing stories is crucial for success in the 7+ exams. Grammar, punctuation, and a clear structure are important parts of the exam. Encourage your child to write creatively while ensuring their ideas are expressed clearly and logically. Writing practice helps develop clarity of expression, creativity, and the ability to organise thoughts effectively. In the 7+ exams, students are evaluated on their vocabulary, grammar and spelling, comprehension, listening, and creative writing abilities. Engaging with targeted writing exercises and feedback can significantly enhance these skills and better prepare your child for the exam. 

Maths Mastery

Use everyday activities to practise maths. Work on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Introduce some fun maths games and puzzles to make the learning process interesting. The practical application of maths in everyday activities helps to get the concepts through and makes learning enjoyable.

Fix a Study Schedule

Daily Routine

Developing a consistent study pattern helps many children focus. Consistency in the study schedule also helps build discipline and ensures the various topics tested in the exam are covered. Each child has an individualistic pattern of study. It’s best to work with the strengths of what works best with your child. 

Breaks and Incentives

It’s important to introduce short breaks in the study sessions, and then some parents incentivise their child’s efforts to help them remain motivated. Positive reinforcement helps many children stay motivated with the preparation process. It’s best to work with what parenting style works best with your child. 

Use of Educational Resources

Online Packs

There are a lot of educational websites and apps that are topic-based, according to the KS1 curriculum. Interactive activities will make learning enjoyable and effective. PrepPlus study materials packs give access to quizzes, and exercises, which can help reinforce learning in a really fun and engaging way.

Previous Papers and Workbooks

Workbooks and past papers can be integrated into study sessions. This will assist the students in understanding the format of the test, identifying recurring questions from past papers, and identifying areas for improvement. Regular practice with these can help build confidence and familiarity with the exam format. Prepplus has tailor-made several practice papers based on previous questions asked in the exams in a subscription model. 

Acing the Interview

To ensure your child is well-prepared for the interview process, focus on several key areas: eye contact, politeness, and good listening skills. Additionally, they should be able to solve mental maths problems quickly and respond to questions with speed.

Here’s how to help your child excel:

• Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice interview scenarios at home to build confidence and communication skills. 
• Speaking Practice: Encourage your child to speak clearly and confidently about their interests and experiences.

• Eye Contact and Body Language: Work with your child to maintain eye contact and exhibit positive body language throughout the interview.
• Good Listening Skills: Stress the importance of listening carefully to questions and answering thoughtfully.

For tailored support, PrepPlus can assist with both exam and interview preparation for the 7+ examination. They provide expert guidance to enhance your child’s skills and boost their confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared for their assessment.

Recommended Exam Papers and Resources

Students can familiarise themselves with the test format and question types by downloading free 7+ entrance exam papers. Early Preparation Students can start preparing for 7+ exams from Year 1 for competitive schools. We highly recommend using practice papers from several schools, including Bancroft Prep School, Highgate School, Magdalen College School, King’s College School Wimbledon, North London Collegiate School, The Perse School, Solihull School, and Westminster Cathedral Choir School.

Top Tips for Exam Success (7+)

While academic abilities are important, schools also value traits such as creativity, critical thinking and a willingness to engage with a variety of subjects and activities.

Customise: Adapt your approach to your child’s learning style and pace. Be patient and understanding throughout.

With a structured, supportive approach, they develop skills and confidence. Practice papers and mock tests from PrepPlus will help identify gaps in knowledge and provide thorough preparation.

Regular practice: This is key.  Regular practice helps build the skills and continues to reinforce them.

Mock Exams: We understand that it is essential to conduct regular exams to ensure that students can work in the actual test environment that’s why PrepPlus has a well-organised mock test paper format. We run 5 mocks in a year- and some are school-specific mocks.. This further helps the child manage their time and reduces exam-day anxiety.

How can PrepPlus help your child succeed in 7+ examinations? 

PrepPlus is an invaluable resource for helping your child excel in the 7+ examination, a critical stage in their educational journey. PrepPlus offers various educational services, including subscription plans, 1:1 sessions, face-to-face classes, mock exams, and interview preparation for 7+, 8+, and 11+ exams. Here’s how PrepPlus can support your child’s success:

• Subscription plan:

PrepPlus offers tailored subscription plans for 7+, 8+, and 11+ exams, designed to ensure your child excels in their entrance exams. Each plan provides access to premium resources, including practice papers, interactive lessons, and video tutorials.

1. 7+ Subscription Plans: This plan offers practice papers and resources for maths, English, and Reasoning, tailored for the 7+ exams. It also includes school-specific formats, such as those for St. Paul’s Juniors.
2. 8+ Subscription Plans: This plan prepares students for the 8+ exams with targeted practice materials that expand on existing knowledge and introduce more advanced concepts.It also features school-specific formats, including those for St. Paul’s Juniors.
3. 11+ Subscription Plans: A comprehensive plan with extensive practice papers, video explanations, and topic-specific content to ensure thorough preparation for the 11+ exams.
   

• 1:1 Accelerated Classes:

Our personalised learning program covers English Writing, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, and maths, ensuring rapid progress in a short period. Contact us at info@prepplus.co.uk for details and to book sessions with our expert teachers.

• Face to face Classes:

Our face-to-face courses are scheduled during term breaks and cover all subjects to enhance exam readiness. Each term includes Exam Prep sessions (Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3), along with 2 Intensive Modules and 2 Revision Modules. These courses provide thorough preparation and personalised support to ensure students are well-equipped for their exams.

• Online Classes:

Our online courses are designed to provide flexible, comprehensive support tailored to individual needs. They include school-specific materials and cover a range of subjects such as Vocabulary, Story Writing, maths, Reasoning, and Creative Writing. Online small group lessons start with 1-hour classes, which gradually extend to 2 hours, allowing for in-depth learning and personalised attention. These courses ensure students receive targeted practice and instruction to excel in their exams.

• Mocks:

Our mock exams are designed to closely simulate real exam conditions, providing valuable practice and insight into your child’s performance. Held in a controlled setting, these exams provide a realistic experience of format and time management. They highlight strengths and areas for improvement, allowing for focused preparation. We also offer school-specific mocks, including formats for King’s College School, St. Paul’s Juniors, and mixed formats.

• Interview Preps:

PrepPlus offers two unique face-to-face Interview Prep Workshops, each designed to boost confidence and skill set for selective school assessments. These sessions focus on group activities and interview techniques, aligning with past experiences at top schools. Each workshop includes personalised feedback and recommendations.

Our workshops are led by Lucy Watts, the former Headmistress of Eaton House, Belgravia, with over 20 years of experience in guiding students through 7+, 8+, 11+, and 13+ exams.

• Targeted Practice Materials

PrepPlus offers practice materials specifically designed for the 7+ exam, covering essential subjects such as mathematics, English, and verbal reasoning. These resources are tailored to match the format and difficulty level of the actual exam, providing your child with relevant practice to build their skills.

• Comprehensive Content Coverage

The platform provides a wide range of practice test papers, mock tests papers, and interactive exercises that cover all areas of the 7+ curriculum. This comprehensive content ensures that your child is well-prepared for every aspect of the exam, from problem-solving in mathematics to comprehension and creative writing in English.

• Progress Tracking and Feedback

PrepPlus includes tools for tracking your child’s progress over time. Detailed feedback and performance analysis help identify strengths and areas needing improvement. This allows for targeted revision and focused practice, ensuring that your child addresses any gaps in their knowledge.

• Exam Techniques and Strategies

Understanding the exam format and developing effective strategies are crucial for success. PrepPlus teaches essential exam techniques, including time management and question approach strategies. These skills help your child navigate the exam confidently and efficiently.

• Confidence Building

By familiarising your child with the exam format and providing ample practice opportunities, PrepPlus helps reduce exam anxiety. Increased familiarity and confidence lead to better performance on the day of the exam.

PrepPlus equips your child with the tools, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in the 7+ examination, making it an essential part of their preparation strategy.

Final Considerations for 7+ Success

Balanced Preparation

Preparedness should be balanced. Your child should get enough rest, exercise physically, and eat a healthy diet. It’s a fine line to walk, as over-preparation can result in burnout. Find a balance that keeps your child motivated and engaged.

Encourage a positive attitude toward learning, and remind him or her that this is only one small part of his or her educational journey. Success in the 7+ exam is not about passing but more about confidence, resilience, and the development of a love of learning.

Encouragement and Incentives

Appreciate and encourage your child. Regardless of the outcome, always praise the effort put in and the progress made. It will boost his self-confidence and help them act positively when challenged. Encouragement and support from parents are essential for a child’s overall development and academic success.

Long-Term Benefits of 7+ Exam Preparation

Preparing for the 7+ exam instils strong study habits and a love for learning that will benefit students throughout their academic journey. The skills and discipline developed during this time—such as staying focused, working diligently, and putting in extra effort—will greatly contribute to their future success in education.

Therefore, the tips and resources outlined above by PrepPlus will help your child qualify for the 7+ exam and set a strong base for further academic success.