All about the Seven Plus

Exploring the 7+ Examination

The 7+ examination represents a pivotal entry assessment increasingly adopted by leading London schools for admissions into Year 3, requiring participation from children in Year 2. Typically scheduled for January, the timing of this exam can vary across different educational institutions.

What's on the 7+ Exam?

Focusing on core academic skills, the 7+ exam evaluates candidates' proficiency in Maths and English, with a growing number of schools incorporating Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning papers. Apart from written assessments, children might undergo verbal evaluations in areas such as mental math, spelling, and comprehension, as well as engage in hands-on and imaginative activities. For instance, a notable school recently invited examinees to create a self-portrait.

Successful examinees may proceed to an interview stage, which could be arranged before, on the same day, or after the written tests. This stage often involves personal interactions with the school's leadership and collaborative tasks with fellow candidates.

The Competitive Nature of the 7+ Exam

The 7+ selection process is notably rigorous, particularly within certain London schools, where the ratio of applicants to available spots can exceed 10 to 1. Despite the apparent competition, it's important to recognize that many children apply to multiple schools, somewhat mitigating the intensity of competition. Nevertheless, the academic caliber of successful applicants is generally well above the national average.

Schools typically extend interview invitations to approximately two candidates per available opening. For instance, out of 300 applicants for 30 spots, only about 60 candidates might progress to the interview phase. Post-interview, applicants are ranked based on their performance, with the highest-ranking candidates receiving offers.

Selection Criteria at the 7+ Level

While schools express a preference for candidates who are well-rounded, academic prowess often remains the crucial determinant. Nonetheless, interpersonal skills and conduct also play significant roles. Educational institutions usually request a performance report from the applicant's current school head.

Preparing for the 7+ Exam: The Role of Tutoring

Given the exam's competitive nature, thorough preparation is essential, whether through a pre-prep school, parental involvement, tutoring, or a combination thereof. Determining the level of support your child requires is crucial, especially if your current school does not focus on 7+ preparation, or if parental assistance is limited due to work commitments. Though there's some debate about the value of tutoring, many families find it beneficial under certain circumstances.

The Advantage of Background: State vs. Prep School

Candidates from pre-prep schools may receive targeted preparation for the 7+ exam, benefiting from specialized classes. However, children from state schools also successfully secure spots at top institutions annually, underscoring the importance of personal preparation over school type. In some cases, coming from a pre-prep school could set higher expectations for a candidate's performance.

Considering Age in the 7+ Exam

Age and maturity can significantly influence performance, with younger candidates potentially at a disadvantage. Some schools adjust Reasoning scores to account for age, ensuring a balanced evaluation.

7+ Exam Preparation Strategies

English: Emphasize comprehension and creative writing, encouraging a broad vocabulary and coherent storytelling.

Maths: Prepare for questions covering the entire Year 2 syllabus, including advanced concepts not typically expected at this stage.

Reasoning: Introduce your child to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning exercises, as these might not be part of their regular school curriculum.

Regular, timed practice can help familiarize your child with the exam format and improve their time management and stress handling.

Interview and Assessment Day Insights

Interviews aim to be welcoming and conversational, focusing on the child's interests. Engaging in group activities assesses the child's ability to cooperate and communicate effectively with peers. Preparation should be natural, without rehearsed responses.