Everything families need to know about 7+ entry — which schools, what the exam involves, when to start, and how to prepare your child.
Book a Free ConsultationThe 7+ entrance exam is the earliest formal assessment point for entry to selective London independent schools. This guide explains what the 7+ involves, which schools offer 7+ entry, when to start preparation, and how to give your child the best possible start.
The 7+ entrance examination is an assessment sat by children in Year 2 (ages 6–7) for entry into Year 3 of selective independent schools. It typically includes English (reading, writing, listening), mathematics, and reasoning tasks. The format varies between schools — some use written papers only, while others include an interview or group assessment alongside written tasks.
The 7+ is a significant early academic milestone. Because children at this age are still developing literacy and numeracy at different rates, preparation needs to be age-appropriate and encouraging. The goal is to build skills and confidence progressively rather than to teach to a rigid exam format.
A number of prominent London independent schools offer Year 3 entry at 7+, including:
Each school runs its own admissions process with different formats and registration deadlines. Families should check individual school websites for current-year information.
Most 7+ exams assess three main areas:
English: reading comprehension questions based on a short passage, creative writing (often a story prompted by a picture or sentence opener), and sometimes listening tasks. Markers are looking for age-appropriate writing that shows imagination and uses sentences correctly.
Mathematics: number work (addition, subtraction, early multiplication, place value), shape and pattern questions, and simple problem-solving. Questions go somewhat beyond the standard Year 2 curriculum, so early introduction to number bonds, mental arithmetic, and simple fractions is beneficial.
Reasoning: some schools include verbal or non-verbal reasoning tasks to assess general cognitive ability. These are typically presented in a puzzle or game format at this age.
Most families begin structured 7+ preparation in the summer term of Reception (Year 1) or the early autumn term of Year 1. This gives approximately 12–18 months of gradual preparation before the January–February Year 2 exams. Starting too late (e.g. in the autumn of Year 2) leaves insufficient time, particularly for children who need support building reading fluency or number confidence.
Preparation at this age should feel engaging and varied. Short sessions of 20–30 minutes are more effective than long practice sets. The focus should be on reading together, storytelling, mental arithmetic games, and age-appropriate puzzles rather than rote test practice.
A good 7+ tutor will adapt sessions to your child's stage of development, making preparation enjoyable rather than stressful. Look for tutors who have experience with young children and understand how literacy and numeracy develop in the Year 1–2 age group. Tutors who focus solely on test technique without building underlying skills often produce inconsistent results at this age.
Our 7+ tutors are selected for their ability to engage young learners and build skills progressively. We work in close collaboration with parents to share progress notes and suggest extension activities between sessions.
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Book a Free ConsultationWhat age do children sit the 7+ exam?
Children sit the 7+ entrance exam in Year 2, typically aged 6–7. Exams usually take place in January or February for entry the following September. Registration with individual schools often opens in the preceding spring or summer term — some schools close registration a year or more before the exam.
Which London schools have 7+ entry?
A number of prominent London independent schools admit at 7+, including Highgate School, City of London School for Girls, North London Collegiate School Junior, Channing School, South Hampstead High School, Alleyn's School, James Allen's Girls' School Junior, and Forest School. Each school runs its own assessment process with different formats and deadlines.
What is covered in a 7+ exam?
Most 7+ exams cover English (reading comprehension and creative writing), mathematics (number work and problem solving), and sometimes verbal or non-verbal reasoning tasks. The content is broadly based on Year 2 curriculum level but typically goes slightly beyond standard expectations, particularly in maths problem solving.
When should I start 7+ preparation with my child?
Most families begin structured preparation in the summer of Reception or early Year 1, giving 12–18 months before the Year 2 exams. At this age, preparation should be gradual and enjoyable — short sessions focused on reading, writing, and maths games are more effective than intensive test practice, which can be counterproductive for young children.
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