The 7+ examination is the selective entry assessment taken by children in Year 2 (age 6–7) for entry into some of London's most sought-after independent schools. It is among the most competitive of all school entrance exams, not just because of the schools involved, but because very young children are asked to demonstrate academic potential that many have not yet had the chance to develop through standard primary school alone.
For families aiming at schools including Highgate, City of London School, North London Collegiate Junior, Channing, Chigwell, and others, 7+ preparation requires specialist support: patient, age-appropriate, and built around the child rather than forcing adult learning approaches onto a six-year-old.
7+ entry (Year 3 intake) is used by a number of London's top independent and selective schools, including:
Entry ages and formats vary. Some schools test at 7+ (entry into Year 3), others at 8+ (Year 4). Check individual school websites for the exact assessment year and format, as these can change.
Despite the young age of candidates, 7+ assessments test a genuine range of academic skills:
For a child sitting in Year 2 (typically January–February of the year they turn 7), preparation ideally begins in Year 1 — around 12–18 months before the exam. This does not mean intensive drilling from age five. It means:
Children who begin too late — in the term before the exam — often find the pace overwhelming. Starting calmly and building gradually is both more effective and kinder to the child.
Our 7+ tutors are specialists in working with young children. They understand that a six-year-old needs learning to feel exciting and rewarding, not pressured. Sessions are playful where possible, hands-on, and paced around your child's concentration span — typically 30–45 minutes per session for Year 1 children, building to 60 minutes as the exam approaches.
We work on all three components of the 7+: mathematics, English, and reasoning. We also help parents understand what the schools are looking for and how to support their child's learning at home without creating anxiety. Our experience spans the schools listed above and we know the specific formats and marking emphases of each.
For families considering both 7+ and 11+ entry, we can discuss the most effective long-term preparation strategy across both assessments. Many families find that strong early foundations built for the 7+ pay significant dividends at 11+. See our 11+ tuition page and our school guides at Highgate, City of London Girls, and North London Collegiate.
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Book a Free ConsultationWhat age is the 7+ exam?
The 7+ exam is sat by children in Year 2, typically at age 6–7. Assessments usually take place in January or February of the Year 2 academic year, for entry into Year 3 at the start of the following September. Some schools have an 8+ entry point (Year 4 intake) which follows a similar format but with a higher difficulty level — check individual school websites for exact arrangements.
How competitive is the 7+ exam?
The 7+ is among the most competitive of all school entrance assessments. At schools like Highgate and North London Collegiate Junior, several applicants compete for each available place. The challenge is compounded by the young age of candidates: children who have had early academic enrichment, strong reading habits, and structured reasoning exposure are at a significant advantage over those who have not. Specialist preparation makes a measurable difference at this level.
What subjects are tested in the 7+?
Most 7+ assessments test mathematics, English (reading and writing), and verbal and/or non-verbal reasoning. Some schools also include a group activity or short informal interview session. The specific format varies by school — Highgate, City of London, and NLCS Junior each have their own assessment structure. Your tutor can advise on the exact requirements for your target school.
How can Leading Tuition help with 7+ preparation?
Our 7+ tutors are specialists in working with young children. They combine structured academic preparation with age-appropriate teaching methods — keeping sessions engaging and building confidence rather than anxiety. We cover mathematics, English, and reasoning, and advise parents on how to support learning at home. For families targeting multiple schools or planning ahead to 11+, we can help design a long-term preparation strategy that builds strong foundations from an early age. Book a free consultation to discuss your child's situation.
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