In this guide, Keystone's experienced 7 plus tutor Kathleen, breaks down everything you need to know about the 7 plus exam, from exam structure to key preparation tips based on your child's age, so your child can approach the exam with confidence.
What is the 7 Plus Exam?
The 7 plus exam is designed for children who are in Year 2, typically around the age of six or seven. These exams are usually held in the January of their Year 2 school year and are used to assess the readiness and suitability of students for admission in Year 3 to their chosen school.
The 7 plus entry assessments will vary from school to school so it is important to find out how your chosen school will conduct their assessments. Most schools, however, will evaluate children based on their fundamental skills in reading, writing, and maths, typically through English and Maths papers. While some schools may incorporate assessments in verbal and non-verbal reasoning, these are less common.
This guide aims to explain:
- Format of the 7 Plus exam
- 7 Plus Maths
- 7 Plus English:
o Reading Comprehension
o Story Writing
o Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar - 7 Plus Reasoning
- How can I prepare my child for the 7 plus exam?
- How competitive is the 7 plus?
- What does a school look for at 7 plus?
- 7 Plus Interviews
- Do I need a tutor for 7+ Preparation?
Format of the 7 Plus Exam
Whilst the exact format of the 7 plus exam varies between schools, it typically involves an assessment in English and Maths, and, in some instances a separate assessment in Reasoning. Most 7 Plus assessments are paper-based and sat in person at the school a child is applying to. However, some schools, such as Bute House, do include an online assessment as a part of their entrance procedure. Some of the more competitive schools, such as Bute House and City of London Girls, have multi-staged admissions process requiring applicants to sit an initial assessment in advance of the main 7 Plus exam or assessment day.
Although the format of the exam can be different from school to school, the content is typically broken down in to the following parts:
- A maths paper (mainly based around the four number operations)
- A writing element
- A comprehension element
7 Plus Maths Exam
The expectations for 7 Plus Maths are that the child should be familiar with the whole of the KS1 mathematics curriculum and sometimes beyond (although exams are sat before the end of the academic year). The 7 Plus exam will last for between 30 and 40 minutes and children need to be familiar with mental and written calculation methods for the four number operations and have a good working knowledge of their times tables. It is also useful for them to have experience with word problems and exposure to typical mathematical vocabulary. Although you should consult the KS1 of the National Curriculum, schools do also set out the topics they assess and therefore expect students to be familiar with. An example of such a school is St Paul’s Junior School who share a detailed maths syllabus upon which their 7 Plus examination is set.
In broad terms, students should be familiar with the following topics:
- Counting, properties of numbers and number sequences
- Understanding addition and subtraction: Rapid recall of addition and subtraction facts, Mental calculation strategies for addition and subtraction
- Understanding multiplication and division: Rapid recall of multiplication and division facts, Mental calculation strategies for multiplication and division
- Place value and ordering
- Estimating and rounding
- Fractions
- Money and measures
- Shapes and space (2D shapes)
- Problem Solving
7 Plus English Exam
The expectations for 7 Plus English are that the child should be familiar with the whole of the KS1 curriculum and sometimes beyond (although exams are sat before the end of the academic year). Children need to be able to read fluently and answer comprehension questions in full sentences. They are also expected to be able to write at least half an A4 page composition with a clear beginning, middle and end story structure. They are expected to use simple sentence punctuation as well as descriptive vocabulary. They should also be familiar with spelling patterns up to the end of the KS1 spelling lists and sometimes beyond.
7 Plus English examinations assess the following areas:
Reading Comprehension
Applicants are required to read and understand an age-appropriate passage, which could be fiction or non-fiction. Candidates will be expected to understand the text and be able to answer questions about it. They will be required to write in full sentences when supplying their answers. The types of questions they are likely to be asked are as follows:
- Age-appropriate and beyond age-appropriate word meaning
- Literal questions (i.e. questions that require students to identify the answers directly from the text)
- Reasoning Questions (i.e. questions that require students to deduce, infer or interpret information, events, or ideas from texts)
Story Writing:
Candidates are typically asked to complete an extended piece of creative writing. They are given between 25 and 35 minutes to complete this. They are normally presented with a choice of two to four titles, one of which may follow on from or relate to the text used for the comprehension. Sample titles include:
- My favourite holiday
- My first day at school
- The long journey
Schools typically want to see a story with:
- A clear beginning, middle and end
- Good use of language, including adjectives, adverbs, connectives, sentence openers and similes
- Good use of the 5 senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste
- Good (and interesting!) vocabulary
- Good spelling, punctuation and grammar
Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar:
Some schools also set separate spelling punctuation and grammar tests. An example of such a school is Westminster Cathedral Choir School
7 Plus Reasoning Exam
Whilst the majority of schools don't assess reasoning separately at the 7 Plus level, some do, such as King’s College School, Wimbledon. Most schools include reasoning questions in both the English and Maths papers in the following forms:
English
- Verbal reasoning appears within most English 7 Plus papers
- Students are required to understand age-appropriate and beyond age-appropriate vocabulary
- Students should also be able to decode and comprehend words in context
Maths – Non-Verbal Reasoning appears in 7 Plus Maths papers in the form of questions requiring students to:
- Identify patterns and complete series
- Identify codes and complete series
- Spot similarities
- Spot the odd one out
- Complete basic matrices
Reasoning, especially Non-Verbal Reasoning, will be a very new skill to most 7 Plus applicants and as such familiarisation with the types of questions they might encounter is crucial.
In addition to the above, we would recommend that parents:
- Encourage reading, as this helps to build vocabulary
- Play word games at home, such as Bananagrams
- Set them word related challenges such as anagrams, word searches, spelling lists
How Can I Prepare my Child for the 7 Plus Exam?
Preparing your child for the 7 Plus exam requires a structured and supportive approach that focuses on developing their skills and confidence. Regardless of when you start preparing, remember that every child is different, so tailor your approach to suit your child's learning style and pace. Be patient, understanding and supportive throughout the preparation process.
Preparation Starting in Reception (2 years ahead)
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) national curriculum uses a holistic approach to support each child’s individual development. Parents can build on the skills and activities their children are learning in school. There is not a time pressure at this stage leading up to the 7 Plus exams for students to progress rapidly. The EYFS curriculum states “children develop and learn at different rates.” If you recognise areas where your child might be slower to progress, you can support this development through additional activities at home.
- Physical Development: Engage is a range of activities to build their gross motor coordination (walking, skipping, running) and fine motor skills (hand and finger muscles). Gross motor skills can include things like dance classes, sports practice and riding a bike. Fine motor muscles are strengthened through physical manipulation like building with Lego, using play dough, gardening and stirring food while cooking or baking.
- Mathematics: Count everything! Find opportunities in daily life to count with your child (setting the table, at the grocery store, while travelling). Look for recognisable shapes (square, rectangle, circle, triangle) wherever you are. Spot patterns (number, shape, letter) in the world around you.
- Literacy: Daily reading is essential for all students. This can be through shared reading, audio books, or your child listening to you as you read. Be sure to pause regularly and ask questions about the plot or characters. Ask them to predict what might happen next and why they think this. Give children lots of opportunities to ‘write’. This can include anything from holding a pen to ‘make marks’ on a page to printing their name. Developing the fine motor muscles to write takes time and is done through a wide range of activities.
- Communication & Language: Read everything out loud (book, signs in shops, box labels, etc). When reading a story, track the words with your finger so your child begins to connect the alphabet symbols to sounds and words on the page. Model answering questions in full sentences. Sing children’s songs (on repeat) so they can listen and match the sounds, inflection and tempo.
- Expressive Arts & Design: Embrace the messy and imaginative! Give children opportunities to explore art, music, dance and drama through imaginative play. You can offer everyday objects found around the house for them to use in building and creating. A box of clean recyclables can fill an afternoon as children use their imaginations to design structures. On a walk outside, collecting fallen leaves, nuts, etc which can be used for a 3D art collage. Encourage their role-play: both realistic and imaginary.
Preparation Starting in Year 1 (12-18 months ahead)
Year 1 is generally a good time to shift the focus to 7 Plus examination preparation. Keep in mind that there are huge leaps in learning done throughout year 1. At the start of the year, most students work from oral and modelled instructions; they would struggle to access a ‘written test’.
7 Plus entry exams tend to focus on English and Mathematics skills, so this is the time to ensure your child has a strong foundation in basic skills. Help them form a daily reading habit and try to foster a love for reading. This can include reading aloud for ten minutes to you, spending time reading independently or even listening to audiobooks. Regular reading not only improves vocabulary but also enhances comprehension skills and creative ideas. You can also practise writing short stories or completing daily journal entries to encourage a build-up of written skills. There are plenty of word games, problem solving puzzles and fun activities you can do at home which will help build these foundational skills as well as being really enjoyable at the same time!
If you feel there are gaps in your child’s learning or that they need extra support, consider hiring a tutor or enrolling them in a programme designed for the 7 Plus exam. Create a balanced schedule and build in habits that include short and snappy regular learning sessions, breaks and time for creative activities, hobbies and play.
In the summer term (from May of year 1 onwards), you can introduce past exam papers and sample questions to familiarise your child with the exam format. This will help them understand the types of questions which could be asked as well as working on their time management skills. They still have plenty of time to develop these test-taking skills, so use this introduction as an opportunity to see how they respond to the time pressure.
While the bulk of the focus is now on building from the foundations of English and Mathematics, children successful in their entrance exams will usually have to do an interview as well. Continue to encourage the EYFS listening and speaking skills through discussions about a range of topics. You can conduct mini mock interviews at home to help your child feel more confident and comfortable in such settings as well as having informal conversations around the kitchen table at home to encourage more detailed answers.
Preparation Starting in Year 2 (4-6 month ahead)
When starting 7 Plus preparation in Year 2, the priority is on curriculum coverage. These exams usually test against the markers for the ‘end of year 2’ skills, but the exams are written only 4-5 months into the school year. Depending on their current school curriculum coverage, there may be quite a bit of content which needs to be taught.
You can use past papers and practice books (such a Bond or Schofield & Sims) to assess your child’s current knowledge and then work systematically to introduce new concepts and skills. If there are aspects of the curriculum you feel less confident with, this could be the right time to bring in a tutor to supplement the work you are doing or find a programme designed for the 7 Plus exam.
Alongside content, children need to get used to working for a sustained duration and under a time pressure. Sticking to a consistent routine will be vital in building your child’s stamina and confidence leading up to the examinations. Exam days can be stressful as children are in an unfamiliar environment, with people they do not know. It can feel like a very long day.
Throughout the exam preparation process, encourage your child's efforts and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Avoid putting too much pressure on them and remember that this will most likely be their first experience of a more formal exam setting which understandably, can feel very daunting. Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep, eats nutritious meals, engages in physical activities and still has lots of time to enjoy their hobbies and friends. A healthy lifestyle contributes significantly to cognitive abilities.
Remember that every child is different, so tailor your approach to suit your child's learning style and pace. Be patient, understanding and supportive throughout the preparation process.
Keystone Tutor Abigail gives her top tips for 7 Plus exam preparation
"Look for opportunities to prepare in everyday activities. For example, if preparing your child for a dictation element, be sure to play audiobooks while they're in the car or during down time at home. Play games like Bananagrams and hangman to help with their spelling.
Turn as much of the preparation as you can into a game; times tables practice and number bonds can be made a lot more fun by incorporating then into a ball game.”
How competitive is the 7 Plus?
The competitiveness of the 7 Plus exam will vary based on the school itself, its location, its academic standing and the cohort taking the exam. In areas with high demand for prep school placements, the 7 Plus exam can be highly competitive due to the limited number of available spots. The number of applicants often exceeds the available places, meaning the selection process can be challenging. However, the level of competition will differ among schools.
What does a school look for at 7 Plus?
When assessing students for 7 Plus entry, schools will be looking for a number of qualities and skills that indicate a child's readiness to join them in Year 3. Some key attributes schools often look for include strong foundational skills in English and Maths, an enthusiasm for learning, good communication skills, the ability to work well with others and a curious, inquisitive nature. Additionally, schools will also look at a child's social and emotional development, looking for qualities such as resilience, adaptability and a positive attitude towards challenges. 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. Being well-rounded and demonstrating a genuine passion for learning and exploration are qualities that make a 7 Plus candidate stand out to schools.
7 Plus Interviews and Assessment Days
Preparing a child for a 7 Plus interview involves focusing on their communication, confidence and reasoning skills. We suggest parents regularly engage in open-ended conversations to help your child articulate their ideas and expand on answers. During the interview, children might face questions about their family, interests and opinions, as well as hypothetical or comprehension questions. Interviewers want to gain insight into a child’s personality, thought processes and ability to engage.
For further details read our Guide to 7 Plus Interview Questions and Assessment Days.
Do I need a tutor for 7 Plus Preparation?
Additional tutoring for 7 Plus preparation is a carefully considered question by many parents. There are a few key factors to consider whether tutoring would be beneficial for your specific circumstances.
Preparing for examinations is a multi-faceted process. The school will be teaching new material and revising previous knowledge, the parents need to reinforce and support home practice of skills, and a tutor can fill in any gaps of knowledge and focus on exam techniques. The student can make solid progress when all three facets are in continual communication and working towards the same goal.
Children write the 7 Plus exams a few months into year 2. But they will potentially face questions based on the end of KS1 (end of year 2) material. For those currently in state school, this means they will likely not have covered some of the topics or skills being assessed. Independent schools tend to work slightly ahead of the national curriculum speed, and so these students are more likely to have been exposed to the full range of the curriculum before sitting exams.
As a parent, be realistic about the time you have available to spend working with your child. Little and often is the ideal pace of preparation for exams, so 20 minutes a day in addition to daily reading is ideal in the build-up during year 1. As the student starts year 2, incorporating some longer 45-minute sessions for practice papers will help to build their focus and endurance.
Consider your knowledge of the curriculum and the expectations of what answers should look like on the page. As adults, we often forget the early steps to something like subtraction which makes it challenging to help students who are still in those early stages. If you are familiar with the terminology and methods used by the school, then you will likely be able to support your child through 7 Plus preparation. If there are some gaps in your ‘year 2 curriculum knowledge’, then a tutor can help to fill in these holes.
A final consideration is about your relationship with your child. The 7 Plus exams can be stressful time for parents as well as children. Some children are real ‘people-pleasers’ and are eager to perform their best for whomever asks. Other children need a stricter process with clear boundaries and consequences. Sometimes it is easier to have an external person (ie. a tutor) who is setting the work and the expectations so the parent can maintain a positive relationship and avoid passing along any of their stress or anxiety to their child in the process.
If you are considering tutoring, then 12-18 months is an ideal length of time to build steadily towards 7 Plus examinations. This time allows for topics to be introduced in a more in-depth manner with exploration of language and skills to embed a real foundational knowledge. Keystone Tutors have a number of highly experienced 7 Plus tutors who can help with exam and interview preparation. For more details on how Keystone can help prepare your child for the 7 Plus, please call the office for a chat with one of our client managers, or contact us via our request a tutor form.