What are the 7+ Examinations?

While some parents wait until the end of Year 6 to move to a secondary school, others may choose to move them earlier, particularly if you are considering moving your child from a state primary school to an independent preparatory school. These schools primarily admit pupils at the beginning of Key Stage 2 and the 7+ examinations are the assessments that happen at the end of Year 2 in order to gain entry to these schools. ‘At this age, schools feel that they can reasonably accurately assess children’s ability, and so most select on the basis of academic ability at this point. If children are any younger than this, it’s harder to predict their suitability for that school,’ states Susan Hamlyn, director of The Good Schools Guide Advice Service.

What is tested?

The admissions process varies from school to school, however usually the tests will involve English and mathematics. Some schools also include a reasoning test too, which can include both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. They can be written or computer-based tests. As with other entrance stages, schools often ask for a report from the child’s current school and those that pass the examination, will often be asked back for an interview.

When do the examinations take place?

7+ examinations usually take place early on in the Spring term of Year 2, for entry into Year 3 the following September.

7+ Past Papers

Some schools publish their past papers which are freely available to download. We have provided links to some of these past papers below. Please note that schools do change their examination format, so ensure you check the school’s website for the latest guidelines.

Maths Past Papers

Bancroft’s Preparatory School: 7+ Mathematics Sample Paper

North London Collegiate Junior School: 7+ Mathematics Specimen

King’s College School Wimbledon: 7+ Mathematics Specimen

Solihull Junior School Maths Sample Paper 1

Solihull Junior School Maths Sample Paper 2

St Mary’s School Cambridge: 7+ Mathematics Sample Paper

Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 7+ Specimen Mathematics Paper

English Past Papers

King’s College School Wimbledon English

North London Collegiate Junior School – Sample story and comprehension papers

Solihull Junior School English Sample Paper 1

Solihull Junior School English Sample Paper 2

St Mary’s School Cambridge: 7+ English Sample Paper- Creative Writing

Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 7+ English Specimen Paper – Comprehension and Composition

Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 7+ English Specimen Paper – Punctuation

Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 7+ English Specimen Paper – Spelling

Magdalen College Junior School: 7+ English and Mathematics Sample Paper