What are the 8+ 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 8+ examinations are the assessments that happen during Year 3 in order to gain entry to these schools.
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.
8+ 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
Dulwich College: 8+ Sample Mathematics Questions
King’s College Junior School: 8+ Mathematics Specimen Paper
Solihull School: 8+ Mathematics Sample Paper 1
Solihull School: 8+ Mathematics Sample Paper 2
St Mary’s School Cambridge: 8+ Mathematics Sample Paper
Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 8+ Specimen Mathematics Paper 1
Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 8+ Specimen Mathematics Paper 2
English Past Papers
Dulwich College Junior School: 8+ English Assessment – Comprehension
King’s College Junior School: 8+ English Specimen Paper
Solihull School: 8+ English Sample Paper 1
Solihull School: 8+ English Sample Paper 2
Cathedral Choir School: 8+ Specimen English Paper 1 – Comprehension and Composition
Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 8+ Specimen English Paper 2 – Comprehension and Composition
Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 8+ Specimen English Paper 1 – Punctuation
Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 8+ Specimen English Paper 2 – Punctuation
Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 8+ Specimen English Paper 1 – Spelling
Westminster Cathedral Choir School: 8+ Specimen English Paper 2 – Spelling
St Mary’s School Cambridge: 8+ English Sample Paper – Creative Writing
English and Maths Past Papers
Magdalen College Junior School: 8+ English and Mathematics Sample Paper
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