Free 8+ Exam Past Papers

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

Westminster 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