The Ultimate 7+ Exam Guide
Your Path to Success
The 7+ entrance exam is a key milestone in the process of gaining admission to some of the UK’s most prestigious independent prep schools.
This selective test, designed for children aged 6 to 7, typically takes place at some point in Year 2 (usually between November to January) in preparation for September entry in Year 3.
The 7+ admissions process can be nerve-wracking for all so early preparation is recommended and there are many things you can do to help your child to feel confident on the day.
Overview of the 7+ Exam: What to Expect
English Written Test
The English section is made up of two parts: a comprehension exercise and a creative writing task.
- Comprehension: This section consists of a short passage, often taken from a well-known children’s book or sometimes from a recent event or speech. Following the passage, children will be asked a series of questions to assess their understanding. This section checks their ability to grasp key ideas, make inferences, and apply correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The comprehension exercise usually takes around 20 minutes.
- Creative Writing: After completing the comprehension, students move on to the creative writing section. They will be asked to write a story based on a theme related to the passage they just read. This section tests their ability to construct a well-organised narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and to use varied vocabulary and correct grammar. This part also typically takes 20 minutes.
English Dictation Test
The dictation test is used by some schools and is designed to assess the child’s listening and transcription skills. A passage is read aloud by the examiner or played via a recording, and children must write it down accurately, paying attention to punctuation, spelling, and grammar. This test ensures the child can transcribe what they hear correctly, including using capital letters, commas, full stops, and other key punctuation marks. It typically lasts no longer than 15 minutes.
Mathematics Exam
The maths section generally lasts between 45 and 50 minutes, with questions based on the Year 2 curriculum. The exam tests the child’s ability to solve problems, work with numbers, and apply reasoning skills.
Topics may include:
- Mental arithmetic
- Word problems
- Basic fractions
- Money calculations
- 2-D shapes
- Measurements and basic geometry
Children should be ready for a variety of problem types, from simple calculations to more complex word problems.
Reasoning Test
While not all schools include a reasoning section, some will assess verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills. This section challenges the child’s ability to think logically, solve puzzles, and spot patterns.
- Verbal Reasoning: This includes tasks like word puzzles, identifying patterns in number sequences, and solving logic problems that require a verbal or mathematical solution.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: This part focuses on visual patterns and shapes, such as spotting the odd one out in a set of images, completing image sequences, or solving spatial reasoning puzzles.
Some schools combine both verbal and non-verbal reasoning into one test, while others may split them into separate sections.
7+ Exam timetable
For schools with a January intake, the exam will often be held in the autumn term of Year 2, while schools with an autumn intake may schedule the exam in the spring term of Year 2.
It is important to check the specific dates for each of the schools, as these can vary.
The structure of the 7+ exam can vary depending on the school, but below is a general idea of how the day may unfold:
English Written Exam
Break
English Dictation
Mathematics
Break
Reasoning
Ready to Get Started?
By understanding the different sections of the 7+ exam, you can better support your child in their preparation. With a mix of academic and reasoning skills being tested, a balanced approach to studying will help them feel confident on exam day.
