The 7 Plus exam is an entrance assessment used by many academically selective prep schools to determine a child’s readiness for Year 3 entry. Children usually sit the exam in Year 2, when they are six or seven years old. The assessment is designed to evaluate a child’s academic potential, natural ability and learning behaviours across English, Maths, and Reasoning.
Although it may feel early for formal testing, the 7 Plus exam has become increasingly popular as families view it as an opportunity to secure places at leading prep schools without the added pressure of the Year 6 SATs and the more competitive 11+ assessments later on.
What Needs To Take It?
Children applying for entry into Year 3 at highly selective independent prep schools typically take the 7 Plus. These schools often seek pupils who demonstrate strong foundational skills, academic curiosity and the potential to thrive in an ambitious learning environment.
Which Schools Require the 7 Plus?
Many of London’s most competitive prep schools use 7 Plus exam papers and multi‑stage assessments as part of their admissions process. Examples include:
North London Collegiate School, Thomas’s Battersea, Kensington Prep, Glendower Prep, Falkner House, Wimbledon High, St Christopher’s School, Haberdashers’ Boys and Girls Schools.
Always check each school’s admissions page for their exact 7 Plus exam format, as content and expectations vary.
When Do 7 Plus Exams Take Place?
Most 7 Plus exams take place between October and January while the child is in Year 2, with January being the most common exam month for September entry.
What Is On The 7 Plus?
The content varies slightly between schools, but most 7 Plus exams assess core skills such as literacy, numeracy, reasoning and learning behaviours. Some schools also include dictation, mental arithmetic, collaborative tasks or creative activities.
English
The English component usually includes: Reading comprehension – extracting information, inference and vocabulary understanding
Creative writing – writing a story or description based on a prompt
Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
Dictation (common in competitive schools)
Schools look for children who can write clearly, structure ideas, use enriched vocabulary and answer questions in full sentences.
Maths
The 7 Plus maths exam papers typically include: Number bonds and place value
Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Times tables (usually 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10)
Word problems
Fractions and simple decimals
Time, money and shape
Data handling (tables and simple graphs)
Expect assessments to be slightly above Year 2 National Curriculum level, especially at the most selective schools.
Reasoning
More schools are now returning to using the reasoning exam because it displays your child’s learning potential. The contents of the reasoning exam are not on the national curriculum and so many parents feel they cannot help their child prepare adequately. This is where our tutors can help. Reasoning tests help schools evaluate natural cognitive ability, not just taught curriculum knowledge.
The reasoning exam is split into two parts:
Verbal
Puzzles, like identifying the missing word in a series of related words.
Analogy questions, spotting the relationship between two words and choosing a word that completes the analogy
Synonym and antonym questions.
Sorting words into categories based on shared characteristics.
Non-verbal
Pattern recognition tasks, paying attention to colours, sizes, angles and directions.
Riddles, sudokus and other word puzzles.
Spatial awareness tasks using Lego, jigsaw puzzles or even Rubik’s cubes.
Visual puzzles, interpreting diagrams or images.
Analysing the properties of different shapes and forms.
Reading information presented in graphs, tables, or charts.
7 Plus Interview
Many schools include an individual or small‑group 7 Plus interview.
These are usually informal and assess: communication skills, confidence, listening and focus, social interaction, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
Some schools also observe how children collaborate on group tasks or problem‑solving activities in a classroom‑style session.
Example 7 Plus Interview Questions
What do you enjoy most at school?
Can you tell me about a book you like and why?
What do you find challenging, and how do you approach it?
Who do you admire and why?
If you could invent something, what would it be?
How to Prepare for the 7 Plus
Preparing effectively for the 7 Plus exam is a gradual process. Because content often exceeds Year 2 expectations, early, consistent preparation helps build skills and confidence.
Children should practise: Reading regularly to build vocabulary, mental arithmetic and times tables, writing stories with structure, working through 7 Plus exam questions in short, manageable sessions and developing their reasoning skills using puzzles and patterns.
Past Papers
Many schools publish sample papers on their admissions pages. Here are some links to some past papers:
Kings College Wimbledon – Maths and English
North London Collegiate – Maths and English
Best 7 Plus Exam Books
Parents often find the following useful for structured preparation: Bond 7+ Books
CGP 7+ Practice Papers
Galore Park 7+ English & Maths
Schofield & Sims comprehension and mental maths
Atom Learning for adaptive online preparation
When to Use a Tutor
A tutor can be particularly helpful when: – A child needs to move beyond the Year 2 curriculum
– You want a structured, personalised learning plan
– Reasoning papers feel difficult to support at home
– Your child needs help with exam technique, timing or confidence
Tutors are also valuable for preparing children for 7 Plus interviews and for boosting communication and social skills, which many selective schools observe in group tasks.
Which schools require the 7 Plus?
Many academically selective prep schools use the 7 Plus exam for entry into Year 3. These include well‑known 7 Plus exam schools such as North London Collegiate, King’s College School Wimbledon, City of London School for Girls, Highgate, Bute House, and other highly competitive London prep schools. Each school sets its own assessment format, so it’s important to check individual admissions pages when preparing.
What is the best 7 Plus preparation?
The most effective 7 Plus preparation combines strong core skills (reading, mental maths, spelling, number fluency), regular practice with 7 Plus exam questions, and gradual exposure to 7 Plus exam papers under timed conditions. A “little and often” approach works best, supported by reading daily, building vocabulary, and practising reasoning puzzles to strengthen cognitive flexibility.
What is on the 7 Plus exam?
The 7 Plus exam typically assesses English, Maths, and Reasoning, with some schools also including dictation, mental arithmetic or creative tasks. English may include comprehension, creative writing, spelling and grammar. Maths usually covers number, the four operations, word problems, time, money and simple fractions. Reasoning can include both verbal and non‑verbal components. You can find examples in many 7 Plus exam books and past paper collections.
When do 7 Plus exams take place?
Most 7 Plus exams take place between October and January of Year 2, with January being the most common month. Some schools run a two‑stage process, with an initial assessment in the autumn followed by a second‑round interview or group activity.
Does my child need a tutor?
A tutor is not essential for everyone, but many families find that 7 Plus tutoring helps their child feel more confident, especially for competitive schools. A tutor can provide tailored teaching, identify gaps, introduce 7 Plus exam papers, and prepare children for newer areas like reasoning or the 7 Plus interview. Whether you use a tutor or not, consistent, structured preparation is key.
