7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam)
What is the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam)?
The 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) is an entrance exam for independent schools, taken at the end of Year 2. It is a selective process used by schools to identify the best-fitting students for entry into Year 3. Many independent schools in the UK hold the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam). Students may need to register for the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) for Year 3 entry in advance, usually starting from October of Year 1.
Is the 7 Plus Exam (7+exam) Exam Competitive?
Yes, the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) is definitely competitive.
First of all, UK independent schools have very limited places available for each year's entry. On average, there are usually 7-15 applicants competing for one available place.
Secondly, the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) is typically the first entrance exam that students will take in their academic lives. For most independent schools in the UK, the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) consists of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning. Given the limited time, students need to demonstrate their academic ability under significant pressure.
Additionally, for the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) at many independent schools, students are also required to attend interviews and participate in small group activities, where they need to showcase their communication and teamwork skills.
In short, the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) is designed to assess students’ overall abilities.
What does the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) look like?
The 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) consists of a written test and an interview. The written test has four parts: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning.
Maths:
Students will need to reach the expected level of the Year 2 national curriculum. To excel in the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) maths test, students should be prepared to tackle more intricate, multi-step word problems that require a demonstration of their comprehension and reasoning skills. Mental arithmetic will be evaluated, whether through written or verbal expressions. The key to effective preparation is dedicating a bit of time each day. This daily consistency will help students retain the knowledge they acquire. Given the extensive content to cover, it is equally crucial to periodically review and revisit previously learned concepts.
English:
A significant emphasis in the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) English test is placed on comprehension skills. Fluent reading is of utmost importance, as it is essential for swiftly and accurately processing text within the allocated time frame. Building a rich vocabulary is also crucial, which can be achieved through the creation of a glossary to understand new words and their meanings. Ideally, the student’s reading ability should surpass their actual age by at least two years, well exceeding the national average.
The subsequent component under scrutiny is a written task, typically involving story writing, though it may encompass various genres. Past tasks have included diary entries and letter writing, so it’s advisable to be prepared for diverse writing styles. Mastery in this area requires extensive practice. Schools are looking for students who can exhibit creativity and imagination in their writing. It’s evident when a student has merely memorized content, whereas a child who can write freely and in their unique style stands out.
Being an enthusiastic reader undoubtedly provides an advantage. Reading is the primary means of exposing children to a world of imaginative ideas. Through reading, children also encounter well-structured sentences that they can incorporate into their own stories. The stories they read introduce a variety of adjectives and adverbs that can enhance their writing. The use of diverse sentence openers, similes, and personification are all writing techniques closely observed during the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) English test. Accurate spelling is another critical element. Students should be capable of spelling all the Year 3 and Year 4 spelling words, as well as the 200 high-frequency words, before sitting for the test.
Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning:
The majority of independent schools typically do not administer a distinct examination solely focused on verbal and non-verbal reasoning in the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam). Instead, they might incorporate problem-solving questions within the maths paper that emphasize pattern recognition, close scrutiny of symbols and figures, and the identification of anomalies or differences. In the English paper, verbal reasoning may also come into play, evaluating a student’s capacity to work with words, including comprehension, grammar, decoding skills, and vocabulary.
It is important to clarify that non-verbal reasoning does not assess reading skills; rather, it evaluates a child’s ability to recognize and interpret visual images. Schools that assess non-verbal reasoning as a separate component often do so to gain insights into a child’s potential academic performance. While schools are often reluctant to provide sample papers or questions for non-verbal reasoning, there are activities and games available that can help students cultivate their problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
Interview:
Several questions will arise during the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) interview, with topics varying depending on the independent school. The interviewer's primary focus is to evaluate the candidate's communication skills and assess their suitability for the school. To gauge a candidate's compatibility, interviewers will closely observe their ability to express thoughts, emotions, and opinions openly and fluently in response to questions. They will look for answers that go beyond brief, one-word responses, as these offer insights into the child's individual perspectives and sentiments. Candidates who can elaborate on their responses and provide reasons will effectively convey their personality and demonstrate strong communication abilities.
How to prepare for the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam)?
For the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) Maths test, most competitive schools will include questions that go beyond the national average for Year 2 students. Mental arithmetic forms the basis of most papers and may be tested in both verbal and written forms. Therefore, regular practice is essential for students.
In the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) English test, the main focus is on comprehension and story-writing skills. Students should develop a habit of reading and apply solid techniques and vocabulary to their creative writing. Practicing writing 5-10 lines a day on topics of interest can be beneficial. Additionally, regular diction practice can help students memorize more vocabulary.
For the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) verbal and non-verbal reasoning test, students can strengthen their logic abilities by doing puzzles and word games, such as Sudoku, jigsaws, and scribble.
In preparation for the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) interviews, students can prepare answers to common questions about themselves and their family. Learning about interview etiquette will also help them remain confident and polite during the process.
To help students become more familiar with the 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam), it is also advisable to take several mock exams before the actual Exam day.
Independent Schools with 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam) Entry:
- St. Paul’s Junior School
- City of London School Junior
- James Allen Girls' Junior School
- Latymer Prep School
- Highgate Lower School
- King’s College School Wimbledon Junior
- Dulwich College Junior
- Alleyn’s Junior School
- Westminster Under School
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