What is 8 Plus Exam (8+exam)?

The 8 Plus Exam (8+exam) is an entrance exam for independent schools, taken at the end of Year 3. This is an selective process for schools to sort out the best fitting students to for entry to their Year 4. Meanwhile most independent schools in the UK are holding 7 Plus Exam (7+exam), some of them will also provide Year 4 entry, holding 8 Plus Exam (8+exam). Students may need to register for 8 plus (8+) exams for Year 4 entry beforehand (usually from the October of their Year 2).

In the past, there was a historical distinction: boys would typically sit for 8+ entry, while girls would opt for 7+ entry. This practice was rooted in the traditional belief that boys tend to mature a bit later than girls at this stage. Assessing them at a later age allowed more time for them to develop and demonstrate their full potential.

Contemporary education options in the UK now include both 7 plus (7+) and 8 plus (8+) entry choices, offering parents flexibility in selecting the most suitable path for their child. Importantly, if a child applies for 7+ entry and is not accepted, they can reapply for the 8+ entry at the same school without diminishing their chances. The evaluation is fair and independent, considering changes in the child's abilities over a year. Parents must consider factors like their child's academic ability and exam readiness when choosing between the 7+ and 8+ entry options. This decision involves assessing the child's capacity to engage effectively with the entrance exam content and perform well in a testing environment.

8+ Maths:

Students will need to reach the expected level in national curriculum of Year 4. To excel in these 8 Plus Exam (8+exam) maths test, students should be ready to tackle more intricate, multi-step word problems that demand a demonstration of their comprehension and reasoning skills. Mental arithmetic will be evaluated, whether through written or verbal expressions. The key to effective preparation lies in 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.

8+ English:

The 8+ English exam in the UK is part of the admission process for private primary schools. Designed for eight-year-olds, it evaluates language skills such as reading, comprehension, and basic writing. The exam typically includes tasks like reading passages, answering questions, and completing writing exercises. It aims to assess a child's linguistic abilities and readiness for the school's English curriculum. Preparation involves practicing reading comprehension, writing skills, and linguistic understanding to ensure the child can effectively communicate and comprehend written material at an age-appropriate level. Success in the 8+ English exam contributes to the overall assessment of a child's suitability for the school.

8+ Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning:

The 8+ Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning exams in the UK assess cognitive abilities for admission into independent schools. Verbal Reasoning evaluates language skills, testing comprehension, pattern recognition, and logical deduction. Non-verbal Reasoning assesses problem-solving abilities through visual patterns, sequences, and spatial relationships. Both tests aim to measure a child's aptitude rather than subject-specific knowledge. These assessments are integral to the selective admission process, helping schools identify students with strong analytical and reasoning skills. The focus is on evaluating a child's capacity for logical thinking and problem-solving, contributing to the overall assessment of their suitability for the school's academic environment.

8+ Interview:

There will be several questions that come up in the 8 Plus Exam (8+exam) interview. The topics may vary from different independent schools. The interviewer’s assessment will primarily focus on evaluating the candidates’ communication skills and determining their suitability for the school. In order to gauge a candidate’s compatibility, interviewers will pay close attention to the candidate’s ability to express their thoughts, emotions, and opinions openly and fluently in response to inquiries. They will seek responses that go beyond brief, one-word answers, as these provide insight into the child’s individual perspectives and sentiments. Candidates who can elaborate on their responses and provide reasons will convey their personality effectively and demonstrate strong communication abilities.

Assessment:

January 10, 2024

Interview:

January 15, 2024--January 17, 2024

St. Paul's School

8 Plus(8+)

Assessment:

January 9, 2024

Interview:

January 15, 2024



Westminster School

8 Plus(8+)

Assessment:

January 2, 2024

Harrodian School

8 Plus(8+)

Assessment:

October 7, 2023

Interview:

October 12, 2023

King's College Junior School 8 Plus(8+)

Assessment:

January 8, 2024

Interview:

January 15, 2024

Alleyn's Junior School

9 Plus (9+)

Assessment:

December 2, 2023

Interview:

January 13, 2024

Dulwich College

9 Plus (9+)

Assessment:

October 6, 2023

Interview:

October 30, 2023



King's College School

9 Plus (9+)

Assessment:

December 9, 2023

Interview:

January 13, 2024

Whitgift School

10 Plus (10+)

Assessment:

January 6, 2024

Interview:

Late January, 2024

Kingston Grammar School

10 Plus (10+)

Assessment:

November 30, 2023

Interview&Home Visit:

January, 2024

City of London School

10 Plus (10+)