7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam)

What is 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 that helps schools identify the most suitable students for entry into Year 3. Many independent schools in the UK administer the 7 Plus Exam (7+ exam). Students typically need to register for the exam in advance, usually from October of Year 1.

Is 7 Plus Exam (7+ exam) Exam Competitive?

Yes, the 7 Plus Exam (7+ exam) is competitive, as it serves as an entry assessment for admission into prestigious independent schools in the UK. The exam evaluates a child's academic abilities in subjects like maths and English, aiming to identify those with strong foundational skills. As these schools often have limited spots, the competition among candidates is high. Parents often prepare their children for this exam through tutoring and practice materials to enhance their chances of success. Scoring well in the 7+ exam enhances a student's prospects of gaining admission to these sought-after institutions.

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 is divided into four parts: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning.

7+ Maths:

The 7+ Maths exam in the UK is part of the admissions process for private primary schools. Geared towards seven-year-olds, it assesses fundamental math skills such as arithmetic, problem-solving, and basic geometry. The exam typically includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions, aimed at evaluating a child's readiness for the school's curriculum. Preparation involves practicing mental arithmetic and understanding key mathematical concepts. Success in the 7+ Maths exam helps schools identify students with a strong foundation in math, ensuring a seamless transition into primary education.

7+ English:

The 7+ English exam in the UK is a standard assessment for entry into private primary schools. Geared towards seven-year-olds, the exam evaluates language skills such as reading, comprehension, and basic writing. It often includes tasks like reading comprehension exercises, sentence construction, and creative writing prompts. The aim is to gauge a child's linguistic abilities and readiness for the school's English curriculum. Preparation involves practicing reading, writing, and comprehension exercises to ensure students can effectively communicate and understand written material at an age-appropriate level. Success in the 7+ English exam contributes to the overall assessment of a child's suitability for the school.

7+ Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning:

The 7+ Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning exams in the UK assess cognitive abilities for entry into independent schools. Verbal Reasoning evaluates language skills through tasks such as identifying patterns and making logical deductions, testing a child's comprehension. Non-verbal Reasoning measures problem-solving abilities using visual patterns and spatial relationships. Both tests aim to identify a child's aptitude rather than specific subject knowledge. These assessments are crucial components of the selective admissions process, helping schools gauge a student's potential and suitability for their academic programs, with a focus on logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

7+ Interview:

There will be several questions that come up in the 7 Plus Exam (7+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.

How to Prepare for 7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam)?

7 Plus Exam (7+ Exam)

Maths Test: For the 7+ Maths test, most competitive schools include questions that go beyond the national average for Year 2 students. Mental arithmetic is a key component and may be tested in both verbal and written forms. Therefore, regular practice is essential.

English Test: The focus of the 7+ English test is on comprehension and story-writing skills. Students should cultivate a reading habit 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 with vocabulary retention.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning Tests: To strengthen logic abilities for the 7+ verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests, students can engage in puzzles and word games such as sudoku, jigsaws, and other similar activities.

Interviews: For the 7+ interview, students should prepare answers to questions about themselves and their family. Learning about interview etiquette will also help students remain confident and polite during the process.

To familiarize students with the 7+ Exam format, it is helpful to have several mock exams before the actual test day.