Preparing for the 7+ exam

Preparing for the 7+ exam in London can be quite challenging, but with the right strategies, your child can perform their best. Here are some top tips to help your child succeed:

1. Understand the Exam Format

The 7+ exam typically covers:

• English (comprehension, writing, spelling, grammar)
• Maths (number operations, problem-solving, shapes, patterns)
• Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning (logical thinking and patterns)

Familiarize yourself with the specific format of the schools you’re applying to, as the tests can vary.

2. Start Early and Create a Study Plan

• Plan ahead and begin preparing well in advance, ideally 9–12 months before the exam.
• Break down topics and skills into manageable chunks.
• Include time for practice tests closer to the exam date.
• Balance revision with playtime to avoid burnout.

3. Focus on Core Skills

• Reading: Encourage daily reading. Ask questions about what they’ve read to build comprehension skills.
• Writing: Practice story writing and short descriptive writing. Focus on neat handwriting, structure (beginning, middle, end), and creativity.
• Maths: Work on problem-solving, mental arithmetic, and word problems. Make sure they understand basic concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Reasoning: Practice with verbal and non-verbal reasoning papers regularly, as these sections can be tricky

4. Practice Past Papers

• Access and practice past exam papers from schools or websites. This helps your child become familiar with the style of questions and improves time management.
• Work through timed mock exams to simulate the actual test environment.

5. Build Exam Confidence

• Time Management: Teach your child how to pace themselves during the exam. Help them identify which questions to spend more time on and which to leave for later.
• Understanding Instructions: Make sure they practice reading instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.
• Calm Exam Mindset: Practice mindfulness techniques or breathing exercises to help manage exam-day nerves.

6. Work on Weak Areas

Identify areas where your child struggles and spend extra time on them. If your child is stronger in maths but weaker in writing, dedicate more time to practicing creative writing and comprehension exercises.

7. Encourage Creative Writing

• Schools value original thinking and creativity. Encourage imaginative stories with interesting characters, and ensure that they follow a clear narrative.
• Focus on spelling, punctuation, and using a wide range of vocabulary.

8. Reasoning Skills: Practice Puzzles

• Reasoning tests can be improved by doing puzzles, Sudoku, and brain teasers. Try verbal reasoning practice questions that focus on word patterns and analogies.
• Non-verbal reasoning includes pattern recognition, so introduce them to geometric puzzles and spot-the-difference activities.

9. Build a Routine

• Create a daily study routine to help your child get into the habit of regular revision.
• Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and has a good night’s sleep leading up to the exam. A fresh, rested mind is essential for focus

10. Stay Positive and Supportive

• Ensure your child doesn’t feel too much pressure. Remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that each practice session is a chance to improve.
• Celebrate their progress and build their confidence by acknowledging their hard work and improvements.

If you are unsure if your child is ready to sit the 7 plus exams, reach out for an assessment. An expert will be able to tell you if they have a good chance of doing well at such a young age or if you should wait until they are older and to prepare for the 8+ or the 11+ instead. They will also be able to guide you on schools and the appropriate plan of action to take to get there.

With the right preparation and mindset, your child can approach the 7+ exam with confidence.