Originally, the 7+ was designed for girls who traditionally mature older than boys, for whom the 8+ was designed. Recently, some boys’ schools have started using both exams. We would recommend opting for the 8+ if your child is a slow developer, giving another year to grow in confidence and prepare for assessment. Remember that failure at this age can be damaging to confidence, so unless your child is a robust character trying the 7+ first may not be wise.
Children sit the 7+ in January of year 2 and the 8+ in January of year 3 to join a prep school in the following September. It is often a daunting time for parents because pressure on children at this early age can be stressful and schools are protective about their selection process at this stage. Below, we have outlined usual format of an assessment day as well as recommendations for what tutors should be doing and what your child can be doing for practice.
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Assessment day format
Most schools will invite students to sit paper-based assessment alongside a short interview. Only a small number of schools grant access to their past papers but it is worth using these for practice. Typically, students sit two exams, one in English and the other in Maths. Most 8+ English exams include English comprehension, a short creative writing piece as well as some grammar tasks. The Maths exam tends to focus on basic number operations. The tasks will have their roots in Key Stage 1 of the UK national curriculum. Some schools will also include a reasoning component.
Interviews at this stage will usually include a one on one chat with the Head and some group tasks. Generally, the form will be relaxed and cover topics such as a child’s hobbies and interests, both academic and extracurricular. The aim of an interview at this stage is to see how your child structures and communicates their thoughts and interacts with adults as well as their peers.
Tuition
We recommend that tutors start by reinforcing the primary literacy and numeracy curriculum being taught at school before looking to academically stretch students. Tutors should look to develop students’ abilities to sit examinations and the skills associated with being successful test takers during their lessons (e.g. time keeping, exam vocabulary and structuring their answers).
It is essential that tutoring at this level is carried out by someone with experience of the delivery and teaching methods of the primary curriculum, as many of the foundations for future learning are laid during these ages.
Practice
Students should practice as much as possible using the Bond English and Maths books, past papers which some schools will provide access to on their website and online testing websites like www.exampapersplus.co.uk. If your school does not prepare students for the 7/8+, your child is likely to be unfamiliar with tests of this nature so making sure they are as comfortable as possible with the concept is going to stand them in good stead.
Please don't hesitate to give us a call on 0207 602 5310 if you have any queries about the 7+ or 8+ or would like to arrange a tutor to provide some extra support.
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