Frequently Asked Questions

The 7 Plus admission exam is for independent fee-paying schools and it is taken during Year 2, for enrolment in September of Year 3.

Yes, but keep in mind that each school will follow its own protocol, so be sure to enquire about this beforehand. Every school typically requires a filled-out registration form and a registration fee.

The school must have some type of criteria because, from their perspective, they are virtually always oversubscribed. Fortunately, the exams cover material that pupils would typically learn in class, and schools are mostly understanding of their age.

This exam is extremely competitive for several reasons and is comparable to the 11 Plus entrance exam. For instance, competition for positions can be extremely severe in cities like London, where schools sometimes receive up to 10 candidates per place (or even more).

The 7+ exam is not hard if your child is properly prepared. Only five to ten percent of children get places during the 7 plus, so it is very competitive. Most schools treat it as an informal chat, where they get to know your child’s knowledge, abilities, and personality, ensuring they are a perfect fit for their school.

In some form or another, Mathematics and all components of English (including spelling, comprehension, and dictation) are tested in every school. The National Curriculum levels for their age are often the highest levels of testing that the school will allow, but that does not make the test any less challenging. Also, some schools may include verbal- and non-verbal reasoning.

The short answer is no, there is not really a preference stated. The purpose of the admission exam is to identify potential; thus, each child is assessed separately but typically in light of their exam results.

Students can start preparing for their 7+ assessments from Year 1 with daily reading, fifteen minutes of maths activities, and playing word games. These activities, along with effective tutoring can help children build the skills they will be assessed on.

Tutoring should start in the January, while your child is in Reception. This gives them time to assimilate to a school environment. Starting at this point, your child is a year ahead by the time they take their 7+ exams.

We recommend using practice papers, mock exam, and feedback, helping children manage their time effectively. For children that struggle to focus, do not force them into an interview scenario, always factor in tutoring breaks, encouraging them to learn and prepare.

The cost of a private tutor in the UK varies depending on the subject your child needs help with, along with the tutors experience. On average, you can expect to pay between £20 and £40 per hour for the tuition. Contact us directly to confirm our hourly rate based on your child's 7+ tuition requirements.

Without a doubt, maths tutors are definitely worth it, providing your child with the confidence they need when working out different mathematical questions. The one-on-one tutoring sessions focus on your child's weaknesses, helping them understand maths at their own pace.

The 7+ exam comprises of seven subjects, focusing on English and Maths. These subjects include story writing, comprehension, dictation, spelling, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Remember each school is different and some will assess all areas, where others focus on certain areas.

Exams can be stressful to children of all ages, especially if a parent is putting unnecessary stress on the child to perform well. This may happen without you realising it. Through effective preparation and practice, children will have the confidence to complete the exams. Focus on encouraging your child, hiring a one-on-one tutor, and ensuring that they eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of sleep.

We recommend your child has a session with their 7+ tutor up to two times weekly to achieve longer lasting results

The 7+ exam varies from one school to the next. When it comes to the English section of the exam, children will be asked to write a story. This can be their favourite holiday, or their first day at school. The maths section on the other hand tests their counting ability, problem solving, and mental calculations.

Children have adopted technology earlier than adults, this includes online tutoring. Online tutoring for the 7+ exams could be perfect for your child, enabling them to study in the comfort of their own home.

We find using mock exams very effective in preparing your child for their 7+ exams. Mock exams help children become familiar with the exam process from the timing to the types of questions they may have to answer. It helps them become accustomed to exam pressure and time constraints, boosting their confidence on exam day.

Most of our students will work with their tutor two to three times weekly, though we have seen some improvement with one session weekly. How soon you see progress is dependent on the child. Results take place over a period of time with most parents seeing significant improvements within a few months.

Children will be tested on punctuation, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, but it's also about how they present their ideas and how it relates to the question being asked, along with how descriptive their creative writing is. Skills should include creative writing and listening skills.

Motivation for 7+ preparation can be achieved by encouraging your child to set small and achievable goals. Setting goals provides clear direction, while improving confidence.

The goal of private tutoring is to provide the student with a competitive edge so that they may confidently take the 7 Plus exam. Furthermore, it will help your child perform better on the 7 Plus exam and help them prepare better for the interview because a private tutor will provide them with the proper guidance and teaching through engaging personalised one-on-one lessons.

Private tutoring focuses on the five basic skills that a school will typically look at, namely mathematics, English writing, reading, and conversing, as well as verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

In order to properly cover all the material, classes are usually two hours long. With 7 Plus Tutor, classes are offered throughout the year, seven days a week, and are presented online or in individualised, one-on-one sessions.

With 7 Plus Tutor, every student will be allowed to learn more about, comprehend, and hone the techniques that are necessary to participate in the 7 Plus exam with confidence. I offer a safe, DBS-checked learning environment for young students, and there is plenty of parking available outside, where parents can wait for their kids.

I recommend starting preparation for the 7 Plus exam at least 12 months before the exams take place. Normally I have a waiting list, so my suggestion is to contact me as soon as possible for availability and to book available slots for private tutoring.

I would recommend at least one session per week. Keep in mind that all books and/or learning materials must be bought by students and I will provide further guidance on this during our initial contact.

First, emphasise to your child that they are valuable individuals, regardless of the grades they have obtained. The exams are quite difficult, but make sure they understand that this ‘failure-event’ does not in any way define them as a ‘failed’ individual. If your child is not accepted, you should not let it serve as justification for evaluating your parenting or the child's direction poorly. There are many options for your young child's progress, and as an accomplished tutor, I can assist in placing your child on a successful path.