What is the 7+ exam? A clear guide for parents
What the 7+ exam is, who sits it, when it happens, what it tests and how to prepare at home without stress. A plain-English guide for Year 1 and Year 2 parents.
The Pebble Prep team · Updated · 4 min read
Quick answer
The 7+ is the entrance assessment many UK independent schools use for a Year 3 place. Children usually sit it in Year 2, aged 6 or 7, often between October and January. Most schools test English and maths, and some add reasoning, a group activity or a short meeting. Every school sets its own format.
Key points
- The 7+ is for entry into Year 3 at an independent school, usually sat in Year 2.
- English and maths are the core; some schools add verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
- Formats vary: written papers, on-screen tests or activity sessions.
- Registration often closes months before the assessment, so check dates early.
- Short, regular practice at home works better than long sessions for 6-year-olds.
In this guide
Who sits the 7+?
The 7+ is for children in Year 2 who are applying for a Year 3 place at an independent school. Most children are 6 when they start preparing and 7 by the time they sit it. Some schools call it a Year 3 entry assessment or a 7+ assessment day, but it is the same stage.
Children may sit the 7+ for more than one school. Each school runs its own process, so a child can have two or three assessments in the same term.
When is the 7+ exam?
Most 7+ assessments take place between October and January of Year 2. A few schools assess earlier in the autumn term. Registration usually closes well before the assessment, sometimes in the summer of Year 1, so the deadline that matters first is the registration date, not the exam date.
What does the 7+ test?
Schools design their own papers, but most cover the same ground.
| Area | What it usually looks like |
|---|---|
| English | Reading a short passage and answering questions, spelling, punctuation and a short piece of writing. |
| Maths | Number and place value, adding and subtracting, early multiplication, shape, measures, time and money. |
| Reasoning (some schools) | Word puzzles, patterns, sequences and picture-based problems. |
| Activities (some schools) | Group tasks or a short conversation to see how a child thinks and joins in. |
Our guide to 7+ verbal and non-verbal reasoning covers the reasoning questions in more detail.
What format is the 7+?
Formats differ from school to school. Some use written papers, some use on-screen tests, and some use activity-based sessions. Many schools publish a short description of their approach, which is worth reading before you choose how to practise.
Because formats differ, it helps to practise in a style close to the one your child will see. Seven Plus Steps uses four paper styles, A to D, and matches your chosen schools to a style where our school research supports it.
How to prepare for the 7+ at home
At this age, preparation works best when it is short, regular and calm. A few focused sessions a week, built around reading, number work and some practice papers, usually beats long weekend sessions.
- Know your dates. Registration deadline and assessment date for each school.
- Build the basics. Daily reading together and quick number practice.
- Practise the format. Use practice papers in the style your schools use, with answers to check together.
- Keep it light. Stop while your child is still enjoying it, and praise effort, not scores.
If you are not sure when to begin, read when to start preparing for the 7+.
What are schools looking for?
Schools are generally looking for curiosity, a solid grasp of early English and maths, and the ability to listen, follow instructions and have a go. A calm, confident child who is used to the format will show what they can do far better than one who has been drilled and is anxious.
Questions parents ask
Is the 7+ exam hard for a Year 2 child?
It is designed for Year 2 children, so the content is not beyond them, but the format can be new. Familiar practice in a similar style helps children feel at ease on the day.
Can my child sit the 7+ exam for more than one school?
Yes. Each school runs its own assessment, so many children sit two or three in the same term.
Do all schools test verbal or non-verbal reasoning at 7+?
No. English and maths are the core at most schools. Some add verbal or non-verbal reasoning, so check each school's admissions page.
Can a 7+ preparation programme guarantee a school place?
No. No programme can guarantee a place. Good preparation helps your child feel calm and show what they can do.
Get 7+ practice papers in your school's style
Printable papers every week, with full answers and parent notes. Included in the Seven Plus Steps pass, from £179.10 per child.
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