When should you start preparing for the 7+?
How early to start 7+ preparation, what to do in Year 1 and Year 2, and how to plan the weeks before the exam if you are starting late.
The Pebble Prep team · Updated · 4 min read
Quick answer
Most families do well with around 20 weeks of light, structured preparation before the 7+, starting in the summer of Year 1 for an autumn or winter exam. Before that, daily reading and number games are enough. If you are starting later, a shorter, focused plan can still help your child feel ready.
Key points
- About 20 weeks of structured preparation suits most families.
- Before that, everyday reading and number play build the foundations.
- Work back from the earliest assessment date, not the latest.
- Starting late is common; a shorter plan still helps.
- Short, regular sessions beat long ones at this age.
In this guide
The short answer
For most families, around 20 weeks of light, structured preparation is plenty. If your child's first assessment is in November or December of Year 2, that means starting in the summer of Year 1. Much earlier than that and children can tire of practice before the exam; much later and the weeks get crowded.
A simple 7+ preparation timeline
| When | What to focus on |
|---|---|
| Year 1, autumn and spring | Reading together every day, number games, talking about books. No formal practice needed. |
| Year 1, summer (about 20 weeks out) | Start a weekly routine: foundation work in reading, writing and number, a little each week. |
| Year 2, autumn (about 12 weeks out) | Add practice papers in your school's style, check answers together, keep sessions short. |
| Final 2–3 weeks | Light review, a timed paper or two, plenty of rest. No new topics. |
Seven Plus Steps follows the same shape: an 8-week foundation, then a 12-week programme, paced to your child's exam date. You can see the detail on how it works.
Work back from the earliest date
If your child is sitting the 7+ for more than one school, plan from the earliest assessment. And remember registration: many schools close registration months before the assessment, sometimes in the summer of Year 1.
Starting late? You can still prepare well
Lots of families find out about the 7+ late, or decide late. If you have 8 to 12 weeks, focus on the format and on confidence rather than trying to cover everything.
- Find out what each school assesses and practise in that style.
- Use one or two practice papers a week, with answers, and talk through mistakes calmly.
- Keep daily reading going; it helps every part of the assessment.
- Do a timed paper in the last fortnight so the format feels familiar.
Seven Plus Steps shortens its plan to fit the weeks you have, so a late start still gets a clear week-by-week plan.
How much practice is enough?
For a 6-year-old, little and often works best. A few short sessions a week, stopping while your child is still engaged, will do more than a long Saturday session. Watch for signs of fatigue and ease off if practice stops being fun.
For how to get the most from each session, see how to use 7+ practice papers at home.
Questions parents ask
Is Year 1 too early to start 7+ preparation?
Formal practice in Year 1 is rarely needed. Daily reading and number play are the best foundation. A light, structured plan usually starts in the summer of Year 1.
Have I left it too late to prepare my child for the 7+?
Probably not. A shorter plan that focuses on the format and confidence can still help. Check registration deadlines first.
How many weeks of 7+ preparation does my child need?
Around 20 weeks of light preparation suits most families. Seven Plus Steps plans up to 20 weeks and shortens to fit your dates.
A calm 7+ plan, paced to your exam date
A week-by-week plan, practice papers in your school's style and short reasoning practice. From £179.10 per child.
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