How to prepare for the 7+ and 8+ at home (without a tutor)

← All articles·Entrance exams·6 min read

What are the 7+ and 8+?

They are entrance assessments used by academic independent prep and junior schools for entry into Year 3 (7+) and Year 4 (8+). They typically cover English and maths, sometimes verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and often observed group activities. They are usually sat between the autumn term and January, and registration can close a year ahead, always check each school.

Can you prepare without a tutor?

Yes. At this age it is about strong foundations and gentle familiarity with the format, not intensive coaching. Much of what these exams reward is built through everyday reading, talking and play.

English at home

• Read together daily and talk about the story. Comprehension is really conversation
• Practise storytelling: give a story starter and let them finish it, first out loud, then written
• Build a few sentences of neat handwriting. Stamina for a short paper is the real hurdle

Maths at home

• Count, add and subtract in daily life (stairs, shopping, baking)
• Number bonds and simple times tables through games
• Simple word problems, spoken aloud

Reasoning (if the school uses it)

Puzzles, wordsearches, sudoku and "odd one out" games build the thinking these papers test. If your target school includes reasoning, introduce the specific question types gently so they are familiar, not a surprise.

The day itself

For young children, the day is half the test. Rehearse it gently: meeting a new adult, working in a new room, sitting for a short paper, a snack and drink routine. Schools know six- and seven-year-olds have wobbly days and usually weigh the whole picture.

Where to get materials

Start with the school’s own specimen papers (most publish them free). Affordable practice books and our packs cover the rest. You do not need a tutor to begin.