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About 7+ Tuition
Are you thinking about an independent prep school for your child? It’s important to know what to expect from application through to test day.
Private tuition for the 7 Plus exam in the UK provides significant advantages. It delivers personalised instruction focused on English, Maths, and reasoning skills, along with expert guidance. Tutors can address individual needs, enhance core competencies, and build confidence. This targeted approach ensures students are thoroughly prepared for this competitive assessment.
For many independent prep schools – those that typically admit pupils at the beginning of Year 3 – children who are applying for a place take assessments known informally as the 7+.
There are a number of reasons schools test at this stage - it sits between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum (known as Infants and Juniors or pre-prep and prep in the past).
It is also the first time a reasonably accurate judgement can be made as to a child's ability.
7+ tests are generally set by the school to which you are applying and can be made up of various components of maths, English and verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
As there is no standard, my sessions will be tailored to suit the school to which your child is applying.
Find out more about my approach to 7+ exams.
7+ Exam Tuition for Private School Entry – Online & Personalised
Have a go!
Here are some examples of 7+ papers courtesy of theschoolrun.com. If you'd like to look through 7+ standard tests, example 7+ papers are available for Westminster Cathedral Choir School in London, who offer 7+ maths papers and 7+ English papers for parents to look through. Other specimen papers include King's College Wimbledon's.
Find out more about the subjects I support through 7+ online private tuition
Maths
The 7 Plus Maths exam in the UK assesses the mathematical abilities of Year 2 students for junior school entry. It may include topics such as arithmetic, geometry, and problem-solving. The test evaluates students' understanding of mathematical concepts, numerical reasoning, and their ability to apply these skills in various contexts, aiding in school placement decisions.
English
The 7 Plus English exam in the UK assesses the language skills of Year 2 students for school entry. It includes comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing tasks. The test evaluates reading understanding, language usage, and the ability to articulate ideas clearly, helping determine suitable school placements.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning involves understanding and analysing written information to solve problems and draw logical conclusions. It includes interpreting texts, identifying relationships between concepts, and evaluating arguments. This skill is essential for effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, relying heavily on language proficiency and comprehension.
Non Verbal Reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning involves understanding and solving problems using visual information. It includes identifying patterns, recognizing shapes, and analyzing sequences. This skill is essential for spatial tasks like interpreting diagrams and assembling objects. Non-verbal reasoning tests assess abstract thinking, problem-solving, and visual processing without relying on language skills.
Case Study: A Journey of Confidence and Success at 7+
"Emma's" Journey
Emma was an absolute joy to work with from our very first session. A bright, engaged Year 2 student with a contagious smile, she arrived with her sights set on the 7+ entrance examination for Chigwell School.
While Emma had a natural flair for storytelling, she had developed some significant "gaps" in her mathematical foundations—particularly in place value and time—which were beginning to cloud her natural confidence. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping capable students who are being held back not by their ability, but by the quiet "noise" of academic anxiety.
A Strategic and Supportive Reset
Drawing on my experience as a former Headteacher and my research into "Achievement Without Anxiety," we took things right back to basics. It was wonderful to watch her journey as we replaced hesitation with fluency.
Our approach focused on:
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Mathematical Foundations: We spent time mastering the "why" behind place value and the abstract concept of time, ensuring she had a robust toolkit for the Chigwell assessment.
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Interactive Learning: We integrated high-quality educational software like IXL to make the "drills" of mental maths feel like a series of wins, keeping that big smile on her face even when the work got tougher.
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Fueling a Love for Literacy: We leaned into her passion for story writing, using the areas of English she truly loved to build the stamina required for a competitive 7+ paper.
The Transformation
It was a privilege to witness Emma’s growth over the time I have worked with her lovely family. As the "gaps" closed, her natural personality began to lead her academics. She moved from overthinking the basics to approaching her papers with a calm, strategic mindset.
The Outcome
Emma was delighted to receive an offer for a place at Chigwell School.
Her success is a testament to what happens when we remove the pressure and focus on the joy of learning. Seeing her reach her potential and secure her future at such a prestigious school—while maintaining her wonderful spirit—is exactly why I do this work.
*Student's name changed in line with TutorElite safeguarding policy.
