10 things I’ve learned tutoring students for the 7+ exam

1. Social skills are just as important as academic skills

Having prepared a number of children for the 7+ exam, all of the children who were successful in obtaining places at some of the top independent schools in London had fantastic social skills as well academic potential. I would suggest that children with impeccable manners who are able to communicate appropriately with adults and other children are more likely to be successful in the 7+ exam, even if they are not as academically able as other children sitting the same exam. Schools are looking for respectful children who are able to work co-operatively in groups with others. Some of these skills cannot be taught in one-to-one tuition, so it is extremely important for parents to organise regular play dates or enrol their children in after school clubs to ensure that they are prepared not only for the academic side of the exam.

2. When it comes to revision, less is sometimes more!

Like preparation for any exam, too much tuition and revision can be detrimental to the progress of a student. Quite often I have noticed that students who receive weekly tuition alongside attending extra-curricular clubs are more relaxed and therefore well prepared for the exam. At such a young age, it is vital to ensure that children view learning as engaging and motivating, and working for over an hour at a time can cause concentration and attention issues. Short, sharp bursts appear to be the most effective way for young children to learn new concepts and topics, and although the 7+ exam follows a certain structure, I would not recommend using solely sample papers as a way of preparing for the exam. It is important to teach skills that children will use throughout their education, which will benefit them regardless of the result of the exam. Using a child’s choice of reading material for comprehension work and composition helps to keep learning fun and exciting, and avoids working laboriously though papers which may or may not reflect the content of the exams.

3. The content of the 7+ exams is very challenging

Although the content of the 7+ exam varies from school to school, it is generally very academically challenging for students. I would suggest that the content of the exam is pitched at around Level 3 of the national curriculum, which would require children sitting the exam to be performing at approximately one year above their age level. It is very easy for parents to be daunted by this prospect, and immediately panic that their children will fail the exam. However, I would suggest that schools are looking for academic potential and an ability to “have a go”, rather than a 100% accuracy rate. Having said that, it is important not to push children of such a young age too much. If a child is performing below average in their current school, it may be that they simply are not ready for such a rigorous assessment. At 7 years of age, children are developmentally very fragile and attempting to teach concepts that are out with their abilities may be detrimental to their self-esteem. If this is the case, I would recommend that parents work on activities that encourage their child to be independent, and provide opportunities for thought provoking problem solving activities.

4. Places for entry at 7+ are highly competitive

The 7+ exam is notoriously competitive, and it is very common for ten or more children to be competing for just one place at a school. I have found that single sex schools, particularly boys schools, appear to be the most competitive, and it is likely that in order to be accepted into these particular schools, prospective students should be displaying signs of being academically gifted or talented. Schools such as Colet Court and Westminster Under will have a very high pass mark for the exam, and they will use this as a benchmark for students who are accepted into the school. Parents shouldn’t be surprised if they are not able to receive feedback on their child’s performance in the exams. As schools are so over-subscribed, it is often very difficult for teachers to have the time to individually respond to families.

5. There is a wide variety of choice for parents

Boys’ schools, girls’ schools, co-ed schools, boarding schools – there are a variety of options for parents who are looking for the best school for their child at 7+. Some schools focus on academic success, others have strong sporting traditions, and some take a more holistic approach to education. I would strongly recommend that parents make the most of school open days, to get an overall feel for the school before registering their child. Parents should bear in mind however that registration for schools is often completed years before their child is due to sit the exam, and schools such as Wetherby Prep are so popular that parents have to register their child at birth.

6. Interview preparation isn’t always necessary

Students who are successful in the written examinations are normally asked back to the school to participate in either an individual interview, a group interview, or a trial day involving lessons with one of the school’s current classes. Many parents enquire about tuition for interview preparation, and I have to say that this normally isn’t necessary. Schools can often tell if a child’s answers have been prepped, and my best advice would be to encourage children to be as honest as possible if asked a question. Prospective students will be not expected to know the history of the school, and teachers are simply looking for children who have an ability to work well with others, show respect to adults and make positive contributions to group work.

7. A relaxed student is one who is most likely to perform well

A positive, relaxed child is much more likely to perform well on the day of the exam, so I have found it extremely important to harness this when working with my students. I tend not to labour any concepts that children haven’t grasped before the exam, as this tends to have a negative effect on their confidence. Particularly in the three months prior to the exam, I would recommend focussing on a child’s strengths and making them feel confident in their abilities. In some cases, I have recommended that tuition finishes in the final few weeks before the exam to allow for children to feel completely relaxed and under no pressure before the big day. Some families decide not to tell their children that they are about to sit an exam, whereas others prefer an open approach to why the exam is taking place.

8. There are no guarantees of acceptance into a family’s chosen school

Due to the competitive nature of the exam, there are unfortunately no guarantees of a place being awarded to a child. Despite teachers and tutors being able to provide families with their opinion on how students may perform in the exam, there is the likelihood that the school is far more competitive than anticipated, that students feel nervous or anxious on the day and therefore underperform, or that the school simple isn’t a right fit for the child. Schools do take into great consideration the report of a child’s current school, so if this is positive and shows a child to be a good all-rounder, this will aid a place being offered at 7+.

9. Second chances do happen

As previously stated, some children can find the experience of sitting the 7+ examination quite overwhelming, particularly if they are not used to mixing with new groups of children. Parents should not worry too much about this as schools are aware that children will be nervous about the day, and they have been known to make allowances for children whose nerves may perhaps get the better of them. Schools offering the 7+ exam are aware how intimidating the experience may be for prospective students, and there is a small possibility that they make alternative arrangements for children to sit the exam on a different day or in a smaller group if the original examination date doesn’t quite go to plan.

10. There is no secret formula to 7+ success

There is no prescriptive method for passing the 7+ exams. Each school offering the 7+ exam has a different success criteria, and each prospective student has a different set of strengths and abilities that will make them a strong candidate. Tuition must be tailor made to each individual and taught in a way that is engaging and purposeful for the learner. The amount of tuition that a child has should vary throughout the year, according to their academic needs but also their ability to concentrate and focus for sustained periods of time. I have found that prepping students for the 7+ exam should involve equipping them with skills in English and Maths that they will use throughout their education, and should revolve around an enjoyment for learning.