--- title: Introduction to the 8 Plus description: "Introduction to the 8 Plus (8+) admissions point, covering schools using this point, the nature of the exams (in English, Mathematics and Reasoning) and how tuition can help." url: https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/about/ type: Page breadcrumbs: Home > About Tuition > All you need to know about the 8 Plus > Introduction to the 8 Plus audience: parents published: 2017-03-20 updated: 2023-06-09 subjects: [8 Plus] compiled: 2026-11-14 --- # Introduction to the 8 Plus ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the 8+ work? While most prep schools use 7+ exams to admit students in Year 3, there are some schools that will admit at Year 4 using an entrance procedure known as 8+. Generally speaking, the 8+ exams are similar to the 7+ assessments, although the content of the assessment will be pitched at a level that is one year above that of a 7+ exam. ### Which schools offer the 8 Plus? Schools that offer 8+ include: - Kings College Wimbledon - Latymer Prep - Harrodian - Colet Court - Westminster Cathedral Choir School - Westminster Under - Dulwich Prep It is important to note that some schools will have entry points at 7+ and 8+, whilst others only admit at 8+. Please note that we have deliberately not included schools that offer occasional places in this list, and that this list is by no means exhaustive. An "occasional place" refers to a school filling unexpected vacancies on their roll. The schools listed above set out to add a certain number of students each year through a formal 8 Plus process. ### What happens in an 8+ exam? 8+ exams are usually sat in January when your child is in Year 3. Your child will then join the school the following September in Year 4. Candidates of the 8+ assessments will be tested on the program of study contained within the Key Stage One curriculum as well as the beginning of Key Stage 2. Typically, schools expect achievement anywhere from a low level 3 or above on the National Curriculum. In layman's terms, this essentially means anywhere from roughly at age-expectations to a good way above that. The tests at 8+ level typically focus on Reading, Writing and Maths, as well as some work on verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning skills. Some schools also run group activities, interviews and may also request a school report from your child's current school. Some schools will also age-adjust their results. The precise content varies from school to school, as well as the exact form of the tests so do make sure you research your chosen school's admissions procedure carefully. ### How can I prepare my child for their 8+ exam? It is impossible to offer specific advice as the range of what is expected is too vast, but generally schools are likely to be expecting anywhere from 2a to 3b on the National Curriculum. If you are unsure where your child is at, the first step should to ask your child's current school. As teachers ourselves, we speak from experience when we say that schools generally do not like to give out this information. Therefore, do be aware that a request for attainment levels for your child's Writing, Reading and Maths may not be well received. Your school should however be able to tell you whether your child is working in line with the age-expected attainment. The age-expected attainment for the end of Year 2 is 2B, whilst the end of Year 3 average attainment level is 3c/3a. Do note that these are UK average attainment levels and that within private schools, it is not uncommon for the class average to be higher than the levels given above. With 7+ entrance being the more common entry point in schools, the ratio of students going for places at 7+ Plus can be particularly unfavourable. However, this does not mean entrance at 8+ is necessarily a more advantageous move. In schools that offer entry points at both 7+ and 8+, you will usually find that there are more places available for entry at 7+ than at 8+. For example, at one competitive West London school, there are 54 places for Year 3, but only 14 for entrance at Year 4. For schools that offer both 7+ and 8+ places, children who do not receive a offer of a place at 7+ can usually reapply for an 8+ space at the same school. If your child was particularly close to achieving a place, the school may even ask the child to work on specific area and then reapply the following year for an 8+ entry. Should you decide to use the services of a tutor, we would be more than happy to help. At Owl Tutors we only employ fully-qualified teachers, and we have a good number of qualified Primary teachers on our books. If you would like to have a look at who we have available, please click here, or of course call us any time on 020 7627 4535. ## Need more personalised preparation? Our experienced 8 Plus tutors help families prepare for selective school entrance exams with tailored guidance and targeted practice. - **[Shu](https://owltutors.co.uk/tutor/16048/)**: From £160.00 per hour. 7 Plus, 8 Plus, 11 Plus, English, Maths. Born and bred in north London, Shu completed her post-graduate teacher training at University of Surrey after obtaining a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree from Goldsmiths College-... Teaches: In person, Online. Availability as of 14 November 2026: fully booked. More availability from 3 January 2027. Contact Owl Tutors to join the waiting list. - **[Nick](https://owltutors.co.uk/tutor/3718/)**: From £90.00 per hour. 7 Plus, 8 Plus, 11 Plus, 13 Plus, French, German, Italian. Masters. Nick's fields of expertise over the last thirteen years have ranged from freelance translation, event management to education. He has been teaching French, Italian and German... Teaches: In person, Online. Availability as of 14 November 2026: contact Owl Tutors to check. ## 8 Plus blog posts - [Beyond Borders: Why BSO and UK School Inspections Have More in Common Than You Think](https://owltutors.co.uk/beyond-borders-why-bso-and-uk-school-inspections-have-more-in-common-than-you-think/): In this article, experienced International Headteacher and Schools Inspector, Gareth, shares his insight regarding school inspections. A must read for international parents. Gareth is available for schools consultancy, advising on domestic as well as international placements. - [The Proven Benefits of One-to-One Tuition](https://owltutors.co.uk/the-proven-benefits-of-one-to-one-tuition/): In this article, Holly sets out the proven benefits of one to one tuition based on research. - [How can I get my child into private school?](https://owltutors.co.uk/how-can-i-get-my-child-into-private-school/): Getting your child into an independent school can appear challenging at first, but with the right approach and preparation, it can be the route to academic and personal success. In this guide, we offer ten useful tips and hints to help you understand the admissions process, ranging from choosing the right school through to ensuring your child is properly prepared. - [How to choose the best Prep school for your child](https://owltutors.co.uk/how-to-choose-the-best-prep-school-for-your-child/): Choosing the right prep school for your child is a crucial part of their educational journey to future success. With so many areas to consider, from admissions and entrance exams to safeguarding and pastoral care, it's essential to make the right choice. This short guide will help you understand the process, ensuring you find a prep school that aligns with you and your child's needs and future aspirations. ## Free 8 Plus exam papers - [8 Plus English Paper 10](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/exam-papers/#free_papers) - [8 Plus English Paper 9](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/exam-papers/#free_papers) - [8 Plus Maths Paper 10](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/exam-papers/#free_papers) ## Related links ### 8 Plus links - About - [Introduction to the 8 Plus](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/about/) - [English and Literacy](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/english/) - [Maths and Numeracy](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/maths/) - [Reading List](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/reading-list/) - [Blog](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/blog/) - [Tutors](https://owltutors.co.uk/tutors/8-plus/) - 8 Plus Exam Papers - [All 8 Plus Exam Papers](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/exam-papers/) - [8 Plus Verbal Reasoning Exam Papers](https://owltutors.co.uk/advice/8-plus/exam-papers/verbal-reasoning/) Rated 4.9/5 from 1,249 parent reviews ([read reviews](https://owltutors.co.uk/about-us/testimonials/)) ## Next steps - Free 20-minute consultation: [make an enquiry](https://owltutors.co.uk/contact-us/) - Phone: +44 (0)20 3457 8474 - Email: enquiries@owltutors.co.uk