7+ exams 2024

[Pokemomm]

Anyone else prepping for the 7+ this year? We are trying to work out how many schools to do exams for. Live in SW London and thinking about SPJS, KCS, WUS and Latymer. Seems like a lot for a 6yo but my understanding is it's best to do a few as their performance on the day May really vary at that age.
What resources are everyone using?

You are right. It very much depends on their performance on the day. However, it may become v tedious for a 6 year old to go through so many exams. I am going for Kings and St. Paul's and doing bond books, regular reading, EPP papers and PrepPlus classes. Have done a few mock exams too. They really helped him with the time management and exam nerves. All the best to all of us on the journey.. its been tough to say the least 😅🤗🤗

Hey. Yes we are and yes its MCQ comprehension. Apparently easy but they dont have much time. I joined the SPJS specialist course and now enrolled for the Mock exam. So doing what we can... there seems to be quite a tough competition for St. Paul's so not sure 🤞

@ash90603 where did you do the SPJS specialist course? Was it useful?

On the SPJS website it just says the English exam consists of dictation and doesn't mention any comprehension. Does anyone know the format?

To the best of my knowledge and the papers and courses we have done, SPJS Round 1 includes MCQ comp and English dictation. Writing is part of the Round 2 along with activity and interview.

Dictation words are normally from Year 3-4 reading list but sometimes they do give stretch ones from Year 5 too .. I knowww what you would be thinking right now.. I felt the same when I heard 🤦‍♀️ but the competition is too high apparently and the students are over prepared 🙄

We are doing a specialist 6/7 week course from PrepPlus, its an online one but very good. They have a mock in a week or so that is based on SPJ format also so we are enrolled for that too .. doing what we can, its all just round the corner.. best of luck to you and your son 🤗

Any boys just finished WUS exam? DS says he finished everything with a bit of time to spare. Says tests were “medium” in terms of difficulty. DH is taking him to school now, so I’ll hear more tonight.

Good luck to all the boys!

Well done to your DS. I assume there is no pass mark, they just take the top 50 scores to the next round?

Thanks @ash90603 that's very helpful!

My son is doing the afternoon sitting of the WUS exam today.

Good luck to all your kids, it's such a tough process for them!

Multiple Choice for English seems easier? Seems SJPS and WUS are moving away from pupils actually writing in the exam to multiple choice. Seems all the writing will be done in the next stage....wonder why that is?

Mine isnt sitting WUS...
How was it today?
Have heard they are the most selective...
Best of luck xx

@Linda20019 can u plz pm the tutors details

How did everyone get on with WUS? We did not get through to the second round

No 2nd round for our DS at WUS.

Hello all, my son is sitting the 7+ for St Paul’s and LU - I’m so anxious about his creative writing skills. With LU allowing 45 minutes for the creative writing section, I’m not sure how my DS will fill up that time. He writes two short paragraphs after much begging from myself but they are good quality ones just not long enough. Tips welcome at this late stage!! Thank you

Try to frame the task around something he cares about. For example a good day at school or a favourite hobby. "How does this Victorian family dinner remind you of the really good birthday you had?"

@Moonface67 @Pokemomm hello, would you kindly share the outcome? I was inspired to see your hard work, just wanted to know which schools you went with eventually- it's such a tough process and I can't bring myself to commit to it

There is no writing in the stage 1 of SPJS.. those who get invited for the second round, have to do a little writing along with interview and other class based activities. With just a few days left in the exam now, would suggest to just focus on motivating and encouraging your child the most. Its a tough journey and the mere fact that our children coped with this process and are ready / able to sit the exam is a brilliant learning and developmet journey. With lots of love and morivation, sure he would do his very very best on the day.. xx

For what it's worth, I found that encouraging DS to focus 100% and giving his very best leading up to the exam worked well. We refrained from using the word exam and promised big rewards ( as I'm sure you all do). It can feel as tough as it is for the parents but for the them there are ways to relieve the pressure a bit. Best of luck to everyone on this journey! xx

Thank you @ash90603 - that’s very very kind! Feeling super anxious myself as I have my DD doing 11+ and DS at 7+ at the same time. You’re completely right, it’s too late to stress about writing for St Paul’s but potentially some time in the winter break for additional work for Latymer prep.

Does anyone know what time they normally send King’s offers/rejections?

We just got an email saying no which is disappointing. Hope everyone else had better luck!

Sorry to hear that - pls dont be disheartened and prepare DS for St Paul's. I know a few boys from last year who got interview rejects from King's but made it to SPJS. You know he is probably in the top 1/3rd of his cohort given he got an interview invite to Kings. So once everything settles down, he will make it to one of the top 3-4 schools. PrepPlus runs online classes for st Paul's and they are decent.

Really sorry, hope you have some other options.
It feels a very crazy process.

We still haven’t heard but I heard they send offers first so we are probably a no too.

Have you received the offer please?

That's a very kind message and good to hear. We are signed up for St Paul's and Latymer so will keep fingers crossed and give it a try. Thank you for the encouragement

Hi, my son is giving 8+ - still waiting for an email from King's. I am keeping zero expectations. Did you guys hear anything yet?