Looking for advice on 7+ prep (exam taken in year 2)

[fgm12345]

Looking for advice on 7+ prep (exam taken in year 2). How do you know if they’re ready?

We’re moving to the UK and I’m trying to figure out the school system here. My son is 5 years old and if we lived in the UK now he would be in year 1. We’re moving very close to Kings College School in Wimbledon. From what I understand it’s a very good school and my son would need to take an exam in the fall (in around 6 months).

The school system my son is in now is very different and much less academic at this age. For example, the children aren’t formally taught reading and writing until they’re around 7. We also have no idea how to prep for an exam like this.

A friend suggested I buy the bond assessment papers for 6-7 years to start practicing. He did a few assessment papers in the last week and for each of the 4 subjects he’s able to finish them in about 10 minutes or less. I’d say he averaged 19/20 on the papers. While the answers are mostly correct and in full sentences where appropriate, his handwriting is basically illegible and his spelling is… creative. He has no idea how to do the writing composition. We’ll definitely try to work on those.

If he’s able to do those bond book assessment papers for 6-7 years old is he basically ready, aside from the handwriting and writing composition? Or is the exam completely different and at a higher standard?

Thanks!

I am absolutely of the view, based on daily experiences that teachers in prominent schools try and not penalise children for handwriting. Teacher biases do exist towards good handwriting, however, active penalising isn't the norm is what I was trying to state. Yes, good handwriting is desirable, and it's a process, some children tend to have acceptable legible handwriting earlier than others for various reasons.

I am talking about the difference between a), London private pre-preps where it is usual for children (of all ethnicities) to start at four and take 7+ exams at six, and b) schools in many EU member states, where children (of all ethnicities) do not even start school until the year they turn six (or in some cases seven).

Jumping to totally unfounded accusations of racism when you disagree with someone says a lot about you.

Absolutely, you are a saint, DM your name and lift the veil of secrecy around your handle. Let me privately litigate against you, I will believe your intent then.

Well this thread took a turn. It is clear the point that is being made is that some countries don’t start formal writing until children are older but the 7 plus is pretty demanding for young children at their young age and stage of development.

i decided against 7 plus as quite frankly I didn’t want the work and had a summer born child. we did do 9 plus and she was more mature to cope with the prep.

OP - I found the sample papers for Magdalen College helpful for 9 plus prep and they do a 7 plus one. My daughter found the maths she sat was harder and the English easier. Try and find as many sample papers for 7 plus for different private schools which will help give a flavour of what is asked for.

I have two boys. One is at Kings College Wimbledon already and another will join in September next year. It is absolutely realistic to prepare your kids for Kings, St Paul’s, Westminster and other academic schools without tutors. I did it and I am a foreigner, i.e. I moved to the UK from another country, was not familiar with British education at all until my kids are born here.
For preparation you need time, determination and books/materials. It is true that Bond papers are a good start, but they are too easy for top academic schools. You need about 1 year of a daily preparation, about 15 minutes a day with some weekend mini tests, monthly check ups bigger tests and quarterly mock exams plus reading every day. Let your child pick books, magazines, newspapaers he/she wants to read. No tutor can substitute reading. Reading will help with preparation for English and Verbal Reasoning. Best preparation materials across all exams for all entry points are Exam Paper Plus. They are very close to the content of actual exams.