What is the 8 plus exam assessment?
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+. The 8+ exams are similar to the 7+ assessments, although the content of the assessment will be at a Year 4 level or higher.
Which schools offer the 8 Plus Exam?
Schools that offer 8 plus entrance exams include:
It is important to note that some schools will have entry points at 7+ and 8+, whilst others only admit at either 7+ or 8+. It is important to fully research the schools that you are interested in and familiarise yourself with the options at 7+ and/or 8+.
Certain selective schools do offer occasional places and these have not been listed in the above list. An occasional place is when schools fill unexpected vacancies that become available on their roll.
What are the exams like at 8 Plus?
8 plus 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.
The standards are high and students will be expected to perform at above age related expectations and it will be competitive.
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.
Each school has a slightly different exam procedure and you will need to discuss this with your tutor. Lessons will be tailored specifically towards the exam that the student will aim to be sitting at 8+.
How to prepare for the 8 plus exam?
The preparation will be very similar to the preparation at 7+. The level will just be higher as lessons will be pitched at a year 4 and early year 5 level. We would advise all of our students to start at least one year in advance although of course it would be better to start two to three years in advance.
If you are interested in private tuition to prepare your child for the 8 plus entrance exam, please contact us.
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