7+ Independent School Entrance Preparation
Build strong foundations for selective school entry
Kew Learning offers structured English and mathematics programmes for children preparing for 7+ entrance examinations, building confidence, independent thinking and clear communication.
Choose the right preparation pathway
7+ tuition focuses on reading, English writing and mathematical foundations. Families can also explore the longer-term 11+ pathway.
Core learning priorities
Reading comprehension and reasoning
Explore selected classic English literature to develop fluency, inference and independent thought.
Creative writing and vocabulary
Develop grammar, sentence structure, storytelling and precise vocabulary.
Mathematical thinking
Strengthen arithmetic, logic and independent problem-solving.
Our programmes
KS1 English · Online
Reading, writing, vocabulary and guided classic literature.
Year 3 English & Mathematics · Online and in person
Advanced English and mathematics; in-person lessons in Richmond and Leicester Square.
Latest course advertisements
Course posters are organised by year group on our Advertisements page. View the latest course information there.
View 7+ adverts →7+ learning pathways and admissions
Practical guidance for families · course arrangements are confirmed individually.
KS1 English · online
Guided reading, vocabulary and writing practice using age-appropriate literature. Online lessons provide continuity for families who cannot attend in person.
7+ English and mathematics · Richmond
In-person lessons focus on comprehension, sentence construction, arithmetic, problem solving and explaining answers. Enquire for current timetable and availability.
Understanding school assessments
At 7+, independent schools may use English and mathematics assessments, interviews or observation activities. Each school sets its own process; families should check the school’s admissions pages before applying.
Official guidance and useful links: Independent Schools Council – choosing a school
School admissions criteria, dates and exam specifications may change. Always check the official source for your application year.
7+ admissions: Richmond, Putney and nearby West London
7+ is not a single national examination. Entry points, vacancies and assessments differ by school. The schools below illustrate confirmed 7+ entry and nearby prep-school options; check each school’s admissions team before applying.
| School | Area | Admissions information | Official admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putney High School | Putney | 7+ (Year 3) limited places; online English, mathematics and reasoning, short writing task and group activity. | School website ↗ |
| King’s House School | Richmond | Independent co-educational preparatory school. Enquire about Year 3 / 7+ availability and current assessment arrangements; not a standardised published 7+ examination. | School website ↗ |
Schools in Chiswick and Fulham may admit pupils to Year 3 or other year groups when places arise, but this should not be presented as a confirmed annual 7+ examination. LEH (Lady Eleanor Holles) is a senior school with main entry at 11+, not a 7+ entrance-exam school.
London 7+ schools, assessments and 2027 admissions dates
Representative schools with published Year 3 (7+) entry routes. Assessment formats, deadlines and places vary; always confirm the current cycle with the school.
| School | Area | Assessment and key dates | Official admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster Under School | Westminster | Co-educational; English reading/writing, Maths, VR/NVR; shortlisted classroom activities and interview. Check the school’s admissions timeline for the relevant entry year. | Admissions page ↗ |
| Dulwich College Junior School | Dulwich | Boys; digital English, Maths, VR/NVR, plus written Maths and creative writing; individual and group second stage. Apply by 2 Nov 2026; stage 1 on 28 Nov; stage 2 on 7 Jan 2027. | Admissions page ↗ |
| City Junior School | City of London | Co-educational; Maths, reading comprehension and creative writing, followed by further assessment. Apply by noon 6 Nov 2026; first stage 27 Nov; offers 22 Jan 2027. | Admissions page ↗ |
| St Paul’s Prep School | Barnes | Boys; written assessment, shortlisted half-day group assessment and current-school reference. 2027 registration is closed; 2028 registration opens Feb 2027. | Admissions page ↗ |
Kew Learning: targeted 7+ preparation modules
Reading comprehension & vocabulary
Guided reading, vocabulary, inference, reading aloud and short responses
Creative writing & accuracy
Story continuation, structure, sentence craft, spelling and punctuation
Maths & problem solving
Place value, arithmetic, word problems, shapes, measurement and simple fractions
Reasoning familiarisation
Age-appropriate VR/NVR familiarisation where schools assess these skills
Interviews & group activities
Speaking, collaboration, listening, classroom participation and confidence
Progress checks
Age-appropriate assessment aligned to target schools and individual feedback
Suggested preparation timeline
Year 1: reading, vocabulary and numeracy foundations. Year 2 spring–summer: school-specific skills. Year 2 autumn: timed practice, age-appropriate assessments and interview readiness. Check registration deadlines well ahead of exams.