City Junior School 7+ Exam: Complete Guide to Admissions, Assessment & Preparation
Contents:
For parents researching competitive London prep schools, the City Junior School 7+ exam is one of the most talked-about entry points into independent education.
With increasing demand for places, understanding the City Junior School 7+ admissions process, exam format and preparation strategies is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about the City Junior School 7+ exam, including what to expect, how competitive it is, and how to prepare your child effectively.
What Is the City Junior School 7+ Exam?
The City Junior School 7+ exam is the main entry route into Year 3 (age 7). It is designed to assess whether a child is academically ready and a good fit for the school’s environment.
Unlike some highly exam-focused schools, the City Junior School 7+ admissions process takes a holistic approach, meaning children are evaluated on:
Academic ability
Problem-solving skills
Communication and confidence
Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
This makes the City Junior School 7+ exam slightly different from more rigidly structured entrance exams, as it looks beyond rote learning and focuses on potential.
Considering other schools? Looking for a more comprehensive overview of the 7+ admissions process? Why not check out our blog:
City Junior School 7+ Admissions Process & Timeline
Understanding the City Junior School 7+ admissions process is key for parents planning ahead.
Open Days & Registration for the City Junior School 7+ Exam
The school holds annual open day events, commonly in the Summer and Autumn Terms. These can be found on the school’s open events page. Parents must register their child in advance, typically during Year 2. Registration for the following year opens in September (for example registration for September 2027 opened in September 2026 and will close on Friday 6th November 2027). Parents then pay a non-refundable deposit of £192.
Due to high demand, early registration is strongly recommended for City Junior School 7+ entry.
First Round: City Junior School 7+ Assessment Papers
The first stage of the City Junior School 7+ exam take place in late November (for 2026/27 the assessments take place on Friday 27th November 2026) and consist of written assessments in three core areas:
1. Mathematics
The maths component of the City Junior School 7+ exam focuses on:
Topics covered in Year 1 & 2 including:
Number bonds and arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
Problem-solving skills
Logical reasoning appropriate for ages 6–7
2. English (Reading Comprehension)
In this part of the assessment, children are given a short text to read and are then tested on:
Reading accuracy and fluency
Understanding of short texts
Ability to answer comprehension questions clearly
Understanding of language
Ability to answer both multiple choice AND full sentence questions
3. Creative Writing
Creative writing in the City Junior School 7+ exam typically involves:
Writing a short story based on a prompt (usually a visual and a sentence starter)
Using imagination and descriptive language
Structuring ideas logically
Ability to use accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar
Each of the papers are between 25-40mins in length, giving students ample time to complete each question. However, this means practicing exam technique and completing papers under timed conditions is an important part of the preparation process.
Here at U2 Tuition our expert tutors are specialised in the 7+ exam process and expectations. We support students not only with subject knowledge, but with the skills and confidence needed to perform under pressure. Through targeted practice, timed mock papers and personalised feedback, we ensure every child is fully prepared to approach the exam calmly and effectively.
If you’d like to give your child the best possible start on their 7+ journey, get in touch with U2 Tuition today to learn how we can help.
Second Round: City Junior School 7+ Interviews and Group Tasks
Children who perform well in the first round are invited back for the second stage of the City Junior School 7+ admissions process. The school usually emails successful candidates prior to the Christmas holidays and students are invited to the second round in early January (for 2026/27 entry the second round assessments are between 7th-13th January 2027).
This includes:
Practical group activities / games / tasks
Informal 1:1 interviews or conversations with teachers
At this stage, City Junior School assesses:
Social skills and teamwork
Confidence and communication
Persistence, flexibility and motivation
Curiosity and independent thinking
Ability to problem solve and ask questions when necessary
During this stage, the City Junior School will often reach out to students’ current school, asking for references. If a child’s current school is unable to provide a written reference, parents will usually be asked to provide their child’s most recent school / academic report.
For more information on what to expect and how to succeed in the second round of the 7+ Assessments, visit U2 Tuition’s blog:
Offers and Final Decisions
Offers for the City Junior School 7+ entry are typically made in January (for 2026/27 entry offers will be emailed to parents on 22nd January 2027).
Parents are then invited to attend an offer-holders ‘taster’ morning / afternoon with their child the week following.
The acceptance deadline is usually in early February (for 2026/27 entry the deadline is 3rd February 2027) and a full deposit must be paid alongside the acceptance of a place. The current acceptance deposit is £7,400.
How Competitive Is the City Junior School 7+ Exam?
The City Junior School 7+ exam is highly competitive, particularly due to its reputation as a feeder school to leading London senior schools such as City of London School and City of London School for Girls.
Each year, demand for City Junior School 7+ places continues to grow, meaning:
Strong academic ability is important
Children are expected to be secure in core skills such as reading, writing and numeracy and able to apply these confidently in an exam setting.
Well-rounded development is equally valued
Beyond academics, the school looks for pupils who show curiosity, creativity and a willingness to engage with a broad range of activities.
However, unlike some schools, success in the City Junior School 7+ admissions process does not depend solely on intensive tutoring. The school is known for valuing natural ability, clear communication and genuine engagement. Children who can think independently, express their ideas with confidence and approach tasks with enthusiasm often stand out more than those who rely on heavily rehearsed responses. Our team of expert tutors are specialised in guiding students through the competitive process of the City Junior 7+ exam. Visit our mentor page to learn more about the support we offer.
What Does City Junior School Look For At 7+?
Parents often ask what gives a child an edge in the City Junior School 7+ exam. The qualities below are central to success in the City Junior School 7+ assessment, particularly in the second round, where children are often observed in more interactive and group-based settings.
The school looks for children who:
Show a genuine love of learning
Children who are naturally curious, ask questions, and take an interest in the world around them tend to stand out. This enthusiasm often comes across in both written tasks and discussions.
Can think independently
Rather than relying on memorised answers, strong candidates are able to approach problems with their own ideas,make decisions confidently and explain their reasoning.
Demonstrate creativity and imagination
Whether in storytelling, problem-solving or group activities, children who can think creatively and offer original ideas are highly valued.
Communicate clearly and confidently
Being able to express thoughts in a structured and articulate way, both verbally and in writing, helps children engage effectively with teachers and peers.
Work well with others
Collaboration is key in the second round. Children who listen, contribute positively and show respect for others’ ideas tend to make a strong impression.
How to Prepare for the City Junior School 7+ Exam
Build Strong Academic Foundations
Focus on the core skills tested in the City Junior School 7+ papers:
Secure understanding of Y1 and Y2 maths concepts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
Practice mental maths and times tables
Ensure clear understanding of fractions, decimals, measurements, geometry, and basic algebraic concepts
Practice problem solving and multi-step problems
Regular reading practice to improve comprehension
Engage with the text and encourage students to think about WHY and HOW questions (e.g. ‘WHY do you think the character felt that way?’)
Encourage the use of inference skills and looking deeper into the text
Writing short stories with clear structure
Focus on improving spelling and vocabulary
Ensure good understanding and use of grammar (e.g. tense consistency, pronoun usage and sentence structure) and punctuation (e.g. capital letters, full stops, question marks, commas, speech marks, exclamation marks)
Develop Confidence and Communication Skills
Because the City Junior School 7+ interview stage is so important, children should be comfortable:
Speaking about their ideas
Working in groups
Asking and answering questions
Common Mistakes in City Junior School 7+ Preparation
Parents preparing for the City Junior School 7+ entry often make a few key mistakes:
Starting preparation too late
Focusing only on academics
Ignoring interview and group skills
Putting too much pressure on the child
Avoiding these pitfalls can significantly improve your child’s experience of the City Junior School 7+ admissions process.
Preparing for the City Junior School 7+ exam requires a balanced approach. Over-preparation can be just as unhelpful as under-preparation, as students who are too heavily prepped can be easily spotted. The school favours natural ability and looks for children who can think, respond and engage in an authentic way.
That said, the right kind of preparation can make a meaningful difference. At U2 Tuition, we focus on nurturing a child’s natural strengths rather than over-coaching rehearsed answers. Through carefully designed sessions, we help build confidence, develop independent thinking, and refine communication skills, so each child is able to present their best, most genuine self on the day.
How U2 Tuition Can Help with City Junior School 7+ Preparation
Preparing for the City Junior School 7+ exam can feel overwhelming, especially with its competitive and multi-stage admissions process.
At U2 Tuition, we offer tailored City Junior School 7+ preparation that focuses on both academic skills and confidence.
Targeted Academic Support
We help students build strong foundations in:
Maths & Problem-Solving
English Comprehension & Creative writing
Exam Technique & Time Management
All tailored to the style of the City Junior School 7+ exam.
Interview & Group Preparation
Success at 7+ goes beyond written papers. We also support children with:
Communication skills
Interview confidence
Group collaboration
So they’re fully prepared for every stage of the City Junior School 7+ admissions process.
Building Confidence Without Pressure
Our approach avoids unnecessary pressure. Instead, we focus on:
Steady progress
Encouraging independence
Making learning engaging and age-appropriate
With personalised support and expert guidance, U2 Tuition helps children feel confident, capable, and ready to succeed in the City Junior School 7+ exam.
Considering other schools? Find our other 7+ blogs below:
