Free 7+ Practice Papers (2026–27)

Free PrimaryTools 7+ short papers

Our own practice papers are about half the length of a typical 7+ paper, with big friendly print and answers circled on the page – just right for a six- or seven-year-old’s attention span. Each comes with an answer guide for grown-ups that explains every answer and gives a tip for getting it right next time.

Paper 1 in each subject is free to download now.

More free 7+ papers from the schools

Filter by subject, then click through to download from the school’s own website. Most school papers don’t include answers – they’re there so children can see the kind of questions to expect.

North and East London and Essex

Central, West and South London

Outside London

Free papers written by tutors

Not official school papers, but written to match the 7+ style and free to use at home.

Older papers – still great practice

Genuine school papers, but from earlier years – the test may have changed since. They’re still good for practising reading, spelling and number skills. Just don’t use them to judge timing. Older files are sometimes removed, so these links may stop working.

Know of a free official 7+ paper we’ve missed, or spotted a broken link? Email info@primarytools.co.uk (or use our contact page) and we’ll add it.

7+ schools: what’s tested and key dates

Dates are for September 2027 entry (children in Year 2 now). Schools change their process from year to year, so always confirm on the school’s own page.

Most schools also look at a report from your child’s current school, and many include a short group activity or chat. Fees for registration are usually charged (for example £150 at Bancroft’s).

Joining a smaller prep school in Year 3

Many independent prep schools take children into Year 3 without a formal 7+ exam. They’re often smaller schools that run from Nursery or Reception to age 11, and they fill places as they come up rather than on one test day. If you’re looking at a school like this:

• Ask about places earlyYear 3 places depend on children leaving, so there may be a waiting list. Registering (often with a small fee) usually puts your child on it.
• Expect a taster day or visitMost schools invite your child in to join a class for a morning or a day, so teachers can see how they learn and get on with others.
• The assessment is the school’s ownUsually short reading, writing and maths tasks at Year 2 level, sometimes with a chat with the head. Few schools publish sample papers, and many say no special preparation is needed.
• Ask for a report from schoolMost will ask your child’s current school for a report, so it helps to let the class teacher know.
• Dates are flexibleThere’s rarely a fixed deadline, but popular schools fill up – contact the admissions team in the autumn of Year 2 for a September start.
• Gentle practice still helpsA short paper like our free Paper 1s gets your child used to reading questions and working calmly on their own, which is exactly what these assessments look for.

The schools in the table above are the larger selective schools with a fixed 7+ process. For a smaller school near you, the admissions page or a quick call to the registrar is the best way to find out how Year 3 entry works.

The 7+ timeline at a glance

1. Year 1, summer termLook at schools and book open mornings. Some schools open registration now.
2. Year 2, September–OctoberOpen mornings. The earliest deadlines (for example Westminster Under and St Paul’s Juniors) close in late September.
3. Year 2, late October–NovemberMost London registration deadlines.
4. Year 2, November–DecemberFirst-round tests at many schools.
5. Year 2, JanuarySecond rounds and January-only assessments. 15 January is the deadline for state junior school applications.
6. Year 2, late January–FebruaryOffers from most independent schools; acceptance deadlines follow in February or March.
7. Year 2, 16 AprilNational Offer Day for state junior school places.

How to practise for the 7+ (gently)

• Keep it shortTen to twenty minutes is plenty at this age. Stop while they’re still enjoying it.
• Read together every dayComprehension is the heart of most 7+ English tests. Talk about why characters feel the way they do.
• Make maths practicalMoney, clocks, cooking and board games build the number sense these papers look for.
• Read the question aloudMany 7+ mistakes come from misreading. Encourage your child to read each question twice, pointing as they go.
• Practise writing a littleA few sentences with capital letters, full stops and an interesting word or two is a great habit.
• Don’t over-prepareSeveral schools say they look for potential, not practice. Familiarity with the format helps; hours of drilling usually doesn’t.

Frequently asked questions

Credits

All papers and booklets linked on this page remain the copyright of their owners: Bancroft’s School, Highgate School, North London Collegiate School, Westminster Cathedral Choir School, Westminster School, St Paul’s School, Dulwich College, Magdalen College School, Solihull School, The Perse School, Chigwell School, Withington Girls’ School and Owl Tutors. Admissions details also come from City Junior School, Lady Eleanor Holles, Latymer Prep, James Allen’s Girls’ School, Alleyn’s School, South Hampstead High School, Forest School, Eltham College, University College School, St Dunstan’s College, Merchant Taylors’ Prep, the Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, Notting Hill & Ealing High School, Putney High School, Brentwood School, Berkhamsted School and Bradford Grammar School. PrimaryTools is not affiliated with any of these organisations. Dates are a guide only – always confirm with the school.

More from PrimaryTools

• Free 11+ practice papers
• KS1 SATs past papers (Year 2)
• KS2 SATs past papers (Year 6)