A Guide to the JAGS 7 Plus Entrance Exam: How to Help Your Child Succeed
James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) in Dulwich is one of London’s most sought-after independent schools for girls, offering a rich academic curriculum and a nurturing, supportive environment. The school is well-known for its excellent academic results, fantastic extracurricular opportunities, and a strong commitment to the personal development of every student.
For many families, securing a place for their daughter at JAGS is the ultimate goal – but the process is competitive, especially for entry at 7 Plus.
Each year, around 200 applicants compete for just 12 available spots in the school’s Junior School. This means that to be successful, applicants need to perform at their best in the entrance exam and show their academic potential. That’s where we can help. We’ve supported many children successfully navigate the JAGS 7 Plus entrance process, and we are extremely familiar with the process.
What Does the JAGS 7 Plus Entrance Exam Involve?
The JAGS 7 Plus exam assesses a broad range of skills, from English and Maths to reasoning and communication. Here’s a quick breakdown of what your child can expect:
1. English:
The English test focuses on reading comprehension and creative writing. Your child will need to read passages and demonstrate their ability to understand and interpret texts, while also showing creativity and clarity in their writing.
2. Mathematics:
The Maths section looks at number fluency, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. Applicants will need to work through multi-step word problems and demonstrate their ability to tackle a range of mathematical concepts, such as fractions and basic operations.
3. Reasoning:
The reasoning section evaluates both verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills. This part tests your child’s ability to recognise patterns, analyse sequences, and think logically to solve problems.
4. Interview & Group Exercises:
The interview and group exercises allow candidates to showcase their ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and demonstrate their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. This is an important aspect of the assessment, as JAGS is looking for well-rounded individuals who thrive in a social, academic setting.
What is the Academic Level Expected at 7 Plus?
The JAGS 7 Plus exam is taken in January of Year 2, but the school expects candidates to be able to tackle content beyond the Year 2 level. This means children should have advanced reading comprehension skills, strong creative writing abilities, and a solid understanding of key mathematical concepts such as fractions, problem-solving, and number fluency.
While this may seem daunting, early preparation and the right guidance can make all the difference..
How to Prepare for the JAGS 7 Plus Exam: Tips for Success
At JAGS, the school values children who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate confidently. To do well in the entrance exam, children need to develop a combination of academic skills and personal qualities. Here’s how you can support your child’s preparation:
- Build Strong English Skills: Help your child improve their reading comprehension and creative writing abilities by practising regularly with books at a higher level. Encourage them to express their ideas clearly and creatively.
- Strengthen Maths Skills: Focus on developing your child’s understanding of key mathematical concepts, particularly problem-solving, fractions, and multi-step word problems.
- Practice Reasoning Exercises: Regular practice with both verbal and non-verbal reasoning puzzles will help your child develop the logical thinking and pattern recognition skills needed for the exam.
- Develop Communication and Interview Skills: Work with your child on their ability to speak clearly and confidently. Encourage discussions at home where they can practice explaining their ideas and listening to others.
When to Start Preparing for the JAGS 7 Plus Exam
The best time to start preparing for the JAGS 7 Plus exam is early! Most children begin structured preparation in Reception and Year 1, building up their skills gradually to ensure they are in the best place to succeed in the entrance exam. Before embarking on your preparation we often recommend an academic assessment to gauge academic levels, and where to focus efforts.
How can the Happy Scholar help your child prepare for the JAGS 7+ exams?
Securing a place at JAGS is a challenging but exciting opportunity for your child. The JAGS 7 Plus entrance exam tests a broad range of academic and cognitive skills and starting early with structured preparation is the key to success.
We are proud to have a remarkable track record of helping 7+ candidates secure places at JAGS. It is a school we know extremely well and have personal links with, giving us invaluable insight into the admissions process and what to expect in the exam.
Our 7+ tutors are experienced Key Stage 1 specialists who understand that every child learns at a different pace and will have various levels of maturity. With plenty of patience and care, they will create a supportive and encouraging environment for your child to thrive and explore topics. Our tutors will nurture a positive “can-do” attitude, helping your child feel confident and wanting to give their best. Each lesson is tailored to your child’s needs, building good learning habits, while also focusing on the specific entrance requirements of your target schools. At this age it is so important to make the 7+ journey an enlightening and stress-free experience.
You can find some 7+ school sample papers below:
Magdelen College School 7+ Paper
North London Collegiate School 7+ English Paper
North London Collegiate School 7+ Maths Paper
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 7+ Maths Paper
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