St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ Entrance Exam: A Complete Guide for Parents

St. Paul’s Juniors (SPJ), located in the picturesque area of Barnes, Greater London, is a prestigious independent preparatory school for boys. Known for its outstanding academic achievements and extracurricular excellence, SPJ offers a welcoming and vibrant environment that helps children grow both academically and socially. The school’s campus is equipped with modern facilities such as a sports centre, swimming pool, and a dining hall, all set against the serene backdrop of the River Thames.

One common question many parents have is: Is it hard to get into St. Paul’s at 7+? The answer is that getting into SPJ’s highly competitive 7+ (Year 3) entry is challenging, but with the right preparation and understanding of the admissions process, success is achievable for academically gifted children.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ entrance exam, including exam details, preparation tips, and the bursary opportunities available.

St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ (7 Plus) Exam Information

• Address: Lonsdale Road, Barnes, London, SW13 9JT
• Admissions Contact: 7and8PlusEntry@stpaulsschool.org.uk | +44 (0)20 8746 5444
• School Type: Independent Preparatory School for Boys
• 7+ Exam Date: November of Year 2
• Pass Mark: Aim for 70%+ in SPJ-specific practice tests

St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ Open Days

St. Paul’s Juniors hosts Small Group Parent Tours where parents can meet the Head, staff, and current pupils, gaining insight into daily life at the school. These tours, which must be pre-booked, are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the academic and extracurricular offerings of SPJ.

In addition to tours, SPJ holds an Open Morning in the autumn term, open to both parents and prospective pupils. This event offers a firsthand look at the campus and a chance to ask any questions you may have about the school and the 7+ entry process.

St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ Admissions Process

To apply for 7+ entry, boys can register as early as Year 1, with registration deadlines typically in October of the year before entry. Along with the registration form, there is a non-refundable fee of £175.

All 7+ applicants will take entrance assessments in November. These tests cover Maths, English, and Reasoning, and are designed to assess a child’s academic abilities and cognitive skills.

Top-performing candidates will be invited for a second round of assessments, which includes a group activity. This stage tests candidates’ ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and think critically. The group activities are typically followed by a short interview with the Head or senior staff.

St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ (7+) Interview and Activities

If your child performs well in the written tests, they will be invited to a half-day group assessment. The group will typically consist of 10 boys and will include:

• Maths Lesson
• English Lesson
• Group Problem-Solving Task

During this time, parents will have the opportunity to meet with the Head of St. Paul’s Juniors to ask any questions about the school and the admissions process.

Example Questions from previous years include:

• “How many handshakes would there be if every person in a group of five shook hands with one another?”
• “Would you rather be blind or deaf?”
  These types of questions assess problem-solving skills, reasoning, and creativity.

St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ Scholarships and Bursaries

SPJ offers means-tested bursaries at all entry points, including 7+. These bursaries provide financial assistance to families who require it, with the potential to cover part or all of the fees.

Bursary applications are assessed on an individual basis, and financial support is reviewed annually. If you are applying for a bursary, be prepared to submit detailed information regarding your family’s income and assets. Full details about the bursary process are provided after registration.

St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ (7+) Exam Format

The 7+ exam at St. Paul’s Juniors is designed to assess a child’s academic skills in key areas. The exam consists of the following components:

1. Mathematics
2. English
3. Reasoning (Verbal and Non-Verbal)

Maths Exam: This section focuses on problem-solving, mental arithmetic, time, money, symmetry, and extended number problems. Mental maths skills are especially important, as students are not typically allowed to show their workings.

English Exam: The comprehension paper often includes multiple-choice questions, with an emphasis on spelling, grammar, and understanding written text. Dictation tasks will also assess spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Reasoning Exam: This section includes Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and sequences involving shapes, numbers, and codes. The focus is on a child’s ability to understand relationships and patterns in a logical manner.

St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ Exam Pass Marks and Target Scores

For students to be in a strong position to pass the SPJ 7+ entrance exam, it’s recommended they score 70%+ consistently in SPJ-specific stretch level 7+ practice tests. While these scores are not a guarantee of success, they have historically been a strong indicator of the level needed to perform well in the actual entrance exam.

If your child does not perform well initially in practice papers, don’t worry! With consistent practice and focused preparation, significant improvements are possible.

How to Prepare for the St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ Exam

Practice tests are one of the best tools for preparing for the St. Paul’s Juniors 7+ exam. These tests are designed to replicate the style and content of the actual entrance exam, helping your child familiarize themselves with the question types and exam format.

Starting early with revision is crucial. It allows you to pinpoint areas of weakness and give your child the time they need to improve before the exam day.

How The Happy Scholar Can Support Your Child

The St Paul’s Junior School 7+ entrance exam is a highly competitive and rigorous process. SPJS’s assessments focus on both academic potential and personal qualities, making it essential for applicants to have a solid understanding of Maths, English, and Reasoning – all at a stretch level. Before you start preparing for the top tier schools, we always recommend an academic assessment which will help determine your child’s suitability. It is important to recognise that your child might not be ready both emotionally and academically.

We are proud to have an outstanding track record of helping 7+ candidates secure places at the top tier schools. St Paul’s Junior School is a school we know well, with a great 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 enjoyable and stress-free experience.