7+ Admissions Guide

7+ Admissions Guide For entry in September 2025

What does the Ibstock 7+ Process involve? DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 31 OCTOBER 2024

ASSESSMENT DAY

Saturday 18 January 2025

Mathematics In the Mathematics papers, your child will be assessed on: Recognising the place value of each digit in a two-digit number Adding and subtracting a two-digit number and ones a two-digit number and tens two two-digit numbers adding three one-digit numbers Recognising and use the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction and use this to check calculations and missing number problems Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2,5 and 10 multiplication tables, including recognising odd and even numbers Calculate mathematical statements for multiplication and division with the multiplication tables and write them using the multiplication (x), division (÷), and equal (=) signs Recognise and use symbols for pounds and pence and solve simple problems with money Show that addition and multiplication of two numbers can be done in any order (commutative) and subtraction and division of one number by another cannot.

All registered applicants wishing to join Prep 3 are invited to our Assessment Day.

The children will sit written tests in English, Mathematics. They will also participate in a series of group workshops where we will assess their play and how they interact in a group. The assessment will act as a means of selecting those children who have the potential to thrive in a busy school with an active curriculum.. The assessment will act as a means of selecting those children who have the potential to thrive in a busy school with an active curriculum. Children will be assessed using Standardised Assessment papers. The assessments are based on the National Curriculum of study for the Autumn term of Year 2. They assess your child’s ability to recall what they have been taught and apply this knowledge within different contexts. We are looking for pupils to score above the National Average of 100. Reading The Reading paper will test your child’s ability to answer vocabulary questions, predict what might happen next in a text, make inferences, and sequence the events of a story. A sound understanding of fiction and non-fiction will be of benefit. They should be able to read a passage of text independently in their head.

Your child should have covered this content in the Autumn term of Year 2.

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TAKING CARE OF YOUR CHILD DURING THE 7+ PROCESS We recognise that some children may feel a bit worried about coming into school to sit the 7+. We asked two of our current Prep 3s how they found the experience:

“We did some test papers and then some fun activities. The snacks were yummy!” Leah, current Prep 3

“We did an English Comprehension and some Maths and I made some new friends! I liked seeing the Art room” Benedict, current Prep 3

Tips for keeping calm

Eat the right food Opt for protein-packed snacks like yogurt, dried fruit, and eggs, which are known to help memory retention and boost energy levels.

Get plenty of rest Studying and pre-exam nerves can make it difficult to get to sleep. Dedicate an hour or so before bedtime to relaxation and making sure you switch off for the evening.

Get out of the house and stay active Have fun outdoors with friends. Sport is a fantastic way to de stress

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AFTER THE ASSESSMENTS

Offer Decisions Offer decisions will be released at the end of the end of January 2025. Offer Holder Event for Parents All parents whose children hold an offer will be invited into school on an afternoon early in February. The event will provide you with the opportunity to hear from key members of staff, ask questions and have another look at the School before making your final decision. Offer Response Our deadline for responses to offers will be 12 noon on Monday 3 March 2025.

Prep 3 Induction In June 2025 the children will come into school to meet their new teachers and classmates.

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FAQs

How many places available at 7+ each year? We have 24 places available for external candidates each year, split evenly between boys and girls. Children join us in Prep 3 from both state and private schools. How many pupils move up from the Pre-Prep School into the Prep School? All of our pupils move from Prep 2 into Prep 3. However, for entry in 2025, we move from one form to two form entry in Prep 3 and so we have places available for new children to join us! What is meant by safe passage? Children who join us in Prep 3 are awarded ‘safe passage’. This means that they can move straight into the Senior School without the need to obtain a particular score in the the 11+ papers sat in Prep 6.

Do you recommend tutoring in preparation for 7+ entrance? We do not encourage tutoring for your child in preparation for the 7+ entrance exams. We are seeking to establish each child's natural ability to ensure they will be able to thrive in the academic environment of the Prep School. Do you operate a waiting list for Prep 3 entry? Yes. Applicants who have been offered a place on the waiting list following the entrance process will remain on the list until the new academic year starts in September. If no place has been offered by this time, applicants are welcome to move their registration forward for occasional place entry into Prep 4.

“We are delighted that you have chosen for your child to take part in our 7+ admissions process and wish all our applicants the very best of luck. We look forward to seeing your family here at Ibstock soon”. Sophie Bartholomew and Alice Palmer, Prep School Co-Heads

Good Luck!

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