7 Plus Alleyn’s Guide

A Guide to the 7 Plus Alleyn’s Admissions

Alleyn’s is one of London’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering an exceptional academic and pastoral experience. Located in Dulwich, it provides a rich curriculum alongside outstanding extracurricular opportunities. Admission to Alleyn’s at 7 Plus is an extremely selective process. With only 8 places available out of approximately 440 applicants last year, the competition is fierce. We successfully support 2-3 students into Alleyn’s each year.

7 Plus Alleyn’s Exam Format

Despite sitting the exam in January of Year 2, children must have already mastered the full Year 3 curriculum in English and Mathematics to be competitive. This includes advanced comprehension and writing skills, as well as a deep understanding of mathematical concepts such as fractions, multiplication, and division. Many successful candidates have already developed fluency in problem-solving techniques and independent thinking. The Alleyn’s 7 Plus exam consists of assessments in core subjects, evaluating both natural ability and learned skills. The format typically includes:

• English – Comprehension, creative writing, and grammar skills. The comprehension section tests a child’s ability to read and interpret texts accurately, while the creative writing task assesses storytelling ability and language use.
• Mathematics – Problem-solving, arithmetic, and reasoning. The exam includes word problems, number patterns, and logic-based mathematical challenges.
• Reasoning – Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning exercises, requiring children to demonstrate strong analytical skills and pattern recognition.
• Interview & Group Activities – A chance for children to showcase their communication and social skills through problem-solving exercises and collaborative tasks. The interview also assesses confidence and engagement.

The Challenge for State School Applicants

Parents from state schools often find the transition challenging, as the Alleyn’s 7 Plus exam requires a level of preparation beyond standard primary education. The curriculum in state schools typically does not cover the necessary breadth and depth required for competitive entrance exams. We strongly recommend that children attend a pre-prep school to develop the necessary skills. Suitable options include The Villa, Herne Hill, and DUCKs, which provide the right foundation. Many of our students begin their preparation in pre-reception, ensuring they are familiar with the academic expectations and structure of independent school entrance exams.

How to Prepare for the 7 Plus at Alleyn’s

Alleyn’s seeks children who show academic promise, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a positive attitude are highly valued in prospective students. The school places significant emphasis on a child’s ability to think independently and demonstrate resilience during assessments. Effective preparation is key to success in the Alleyn’s 7 Plus exam. A structured approach should include:

• Developing strong reading and writing skills to excel in English tasks, including comprehension analysis and creative storytelling.
• Building confidence in mental arithmetic and problem-solving for Maths, ensuring fluency in key topics such as fractions and number sequences.
• Practising reasoning questions to improve logic and pattern recognition, as these play a significant role in non-verbal and verbal reasoning assessments.
• Encouraging discussion and group work to prepare for the interview stage, helping children develop confidence and communication skills.

When to Start Preparation – A Long-Term Approach

To maximise success, most children start with us from pre-reception and then continue into our reception and Year 1 programme. This long-term approach ensures children develop strong academic foundations and confidence ahead of the 7 Plus exam. Parents should expect a structured learning journey that builds from early literacy and numeracy skills to advanced problem-solving and reasoning exercises. By Year 1, children should already be working on Year 2 and early Year 3 topics to ensure readiness for the exam.

How Mentor Education Can Help 

At Mentor Education, we offer expert tuition and support to help children prepare for the Alleyn’s 7 Plus exam. Our tailored approach includes one-to-one tutoring, mock exams, interview coaching, and holiday courses to ensure children feel confident and well-prepared. By leveraging Alleyn’s past exam insights, we ensure students gain exposure to the most relevant and challenging question types. Our structured programmes help children build their skills progressively, ensuring they develop the confidence and knowledge required to succeed.

Next Steps on your 7 Plus Alleyn’s Journey – Contact Us Today