7 Plus City Junior School

A Guide to the 7 Plus City Junior Admissions

The exam for the City 7 Plus offers a selective but welcoming opportunity for children to join this academically ambitious and dynamic co-educational institution. With growing interest in City Junior as a leading prep school with a direct route to City of London School and City of London School for Girls, securing a place requires strong preparation. The good news is that each year there are approximately 36 places for girls and 36 places for boys available, considerably more than most 7 Plus entry points.

About City Junior School

City Junior School is a relatively new but already well-regarded co-educational prep school in London, designed to provide an excellent academic foundation while fostering creativity, curiosity, and confidence in its pupils. As the official junior feeder for City of London School and City of London School for Girls, it provides an exceptional pathway to these prestigious senior schools.

Applying for 7 Plus at City Junior

Entry at 7 Plus is selective, with competition growing each year as more families recognise the school’s strong academic ethos and unique co-educational environment. Unlike some other prep schools, City Junior values not just raw academic performance but also a child’s enthusiasm, problem-solving ability, and capacity to contribute positively to the school community.

7 Plus City Format

The entrance assessment for City Junior School evaluates core academic skills and cognitive abilities. The format includes a first and second assessment and also a reference from the pupil’s current school. The first round usually takes place in November and the second round in early January.

First round assessment – each written paper is 25-40 mins long

• Comprehension – A reading comprehension requiring both multiple choice and full sentence answers.
• Mathematics – A balance of arithmetic and problem-solving questions designed to test the entire Year One and Year Two syllabuses.
• Creative Writing – Candidates will be given a picture and an opening sentence and asked to continue the story.

Second round assessment

• Group activities – A group of children will be asked to complete a task together requiring collaboration and communication skills.
• Individual interview – A conversation with a member of the senior leadership team of the Junior School.

Balanced Academic Focus – What City Junior School Looks For 

Unlike some equally competitive London schools, City Junior School always prioritises well-rounded children. While academic strength is crucial, the school also values emotional intelligence, creativity, and a willingness to explore and question ideas. Pupils who demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for learning and an ability to collaborate with peers are well-positioned for success.

Academic Expectations for the 7 Plus City Junior School Exams 

The City Junior School 7 Plus is designed to assess children working above the expected Year 2 level. To be well-prepared, pupils should demonstrate:

• Confident reading comprehension, with the ability to extract key information and infer nuanced meaning from texts.
• Well-structured creative writing, showing imagination and a clear sense of narrative.
• Solid arithmetic skills, including number bonds, times tables, and the ability to solve word-based problems.

How to Prepare for the City Junior School 7+

An optimal approach to the City Junior School 7+ should involve structured academic preparation and the development of broader skills. Key preparation strategies include:

• Developing daily reading habits to enhance comprehension and vocabulary.
• Practising creative writing in a structured yet expressive manner.
• Strengthening problem-solving abilities through regular Mathematics exercises.
• Encouraging curiosity and discussion-based learning to prepare for the interview stage.

When to Begin Preparation – A Thoughtful Approach

Families considering City Junior School should begin structured preparation well ahead of the exam. Many children start targeted learning from Reception and Year 1, ensuring they develop key skills early. By Year 1, pupils should be comfortable with Year 2 and some early Year 3 material, particularly in Maths and English, to confidently tackle the entrance assessments.

How Mentor Education Can Support Your Child 

At Mentor Education, we specialise in preparing children for the City Junior School 7 Plus entry assessments. Our team of experienced and trained tutors provide tailored one-on-one tuition, practice exams, interview coaching, and structured learning plans designed to develop both academic strength and confidence. Our approach ensures children are well-equipped to meet the expectations of this increasingly popular school. Everyone teaching on our 7 Plus Programme is a qualified teacher, and has also undergone our twelve step 7 Plus CPD course, ensuring they are up to date with the latest requirements.

Next Steps – Get in Touch

If City Junior School is your preferred choice and you would like expert support in preparing your child, our team at Mentor Education is here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist in guiding your child through the 7 Plus City Junior School admissions process with confidence and success.

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