7 Plus King’s Guide
The 7 Plus King’s (KCS) exam is highly competitive and only the most prepared children pass.

A Guide to the 7 Plus King’s College Junior School Exam
King’s College Junior School is one of London’s leading independent schools for boys, known for its outstanding academic standards and well-rounded approach to education. Located in Wimbledon, KCJS provides a stimulating curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and strong moral values. The 7 Plus entrance exam for King’s College Junior School (KCJS) is a competitive process designed to identify bright and motivated pupils who will thrive in the school’s academically rich and supportive environment. With strong demand for places, early preparation is essential.
7 Plus Exam Format at King’s
Admission to King’s at 7 Plus is highly selective. The school seeks boys with strong academic potential who demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to engage in all aspects of school life. With a growing number of applicants each year, the admissions process is rigorous and thorough. The entrance assessment for KCJS evaluates key academic competencies and cognitive abilities. The format typically includes:
- English – Reading comprehension and creative writing to assess language proficiency, analytical thinking, and expression.
- Mathematics – Arithmetic, problem-solving, and logical reasoning questions designed to test fluency and accuracy.
- Reasoning – A combination of verbal and non-verbal reasoning exercises that measure pattern recognition, deduction, and problem-solving skills.
- Interview & Group Activities – An opportunity for boys to demonstrate communication skills, curiosity, and the ability to collaborate with peers.
Academic Expectations – What King’s Looks For
KCJS seeks academically ambitious and well-rounded candidates who exhibit:
- Strong comprehension skills and an ability to engage critically with texts.
- Confidence in creative writing, with structured and imaginative narratives.
- Advanced mathematical ability, including problem-solving, number fluency, and logical reasoning.
- An enthusiasm for learning and the confidence to participate actively in discussions.
Academic Preparation – Achieving Success Beyond Year 2
Pupils sitting the King’s 7 Plus exam in January of Year 2 are expected to be working above national curriculum levels. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:
- The ability to read and analyse complex texts with inference and comprehension skills.
- Proficiency in structuring and developing imaginative written work.
- A solid grasp of key mathematical concepts, including fractions, number sequences, and multi-step problem-solving.
- Logical thinking and reasoning skills required for verbal and non-verbal assessments.
The Challenge for State School Applicants
State school applicants may find the 7 Plus expectations at King’s significantly beyond the standard curriculum. Many independent school candidates have received exposure to advanced English and Maths concepts from an early age. Structured preparation and additional tuition are often necessary to bridge the gap and develop exam confidence.
How to Prepare for the 7 Plus at King’s
Most successful candidates begin preparing for the King’s 7 Plus exam well in advance. Many families start structured learning from pre-reception, ensuring that by reception and Year 1, children have built strong literacy and numeracy foundations. By Year 1, pupils should be confidently engaging with Year 2 and early Year 3 material to meet the high expectations of KCJS.A structured and well-planned approach is crucial for success in the King’s 7 Plus exam. Effective preparation should include:
- Encouraging regular reading to enhance comprehension and vocabulary development.
- Practising structured and creative writing tasks to build fluency and storytelling ability.
- Strengthening core mathematical skills, including problem-solving and numerical reasoning.
- Completing verbal and non-verbal reasoning exercises to improve logical thinking and analysis.
- Developing interview confidence through discussions, role-playing, and group activities.
How Mentor Education Can Support Your Child
At Mentor Education, we specialise in guiding pupils through the King’s 7 Plus admissions process. Our services include personalised tuition, mock exams, interview coaching, and structured learning plans designed to help children build confidence and develop essential skills. With expert tutors who have extensive experience in 7 Plus preparation, we ensure a well-rounded and effective approach.
Next Steps for 7 Plus King’s Admission – Contact Us
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