BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Our 7+ examination is the second most popular entry point to gain a place at the school. Focusing on entry into Year 3, the exam will evaluate each pupil’s academic ability and social skills to assess the pupils’ suitability with our current Year 2 cohort. Every year, we are in touch with parents with questions about the admissions process for the 7+ examination so we have put together this short guide on what to expect. 

 

Stage 1: Registering Your Interest

If you’re interested in your child sitting the 7+ examination, you must register them using our online application form so we can add them to the database. If you are already on the database, we will update your contact details. For logistical reasons, we need to know how many pupils are sitting the exam so the sooner you apply, the better. 

Once we have you and your child’s details, we will confirm that you are on the attendance list via email. The majority of our communication is done by email so please do check your inbox and/or spam folders regularly. 

We would recommend attending one of our Open Mornings or booking a weekday tour with our Admissions Team shortly after you apply. It’s a great chance to see the facilities, meet our teachers and pupils, and get a feel for our school life. 

 

Stage 2: Save the Date

Towards the end of November/start of December, we will begin to finalise details which include the format of the day and any further details we may need about your child (e.g. latest school report, up-to-date photo). Again, these details will be shared with you via email. 

We recommend taking the time to thoroughly read through the email; make sure to mark the examination date in your calendars so you don’t miss it! The usual format of a 7+ examination day includes a creative writing activity and comprehension task as well as 4 online maths tests performed on our school iPad devices. The day will include several breaks and the pupils will have the chance to spend time in a classroom setting as part of a group task too. 

All of our test papers are written by our Academic Team and will be based on our Year 2 cohort’s current curriculum. 

 

Stage 3: Understand the Bursary and Scholarship Options

Our Bursary and Scholarship programme begins in Year 3 which awards monetary support to selected pupils.

There are two scholarships available to date which are the Academic Scholarship and Music Scholarship. Academic Scholarships are worth up to 25% of the fees and are based off the results from the 7+ examination. You do not need to express your interest in an Academic Scholarship as every pupil who sits the examination is automatically considered. 

Music Scholarships are for the exceptionally talented musicians out there who are working to Grade 3 standard or above. The scholarship is also worth up to 25% of the fees but we also have an Exhibitions award which covers the cost of individual music lessons for one instrument. If you’re interested in this scholarship option, please get in touch with our Admissions Team who will send you the relevant forms to complete. 

Our Bursary programme awards fee-assisted places to families who require financial support. The programme is organised via means-tested assessments which means that awards are given based on household income. The percentage of award is up to 100% so please get in touch with our Admissions Team and/or our Finance Department for information about your next steps. 

Please note: Bursaries and Scholarships are only awarded to pupils who pass the 7+ entrance examination. 

 

Stage 4: Prepare your Child

The final thing to do ahead of the examination is to prepare your child for the day. Tell them what to expect from the day (the format, what assessments they are going to do etc.) and that there’s nothing to be worried about. 

During the day, there will be many lovely teachers and staff members present to help with any questions or worries they may have. We hope to make the day as enjoyable as possible to take the pressure away from sitting an examination. 

There is no need to get a tutor or spend every evening doing additional work, the 7+ examination is tailored to their current school work. 

 

Frequent Questions:

Does my child need to bring anything with them on the day? 

You don’t need to bring anything on the examination day apart from any medication your child may need. On the day, we will provide pencil cases, snacks and drinks for the pupils. 

 

Are there any past papers I can look at? 

Our Academic Team write all of our test papers and ensure that each year the papers are new and match the curriculum changes of that academic year. We do not share these papers as we don’t want to add any unnecessary pressure to the 7+ examination.

 

What happens if my child isn’t successful in the examination? 

If your child is not offered a place following the 7+ examination, they will be placed back on the waiting list. Should a place become available at another time, we will be in touch to offer the place to you. 

 

My child has learning difficulties – can they still sit the examination? 

Of course – any pupil is welcome to sit the examination. If your child needs additional support, please get in touch with our Admissions Team to discuss how we can help your child during the examination day. 

 

If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch with the Admissions Registrar on 0121 410 6807 or admissions@thebluecoatschool.comÂ