Latymer Prep School 7+ Admissions Guide (2026 Entry)

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Understanding the 7+ Exam Components

English

The English component assesses a child’s ability to read and understand written passages, use language accurately, and write with imagination and structure. Children will be expected to demonstrate:

• Reading comprehension – answering questions based on a text, including inference and vocabulary.

• Grammar and punctuation – understanding sentence structure, parts of speech, and correct usage.

• Creative writing – producing a short story or descriptive piece, assessed on clarity, detail, and originality

Mathematics

The Maths paper focuses on the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and early Key Stage 2. Children will need to solve both simple and multi-step problems. Topics include:

• Number and place value – understanding digits, number bonds, and sequences.

• Addition and subtraction – mental and written methods.

• Multiplication and division – times tables, patterns, and word problems.

• Problem-solving – applying reasoning to puzzles and multi-part questions.

For more support, explore Ivy Education’s full 7+ resources and guidance for early-stage applicants.

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Registration and Application Process

6.1

Key Dates for Latymer Prep School 7+ Entry

Latymer Prep School’s 7+ application process follows a clear and structured timeline. Below are the key dates for entry in September 2026:

• Registration Deadline: Friday 8 November 2025 (Midday)

• Assessment Date: Tuesday 7 January 2026

• Interview Week: Week commencing 20 January 2026

• Offer Letters Sent: Tuesday 28 January 2026

• Acceptance Deadline: Midday, Wednesday 5 February 2026

It is important to register early and keep track of these dates to ensure your child is eligible for consideration.

6.2

Application Procedure

The application process for Latymer Prep School consists of the following steps:

1. Complete the Online Registration Form
   Available via the Latymer Prep School website. Make sure to choose the correct form—standard or full bursary registration.
   

2. Submit the Registration Fee
   A non-refundable fee of £180 is required for all fee-paying and partial bursary applicants. Full bursary applicants are exempt from this fee.
   

3. Upload Supporting Documents
   This includes:

   • A scanned copy of your child’s passport

   • Any applicable visa/residency documentation

   • Details of previous schooling if applicable

4. Assessment Day
   Your child will be invited to the school for assessment in English and Mathematics. All applicants attend on the same day.
   

5. Interview Stage (if shortlisted)
   Selected candidates will be invited for an individual or group interview with senior members of staff during the week of 20 January 2026.
   

6. Offer & Acceptance
   Offers are sent out in late January and must be accepted by the deadline in early February.

Need Help With Your Latymer Prep Application?

Our team of experts can support your family along every step of the admission process for Latymer Prep. You can speak to our Admissions Team for a free initial discussion.

For more information, visit our School Consultancy Page.

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Preparation Strategies

• Start Early: Begin preparing at least 6–12 months in advance. Focus on building core literacy and numeracy skills gradually.

• Targeted Practice: Use structured worksheets, timed tasks, and age-appropriate practice papers to help children familiarise themselves with exam conditions.

• Reading & Vocabulary: Encourage wide reading—from fiction and poetry to factual texts. Discuss word meanings, character motives, and story structure.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Help your child approach word problems and puzzles with logic and reasoning rather than rushing to the answer.

• Interview Practice: Talk regularly with your child about their interests, hobbies, and opinions to build their confidence and verbal reasoning.

Our tutors can help by:

Identifying weaker areas and providing targeted support.

Teaching exam techniques and time management strategies.

Boosting confidence through one-on-one tuition and structured learning plans.

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School Interview Preparation Guidelines

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in late January. At 7+, the interview is friendly and informal, aiming to assess a child’s communication, curiosity, and overall readiness for the school. Interviewers will look for confidence, enthusiasm, and a willingness to engage with new ideas. Children may be asked to talk about their interests, respond to imaginative or abstract questions, and take part in gentle problem-solving tasks or games. Practising with family members or an experienced tutor can help children feel more relaxed and prepared for the format and setting.

Key Skills: The school interview process is designed to explore a child’s personality, verbal reasoning, and approach to learning. It is not solely academic; instead, it seeks to understand how a child thinks, communicates, and expresses themselves. Interviewers are interested in getting to know the individual beyond test results—what motivates them, what excites them, and how they might contribute to school life.

Preparation Tips: To help your child prepare, consider holding short, casual interview-style conversations at home. Encourage them to speak clearly and confidently about their favourite activities, books they’ve enjoyed, or things they’re proud of achieving. These informal discussions help build familiarity with answering open-ended questions and expressing opinions. Discussing simple current events or retelling stories can also support their ability to think aloud and respond thoughtfully in the moment.

Common Questions: During the interview, children may be asked why they’d like to attend Latymer Prep, what they enjoy learning at school, and how they like to spend their time. They might also be asked to share their ideas or feelings about teamwork, creativity, or learning from mistakes. Encourage them to answer honestly and openly, even if they feel unsure—they're not expected to be perfect, just to show their best selves.

Presentation and Etiquette: Presentation and behaviour are part of the impression too. Remind your child to smile, make eye contact, listen attentively, and speak respectfully. Being neatly dressed and arriving punctually sets a positive tone for the session. Above all, reassure them that the interview is a chance to be themselves.

Additional Support: If you’d like expert support with interview preparation, Ivy Education offers tailored mock interview sessions for 7+ applicants. Led by experienced educators and former senior staff, these sessions simulate the real interview setting and provide valuable feedback, helping your child approach the day with confidence and composure.