7+ Private Tuition

The 7+ has become an increasingly popular entry point for young people to join independent school, and each year Dulwich Tutors helps many students become confident, well-prepared candidates, ready to give a good account of themselves during the highly competitive entry process.

Each year the elements of the process can be different, and different schools may approach it in different ways. Some use the Common Entrance ISEB test, others via online platforms like Atom or BOFA. However, many South London schools, such as Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, JAG’s and St. Dunstan’s, use their own bespoke exam papers, sometimes after an online pre-test.

Year End curriculum knowledge is tested, so it is important that applicants have developed their skills and understanding in areas of interest and ability, so that their unique strengths are starting to show. Academically speaking, English, Maths and Reasoning are tested, alongside activities designed to establish interpersonal skills, such as the ability to discuss and collaborate with fellow pupils.

Tutors work to identify and exchange information about what the entrance process involves that year, so their expertise in a specific school may be less important than engagement with that year’s requirements.

Studies show that students benefit equally from online or in-person tuition. While most Dulwich Tutors are based in South London, we do have available a select number of tutors across London, nationally and internationally, as students of this age may have a behavioural or support need that benefits from tuition at the home address.

At the beginning of 7+ tuition, an independent educational assessment can be booked, to identify whether a child would benefit from embarking upon the 7+ process, which areas could benefit from tuition and which potential schools are worth considering.

Dulwich Tutors are familiar with the entry requirements of schools across the country, and can help overseas students become familiar with the literature, customs and historical knowledge that are often key ingredients of the process.

Our tutors have experience of helping children with a wide range of support needs. At this age they may yet to be formally identified, but our tutors have supported students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and others. One to one tuition enables learning approaches and resources to be adapted to the student’s specific learning style. We represent tutors with experience as assessors and an educational psychologist, should additional guidance be required.
Unlike Standard Assessment Tests (SAT’s), RBA or CAT assessments, 7+ entrance is competitive and each year there may be more students going for the same number of available places. For this reason, Dulwich Tutors approach preparation in a holistic way. Schools may identify the entry process as ‘tutor proof’ but the love of learning, development of subject interest, and general knowledge that tutors cultivate will support educational progress and personal development in the long term, above and beyond the result of any one specific school examination. That said, many of our tutors have track records of happy parents, and students who were successful in their applications.

Look for testimonials on the tutor profiles below to hear success stories from former Dulwich Tutors clients and students.