Alleyn's 7 Plus Preparation
Alleyn’s School is one of London’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering exceptional academic and pastoral care and with the Alleyn’s 7 Plus as a key entry point. Located in Dulwich, it provides a rich curriculum alongside outstanding extracurricular opportunities. Admission to Alleyn’s at 7 Plus is extremely selective, with only 8-10 places available each year for Year 3 entry. We successfully support several students into Alleyn’s each year through our comprehensive preparation programme.
About Alleyn's School
Founded in 1619, Alleyn’s has educated children with diverse talents for over 400 years. The Junior School cultivates a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere where each student can flourish academically and personally. As the school was established by Edward Alleyn, one of the foremost Shakespearean actors of the Elizabethan age, it actively promotes engagement in drama and performance arts. However, it is also renowned for its sporting prowess. Alleyn’s is also on an expansion programme with new North London schools and the acquisition of the local prep school, Oakfield.
Many parents apply to both Alleyn’s and JAGS, or to Alleyn’s and Dulwich. While we undestand why parents would do this, in actual fact the schools are completely different and a child and family would would thrive at one school may well not at another. We can advise parents on school selection as we get to know you and your family.
Alleyn's 7 Plus Format
The Alleyn’s 7 Plus exam consists of two stages in January of Year 2. Stage 1 includes assessments in English (comprehension, creative writing, and grammar), Mathematics (problem-solving, arithmetic, and advanced concepts), and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal exercises testing analytical skills and pattern recognition). Children who perform well in Stage 1 are invited back for Stage 2, which includes additional written assessments, an interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and group activities to assess communication and social skills.
Advanced Curriculum Requirements
Despite sitting the Alleyn’s 7 Plus exam in January of Year 2, children must have already mastered much of the Year 3 curriculum in English and Mathematics to be competitive. This includes advanced comprehension and writing skills, as well as a deep understanding of mathematical concepts such as fractions, multiplication, and division. The English creative writing task demands polished stories showcasing advanced language and grammar. The Mathematics exam includes difficult word problems and is very time-pressured.
Academic Expectations
Alleyn’s seeks children who show academic promise, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a positive attitude are highly valued. Successful candidates typically demonstrate fluency in Year 2 and early Year 3 material by the time they sit the exam. The school places significant emphasis on a child’s ability to think independently and demonstrate resilience during assessments.
The Challenge for State School Applicants
Families with children at state schools usually find the academic hurdle challenging, as the Alleyn’s 7 Plus exam requires a level of preparation beyond standard primary education. The curriculum in state schools typically does not cover the necessary breadth and depth in Maths and English, nor do they teach verbal and non-verbal reasoning. We strongly recommend structured preparation from an early age, ideally through a pre-prep school such as The Villa, Herne Hill, or DUCKS.
How to Prepare for the Alleyn's 7 Plus Exam
Effective preparation for the Alleyn’s 7 Plus requires a long-term structured approach. Most successful candidates begin preparation in Reception or even pre-Reception, continuing through Year 1 and into Year 2. Key strategies include developing strong reading and writing skills, building confidence in mental arithmetic and problem-solving, practising reasoning questions regularly, and encouraging discussion and group work to prepare for the interview stage. By Year 1, children should already be working on Year 2 and early Year 3 topics.
How Hermes Education Can Support Your Child with the Alleyn's 7 Plus
At Hermes Education, we offer expert tuition and support specifically tailored to the Alleyn’s 7 Plus exam. Our comprehensive approach includes one-to-one tutoring, mock exams, interview coaching, academic testing and holiday courses. Our team has deep knowledge of Alleyn’s assessment process and works with families from Reception onwards to ensure children develop the skills and confidence required. Our structured programmes help children build their abilities progressively, with particular attention to the advanced curriculum requirements that Alleyn’s demands.