Westminster 7 Plus Exam Preparation
Westminster is one of London’s most prestigious independent schools, known for outstanding academic results. Located in the heart of London, the school offers rigorous and well-rounded education. In 2026, Westminster is undergoing historic changes: becoming fully co-educational and introducing a new 4 Plus entry point. From September 2026, approximately 60 places will be available at 7 Plus for both boys and girls entering Year 3. Our 7 Plus programme was designed to be suitable for Westminster and has a good track record of success.
About Westminster School
These developments mark one of the most significant changes in Westminster’s nearly 500-year history. The school is expanding its physical site with Chapter House, a new building with modern facilities designed for both boys and girls. Westminster Under School has a strong focus on mathematical ability and seeks children who demonstrate exceptional intellectual curiosity and academic potential across all subjects.
Westminster 7 Plus Exam Format
The 7 Plus Westminster Under School exam is designed to assess a wide range of skills across multiple sessions in January of Year 2. The format includes English (reading comprehension, creative writing, spelling, and grammar, with pupils demonstrating strong analytical and expressive abilities), Mathematics (emphasis on numerical fluency, multi-step problem-solving, and logical reasoning), Reasoning (both verbal and non-verbal tasks testing pattern recognition, logic, and information processing), and Interview & Group Activities (assessing confidence, communication skills, and collaborative problem-solving).
Strong Mathematical Focus
Westminster Under School has a particularly strong focus on mathematical ability at the 7 Plus level. The exam includes complex problem-solving tasks that require deep understanding of numerical operations and logical reasoning. Children who excel in Mathematics have a distinct advantage in the selection process. The school seeks candidates with advanced mathematical skills who can tackle challenging, multi-step problems with confidence.
Academic Expectations
Children sitting the Westminster exam in January of Year 2 are expected to be working significantly beyond the standard Year 2 curriculum. Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong comprehension skills with the ability to infer meaning from sophisticated texts, well-developed creative writing with structured narratives and imaginative expression, mathematical fluency across all four operations plus fractions and problem-solving, and high-level reasoning skills for both verbal and non-verbal tasks.
The Challenge for State School Applicants
Children from state schools may find the transition challenging due to the higher academic expectations at Westminster Under School. Many independent school applicants have been working at an accelerated pace from an early age. The curriculum acceleration required—often working 1-2 years ahead of the National Curriculum—demands early and structured preparation.
How to Prepare for the Westminster 7 Plus Exam
Effective preparation for Westminster requires a comprehensive long-term approach. Key strategies include regular reading to build comprehension and analytical skills, consistent writing practice to develop structured and expressive responses, intensive Mathematics preparation to strengthen problem-solving and numerical fluency, consistent practice with verbal and non-verbal reasoning exercises, and building confidence through group activities and interview preparation. Most successful candidates begin from pre-reception, with structured support through Reception and Year 1.
How Hermes Education Can Support Your Child with the Westminser 7 Plus
At Hermes Education, we have extensive experience preparing children for Westminster Under School’s rigorous entry process. Our team includes educators with deep knowledge of Westminster’s assessment format and expectations. We offer tailored one-to-one tuition, practice exams, interview coaching, and structured learning plans. Our approach ensures children develop both the academic skills and the confidence needed to excel. By Year 1, our students are typically working on Year 2 and early Year 3 material to meet Westminster’s challenging standards.