What to Do If Your Son Didn’t Get Into His First-Choice 7+ School (KCS, St Paul’s, Westminster & Beyond)

A reassuring guide for parents exploring next steps, the 8+ entry and long-term pathways

As 7+ results arrive, many families are celebrating offers from schools such as King’s College School Wimbledon, St Paul’s and Westminster, while others are facing the disappointment of news they were not hoping for. If you’re reading this because your child didn’t get into their first-choice 7+ school, please know this:

• You are far from alone

• This result does not define your child or his future

• There are strong, realistic and successful pathways ahead.

Every year, bright, capable boys miss out on places at highly competitive schools for reasons that extend far beyond ability: cohort differences, exam-day nerves, maturity, timing, or simply the sheer demand for places. The 7+ is an early and demanding entry point and a single snapshot of performance cannot capture a child’s full potential.

This guide is designed to reassure you, explain your options clearly and help you plan the best next steps for your son.

1. First, Take a Breath: What This Result Really Means

Many parents immediately worry:

“What does it mean if my son didn’t pass the 7+?”

“Will this affect future school opportunities?”

The short answer: No.

A single exam at age 6 or 7 does not determine long-term success.

The 7+ tests speed, confidence and exam technique not just knowledge. Many children need a little more time to develop emotionally or academically.

Missing out on KCS, St Paul’s, or Westminster says nothing about your son’s ability.

These schools reject excellent candidates every year simply due to limited capacity.

Many children go on to outperform peers who passed the 7+.

Parents often tell us that this moment led to stronger foundations, resilience and ultimately a better school fit.

2. Exploring Other Pathways: The 8+ Entry

Following the disappointment at 7+, naturally the next thoughts for parents are often:

• “What are the alternatives if my child didn’t get a 7+ place?”

• "Should we try again at 8+?”

• “How to we prepare for the 8+ exam?”

For boys who narrowly missed out at the 7+, the 8+ represents a genuine second chance and many top schools purposely reserve places at this later entry point.

Why consider the 8+?

• Children are significantly more mature by 8+, both academically and socially.

• They have another full year to strengthen core skills.

• Schools often describe 8+ applicants as more settled, independent learners.

  
  

When should preparation begin?

Most families begin structured preparation in the spring term of Year 2, giving a calm, steady run-up to assessments in October to January of Year 3 (depending on the school).

Warning: do consider, however, that depending on your son's school, you may have to prepare for 8+ at home only. Most pre-preps and schools that go to 11 or 13, will not prep boys for the 8+ as it is not in their interests to do so.

What does 8+ preparation look like?

A sensible, balanced strategy might include:

• Strengthening core 7+ foundations in arithmetic, problem solving, comprehension and creative writing.

• Developing exam technique such as timing, checking and structured answers.

• Regular reading routines to deepen vocabulary and inference skills.

• Exposure to 8+ style papers, gradually increasing challenge.

  
  

At 7plushelp.com, we are here to support this exact transition, particularly for families aiming at high-performing London schools. Contact us for guidance info@7plushelp.com

3. Thinking Longer Term: The 11+ Opportunity

One of the top questions parents ask following 8+ discussions is:

“Should we skip 8+ and aim for 11+ instead?”

If your family prefers not to enter the 8+ cycle, remember that the 11+ remains the main entry point for many of London’s leading independent and grammar schools.

The 11+ gives far more time for:

• Academic consolidation

• Emotional growth

• Self-confidence

• Maturity and independence

  
  

By Years 5 and 6, children have reached a stage where exam performance aligns more closely with consistent classroom learning, not quick acceleration or tutoring intensity.

Preparing steadily over the coming years will put your son in an excellent position for a wide range of outstanding secondary school options.

4. Choosing the Right Path for Your Family

There is no universal “right” answer. Consider this:

Choose the 8+ if…

• Your son enjoyed 7+ preparation

• He thrives with structure

• He is motivated to try again

  
  

Choose the 11+ if…

• He needs more maturity

• The 7+ process was stressful

• You prefer a slower, steadier pace

  
  

Whatever direction you choose, it should be based on your son’s well-being not external pressure.

5. Moving Forward With Confidence

Not securing a 7+ place can feel emotional and overwhelming but it is not a reflection of your son’s potential.

In fact, many boys who missed out at 7:

• Earn places at highly academic schools later

• Grow into more confident learners

• Find schools that are a better match

• Discover strengths that exams cannot measure

  
  

Your son’s curiosity, resilience and love of learning matter far more than any early assessment. With the right approach and support, he will continue to flourish academically, personally and socially.

He has every chance ahead of him. And this moment, although difficult, is only the start of a much bigger and brighter story.