What is the 8+ Interview?
The 8+ interview forms a crucial part of the admissions process for selective independent schools in the UK. Unlike the more widely-known 11+ and 13+ assessments, the 8+ entry point allows pupils to join prestigious preparatory and independent schools at Year 4, typically when children are seven or eight years old.
The interview process varies considerably between schools, but generally consists of informal discussions designed to assess a child's academic potential, social skills, maturity, and enthusiasm for learning. Some schools complement interviews with short assessments in English, mathematics, or reasoning, whilst others rely primarily on the interview itself alongside current school reports.
Parents seeking places at competitive London day schools or boarding preparatory schools find the 8+ route particularly valuable, as it often presents fewer applicants per place compared to the 11+ entry point. Schools including The Hall, Wetherby Prep, Westminster Under School, and numerous preparatory schools offer 8+ entry, making this an important opportunity for families planning their children's educational pathway.
Exam Format and Structure
The 8+ assessment structure differs markedly from formal examinations. Most schools adopt a holistic approach combining several elements:
Interview Component
The interview typically lasts 15-30 minutes and takes place in a relaxed setting with one or two members of staff. Interviewers assess communication skills, confidence, curiosity, and the child's ability to engage in conversation. Questions often explore hobbies, favourite books, current topics of interest, and reasons for wanting to join the school.
Academic Assessments
When schools include written assessments, these usually comprise:
- English: A short piece of creative writing or comprehension exercise lasting 20-30 minutes
- Mathematics: Problem-solving questions covering Year 3 curriculum content, typically 20-30 minutes
- Reasoning: Verbal or non-verbal reasoning puzzles, where applicable, lasting 20-25 minutes
These assessments aim to gauge current academic ability rather than highly coached performance. Schools recognise that children at this age show varied development, and the interview allows staff to understand each child's potential beyond test scores.
Observation Session
Many schools invite candidates to spend time in a classroom setting or participate in group activities. This observation period helps staff assess how children interact with peers, follow instructions, and engage with learning activities in a natural environment.
Assessment Timeline
The 8+ admissions cycle follows a structured calendar that parents should note carefully:
Registration Period
Most schools require registration 12-18 months before the intended entry date. For September 2026 entry, registration typically closes between September and November 2024, though deadlines vary by institution. Popular schools may have waiting lists, making early registration essential.
Assessment Dates
Interviews and assessments generally take place between November and February in the academic year preceding entry. Schools stagger appointments across several weeks to accommodate all candidates. The specific scheduling depends on each school's individual admissions process.
Results and Offers
Schools notify families of decisions between January and March, with most confirmations arriving by the end of February. Successful applicants receive offers requiring acceptance within a specified timeframe, usually two to four weeks. Some schools maintain waiting lists and may make additional offers as places become available.
Subject Breakdown
English Assessment
English evaluations at 8+ level focus on fundamental literacy skills appropriate for Year 3 pupils:
- Reading comprehension of age-appropriate fiction or non-fiction passages
- Creative writing demonstrating imagination, vocabulary range, and basic sentence structure
- Spelling and grammar at National Curriculum Year 3 standard
- Ability to express ideas clearly in written form
During interviews, children may discuss their reading preferences, favourite authors, or recent books they have enjoyed. Examiners look for genuine enthusiasm for reading and the ability to articulate thoughts about stories and characters.
Mathematics Assessment
Mathematics content aligns with Year 3 curriculum expectations:
- Number operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division within appropriate ranges
- Place value understanding up to 1000
- Simple fractions and basic time-telling
- Shape recognition and basic measurement
- Word problems requiring logical thinking
Questions assess mathematical reasoning rather than rote learning. Children who can explain their thinking process and approach problems methodically perform well, even if they make occasional calculation errors.
Reasoning Elements
Whilst not all schools include formal reasoning tests at 8+, some incorporate puzzle-based activities to assess:
- Pattern recognition and sequence completion
- Logical deduction skills
- Spatial awareness
- Problem-solving approaches
These elements help identify children with strong analytical thinking abilities who may not yet demonstrate their full potential in traditional academic subjects.
Preparation Strategy
When to Begin Preparation
Preparation for 8+ entry works best when started approximately 6-9 months before assessment dates. This timeframe allows children to develop skills gradually without excessive pressure. For assessments taking place in January 2026, beginning preparation in April or May 2025 provides sufficient time for steady progress.
Earlier preparation may prove counterproductive, potentially causing anxiety or burnout in young children. The focus should remain on building genuine confidence and skills rather than intensive cramming.
Study Schedule Recommendations
Effective preparation at this age requires short, focused sessions that maintain engagement:
- Three to four 20-30 minute sessions weekly for English and mathematics practice
- Regular reading time daily, ideally 15-20 minutes of varied texts
- One session weekly for interview preparation through conversation and discussion
- Practise sessions should feel enjoyable rather than arduous
Consistency matters more than intensity. Children benefit from regular, manageable practice that builds skills incrementally without overwhelming their natural enthusiasm for learning.
Key Skills to Develop
Beyond academic content, successful 8+ candidates typically demonstrate:
- Confidence in speaking with adults and articulating their thoughts
- Curiosity about the world around them
- Ability to listen carefully and follow instructions
- Resilience when facing challenging questions or tasks
- Good manners and social awareness
- Genuine enthusiasm for learning
These qualities develop through varied experiences including family discussions, visits to museums or galleries, participation in activities beyond academics, and opportunities to interact with different adults in appropriate settings.
Practise Requirements
Appropriate practice materials should match Year 3 curriculum standards without advancing too far beyond the child's current school work. Focus areas include:
- Past papers or specimen materials from target schools, where available
- Age-appropriate comprehension exercises and creative writing prompts
- Mathematics problem-solving questions that encourage explanation of methods
- Mock interview scenarios with unfamiliar adults when possible
Quality of practice matters considerably more than quantity. Children who understand concepts thoroughly and can apply knowledge flexibly outperform those who have memorised large volumes of material without genuine comprehension.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Coaching and Rehearsed Responses
Experienced interviewers quickly recognise when children deliver rehearsed answers rather than responding naturally. Whilst some preparation helps build confidence, over-coaching often backfires. Children should feel comfortable expressing their genuine interests and opinions rather than reciting prepared responses. Schools seek authentic personalities, not miniature adults delivering polished performances.
Neglecting Social and Emotional Readiness
Parents sometimes focus intensely on academic preparation whilst overlooking whether their child possesses the emotional maturity and social skills necessary for the school environment. An academically capable child who struggles with separation anxiety, group situations, or following routines may find the transition challenging. Balanced preparation addresses both academic and personal development.
Starting Preparation Too Late
Beginning preparation only weeks before assessment dates places unnecessary pressure on children and rarely produces optimal results. Skills and confidence develop gradually, particularly at this young age. Last-minute cramming creates stress and may undermine a child's natural abilities rather than showcasing them effectively.
Choosing Inappropriate Practise Materials
Using 11+ materials or content significantly above Year 3 level frustrates children and provides poor preparation for 8+ assessments. Materials should match the child's current stage whilst gently extending their capabilities. Practise that feels impossibly difficult damages confidence and motivation.
Applying Excessive Pressure
Children at seven or eight years old should not carry the weight of parental anxiety about school admissions. Excessive pressure, frequent testing, or communicating that outcomes determine their worth creates counterproductive stress. The most successful candidates approach assessments feeling prepared but relaxed, viewing the experience as an interesting opportunity rather than a high-stakes ordeal.
Resources and Practise Materials
Past Papers and School Materials
Some schools provide specimen papers or sample questions on their websites. Contact admissions offices directly to enquire about available materials. Where schools offer taster days or open events, these provide valuable insights into the assessment approach and school culture.
Recommended Books
Appropriate practice books include:
- Bond 8-9 years English and Mathematics assessment papers
- Schofield & Sims English Skills and Mathematics Skills books for ages 7-8
- CGP Year 3 English and Mathematics workbooks
- Collins Primary Literacy and Primary Maths books for Year 3
For reading development, high-quality children's literature appropriate to the child's reading level proves more valuable than specific exam preparation books. Authors such as Roald Dahl, Michael Morpurgo, and Jacqueline Wilson offer engaging stories that develop comprehension skills naturally.
Online Resources
Several websites offer useful practice materials:
- Individual school websites for specific guidance and specimen materials
- Educational resource sites providing Year 3 curriculum-aligned activities
- Subscription-based platforms offering interactive English and mathematics practice
Online resources work best when used selectively to supplement other preparation rather than as the primary method. Screen time should be balanced with hands-on learning and real-world experiences.
Practise Question Sources
Beyond published materials, parents can create valuable practice opportunities through:
- Discussing newspaper or magazine articles appropriate for children
- Asking open-ended questions about books, films, or experiences
- Incorporating mental mathematics into daily activities
- Encouraging creative writing through journaling or storytelling
- Playing word games and mathematical puzzles together
This integrated approach develops skills whilst maintaining the joy of learning, creating confident, capable children rather than test-taking machines.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
At Taylor Tuition, we understand that 8+ preparation requires a distinctive approach tailored to young learners. Our structured preparation programmes focus on building genuine skills and confidence whilst ensuring children remain enthusiastic about learning.
Structured Preparation Programmes
We design individualised preparation plans that address each child's specific strengths and development areas. Our programmes typically run for 6-9 months before assessment dates, with carefully paced sessions that build skills incrementally. We cover all assessment components including English, mathematics, reasoning where relevant, and interview preparation, ensuring comprehensive readiness.
Our approach balances academic development with the social and emotional skills that schools value highly. We help children develop the confidence to express themselves clearly, engage thoughtfully with questions, and demonstrate their natural curiosity and enthusiasm.
Expert Tutors
Our tutors possess extensive experience preparing children for 8+ entry to London's most selective schools. They understand the specific requirements of different institutions and tailor preparation accordingly. Many of our tutors have teaching backgrounds in preparatory schools, providing insider knowledge of what schools genuinely seek in candidates.
We carefully match tutors to children based on personality, learning style, and specific requirements. Our tutors excel at making learning engaging and enjoyable for young children whilst maintaining the structure needed for effective preparation.
Our Teaching Approach
We believe preparation should feel like an exciting learning journey rather than a pressurised ordeal. Our teaching methods include:
- Engaging, age-appropriate materials that maintain children's natural enthusiasm
- Regular practice that builds skills without creating anxiety or burnout
- Interview preparation through natural conversation rather than rehearsed responses
- Ongoing communication with parents about progress and development areas
- Flexible scheduling that accommodates busy family lives
- Mock assessments in the weeks before actual interviews to build familiarity and confidence
We focus on understanding rather than rote learning, ensuring children can apply their knowledge flexibly and explain their thinking clearly. This approach produces confident, capable candidates who perform well in assessments whilst developing skills that benefit them throughout their educational journey.
Parents seeking expert support for 8+ preparation can contact us for a consultation. We'll discuss your child's needs, target schools, and how our programmes can provide the structured support that maximises their chances of success whilst keeping learning enjoyable and stress-free.