7+ City Junior School Admissions Guide
City Junior School is a co-educational independent prep school for children aged 7–11, located at Gray’s Inn in Central London. It opened in 2022 and forms part of the wider City of London family of schools.
For many families, 7+ entry into City Junior School is attractive because it offers a clear educational pathway, with progression to:
Progression is not automatic, but pupils at City Junior School do not sit the standard external 11+ entrance examinations in the same way as external candidates.
With growing demand and a single main entry point at 7+, competition for places is strong. Below, we break down how the admissions process works — and how families can prepare effectively.
How Competitive Is 7+ Entry?
City Junior School typically admits around 70–75 pupils at 7+ each year, split broadly evenly between boys and girls. In recent years, there have been multiple applicants per place, making preparation important — even though the school states that assessments are based on the standard Year 2 curriculum.
Because the intake is selective, most families ensure their child is secure in core English and maths skills before sitting the assessments.
The 7+ Admissions Process: Step by Step
1. Open Events
Open mornings usually take place in the summer and autumn prior to entry. Families can tour the school, meet staff, and understand the ethos and facilities.
While attendance is not compulsory, it is highly recommended.
2. Registration
Registration typically opens around a year before entry and closes in the autumn term.
Applications are submitted online via the school’s website, and a registration fee is payable. All candidates are required to sit assessments in person at the school.
3. First Round Assessment (Academic Tests)
The first round usually takes place in late November (the year before entry).
Children sit three papers:
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Mathematics
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Reading Comprehension
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Creative Writing
Each paper typically lasts between 25 and 40 minutes, with short breaks between them.
Although described as curriculum-based, the reality is that the standard expected is high due to competition.
Mathematics
The maths paper focuses on Year 2 topics such as:
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Number bonds and basic calculations
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Addition and subtraction
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Early multiplication and division concepts
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Simple word problems
Accuracy and confidence are key.
Reading Comprehension
Children read a short passage and answer a mixture of:
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Multiple-choice questions
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Short written answers
Strong reading fluency and careful understanding of the text are essential.
Creative Writing
Children are given:
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A picture stimulus
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An opening sentence
They are asked to continue the story.
The school is not looking for advanced vocabulary, but they do assess:
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Imagination
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Structure
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Basic punctuation
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Clear expression of ideas
4. Second Round Assessment (January)
Children who perform strongly in the first round are invited back in early January.
This stage is more holistic and includes:
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A small group activity
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A one-to-one conversation with a teacher
The school assesses:
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Curiosity
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Collaboration
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Communication skills
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Problem-solving
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How children interact with peers
It is not a formal interview, but rather a relaxed discussion about interests, hobbies and books.
How to Prepare for the City Junior School 7+ Exam
While the second round focuses on personality and social development, the first round academic tests are what determine whether your child progresses.
Preparation should focus on:
1. Securing Year 2 Maths Fundamentals
Children should be comfortable with core number skills and simple word problems.
2. Building Strong Reading Skills
Regular independent reading and discussion improves comprehension performance.
3. Practising Creative Writing Structure
Children should feel confident planning and writing a short story independently.
Practising with Realistic 7+ Mock Exams
One of the most effective ways to build confidence is through exposure to exam-style questions.
At White Dot Education, we have created a full suite of realistic 7+ mock exams designed to replicate the structure and standard of selective independent school assessments — including those used by schools such as City Junior School.
Our online platform allows children to:
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Sit timed maths and English papers
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Practise reading comprehension and creative writing
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Receive instant feedback
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Understand performance breakdowns
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Build familiarity with exam conditions
👉 Explore our dedicated City Junior School 7+ practice papers.
These mocks are ideal for families who want structured, high-quality preparation from home.
Final Thoughts
City Junior School’s 7+ process is selective but thoughtful. The school looks for bright, curious, kind children who will thrive in its community.
While the assessments are designed around the standard curriculum, the competitive nature of entry means that gentle, structured preparation can make a significant difference — particularly in maths fluency, reading comprehension and writing confidence.
With the right balance of preparation and encouragement, children can approach the 7+ process feeling calm, capable and ready to show their true potential.
If you would like your child to practise in a realistic, supportive online environment, explore our City Junior School 7+ mock exams.
