Goodbye to the 8+
The 8+ exam, which is taken in year 3 for entry into year 4, will be taken for the last time for entry to Westminster Under and SPJ this Winter. Historically, the 8+ exam has been a great entry point for those children who develop a little later, often those born late in the year. We’ve spoken to admissions at both WUS and SPJ, and they both confirmed that they are dropping the exam in 2027, meaning this will be the exam’s last year.
For WUS, with girls starting in reception next academic year and the school becoming full co-ed by 2030, the abolition of the 8+ will, they hope, bring clarity and consistency. The 7+ is sat at the end of the a child’s pre-prep school time allowing them to join the prep in year 3. For SPJ, sticking to just the 7+ exam will make more administrative sense; the £240 registration fee was not enough of a sweetener for SPJ to want to continue to run such popular entrance exams in consecutive years and the huge admin associated with this.
We can understand why the schools might be making this move, although we think it is a shame. The 8+ is such a great path for those whose development takes place slightly later, or those who are born later in the year, for whom the 7+ can often come too early.
As of yet, there are no signs that more schools will follow suit – we chatted to KCS Wimbledon and they confirmed that their 8+ is here to stay – so if you think your child will suit the 8+ more than the 7+, please get in touch.