Choosing the right school for your child at 7+, 8+ or 11+ is one of the most important decisions a family can make. With so many excellent British independent schools, each with its own culture, admissions process and priorities, it can quickly become overwhelming.

At Enjoy Education, we guide families through every stage of this journey, helping you find not just a school place, but the right fit for your child’s personality, potential and long-term happiness.

What Are the 7+, 8+ and 11+ Entry Points?

These are the key admissions stages for selective independent schools in the UK:

• 7+: Typically for Year 3 entry (age 7 to 8)
• 8+: Typically for Year 4 entry (age 8 to 9)
• 11+: Common for Year 7 entry (age 11 to 12), including for many senior schools

Schools at these entry points assess children in English, maths, reasoning and often interview them too. Some also include group activities or trial days to understand how a child engages with peers and teachers. Entry standards can be high, and each school has a unique approach, which is why expert guidance can be invaluable.

Enjoy Top tip: Many schools expect children to be confident with time management, neat working and mental maths, not just academic knowledge. These are areas that can be quietly built up over time.

Why School Fit Matters More Than School Rankings

Academic reputation is important, but the most selective school is not always the best match. What matters most is finding an environment where your child will feel confident, supported and able to thrive, both academically and socially.

We help parents consider key questions such as:

• Would my child flourish in a highly academic setting, or in a more balanced environment?
• Do they prefer a large school community or something more intimate?
• Would a co-educational or single-sex environment suit them better?
• How far is the commute, and how will that affect their daily wellbeing?

Enjoy Top tip: Try the school run at the same time of day you would normally do it. A 45-minute commute can feel very different during rush hour with a tired 8 year old!

How We Support Families

We offer structured, personalised guidance throughout your school search:

• We get to know your child through a consultation and, if needed, an in-house assessment.
• We introduce you to our industry-leading school advisors, who understand the strengths and character of each school.
• We provide you with a shortlist of carefully selected schools, always unbiased and in your child’s best interest.
• We support school visits and applications, helping you stay on top of deadlines and next steps.
• We prepare your child with targeted tutoring and interview coaching where needed.

From start to finish, we help you make confident, informed decisions.

Did you know? Some schools ask children to read aloud during interviews or complete a creative writing task based on a picture prompt. Practising in a calm, low-pressure setting can really help.