7+ English & Verbal Reasoning

Two carefully structured book series guiding Year 2 children through a rich and progressive course in English and Verbal Reasoning, from confident foundations to exceptional achievement.

Written by experienced educators with a deep understanding of how children succeed in high-stakes entrance exams.

10 themed units per book
KS2 curriculum specialists
Detailed teacher guides
Online test available Q 23026

Developing Skills Series

The Developing Skills Series is designed to build strong foundations across all 7+ subjects. It introduces key question types step-by-step, helping children develop confidence, accuracy and familiarity with exam-style thinking.

   

English and Verbal Reasoning

The 7+ Developing Skills: English and Verbal Reasoning series is a comprehensive two-book collection designed to thoroughly prepare Year 2 students for the demands of competitive 7+ entrance exams. Each book provides a complete course of study, seamlessly integrating reading comprehension, creative writing, and verbal reasoning into a structured, engaging, and highly effective learning journey.

Key features designed for success:

  • Themed Units: Deeply engaging topics from AI to Nature link comprehension, writing and reasoning.
  • Tripartite Skill development: Each unit systematically builds ability in reading, writing and verbal reasoning.
  • Exam-Focussed Practice: A full range of question styles and scaffolded tasks build exam technique and confidence.
  • Support for Parents and Tutors: Clear answer keys and parent tips empower effective learning support.

Mastering Skills Series

The Mastering Skills Series is for children who are ready to deepen their understanding and tackle more demanding 7+ questions. It builds on core knowledge, develops speed and accuracy, and prepares children for the challenge of real exam conditions.

   

English and Verbal Reasoning (coming soon)

Having built a solid foundation, now is the time to master the exam. The Mastering Skills book series is the definitive final preparation for the 7+, designed to sharpen skills, build speed, and instil the unshakable confidence needed to excel in competitive entrance exams.

This series delivers advanced challenge and precision:

  • Complex Theme-Based Assessments: Each unit is a full-length, timed practice paper centred on a sophisticated theme (e.g., Environmental Science, Classical Myths, Systems of the Body), pushing students to apply their skills under realistic conditions.
  • Advanced Question Types: Features the most challenging comprehension, writing, and reasoning questions to ensure students are prepared for anything the exam might present.
  • Exam Technique Focus: Dedicated sections on time management, interpreting tricky questions, and self-checking strategies to minimise errors and maximise marks.
  • Detailed Marking Guidance: Includes not just answers, but mark schemes and annotated exemplars so parents and tutors can provide professional-level feedback.

Approach the 7+ English Exam with Confidence

The 7+ Developing Skills: English and Verbal Reasoning series is a comprehensive four-book collection designed to thoroughly prepare Year 2 students for the demands of competitive 7+ entrance exams. Each book provides a complete course of study, seamlessly integrating reading comprehension, creative writing, and verbal reasoning into a structured, engaging, and highly effective learning journey.

Explore the Unit Themes

Each unit is built around a vivid, carefully chosen topic - from real-world history and science to myth and imagination - making vocabulary memorable and every session genuinely engaging.
The Talking Pebble
Pyramid  Builders
The Moon's Secrets
Cave of Echoes
The Knight's Armour
The Clever Octopus
The First Telephone
The Ant's Lesson
The Thunderstorm
Space Exploration
Ocean Deep
The Seaside
Ancient Egypt
Frog Lifecycles

Great English teaching begins with imagination

Our books are designed to inspire children to think boldly, express themselves with confidence and discover the power of language — unlocking and expanding their verbal ability in ways that extend far beyond any single exam.

Detailed Guidance for Every Tutor

Every student book is accompanied by a comprehensive Teacher Guide written for both new and experienced tutors. It provides step-by-step facilitation notes, discussion prompts, full mark schemes and practical advice for getting the very best from every activity — so no child is held back by uncertainty about how to use the materials.

Connected, Not Isolated

Learning is most effective when it is a journey, not a series of random tasks. Every activity in every unit links back to a shared theme — creating a rich, memorable experience where vocabulary, comprehension and reasoning all reinforce each other naturally.

Structured to Build Confidence

The same four-step unit structure — warm-up, comprehension, creative writing, verbal reasoning — repeats consistently across every book. Familiarity with the structure frees children to focus entirely on thinking and learning, rather than working out what the next task requires.

Specialists in KS2 & 7+ Learning

Our materials are written by specialists in KS2 English, curriculum design and 7+ examination practice. They understand how Year 2 children think, what motivates them and precisely what skills selective schools are looking for — knowledge that is present on every page.

Perfectly Pitched for Year 2

Content and challenge are carefully calibrated for six- and seven-year-olds. Topics are engaging and age-appropriate; vocabulary is rich but accessible; tasks are demanding but achievable — ensuring every child is stretched without ever feeling overwhelmed.

Online Practice Tests

Fully aligned online tests — launching Q3 2026 — extend learning beyond the page. Timed, auto-marked and mirroring the conditions of real 7+ assessments, they give children and tutors a clear picture of progress and confidence ahead of exam season.

What Do Parents and Tutors Say About Us?

⭐ Finally, a challenge worthy of my daughter.

"My daughter found standard papers too easy. These Extension papers finally gave her the challenge she needed. The comprehension questions really make her think."
Sarah M., Parent of a 10-year-old

⭐⭐ Questions that build real critical thinkers.

"The difference is in the questions. They don't just ask 'what happened' – they ask 'why did the author write it this way?' and 'what effect does this create?' Perfect for developing critical thinkers."
Dr. Amina K., Educational Consultant

⭐ Transformed my son's logical thinking.

"My son's verbal reasoning skills have improved enormously. The questions in these practice papers pushed him to think more deeply about logic and reasoning."
David L., Parent of an 11-year-old

Free Online Practice Tests — Coming Q3 2026

Fully aligned with the Developing Skills and Mastering Skills curriculum, our forthcoming online tests let children practise reading, comprehension and verbal reasoning in realistic timed conditions, from home.
We are an independent educational publisher focussed on developing practice tests and learning materials for children applying for selective school entry.

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