8+ Practice Books Built on Exam Expertise and Creative Design

Two carefully structured book series supporting English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, each backed by free online practice tests.

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

7+ Practice Books Built on Exam Expertise and Creative Design

Two carefully structured book series supporting English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, each backed by free online practice tests.

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

Developing Skills Series

The Developing Skills Series is designed to build strong foundations across all 8+ subjects. It introduces key question types step-by-step, helping children develop confidence, accuracy and familiarity with exam-style thinking.

   

English and Verbal Reasoning (coming soon)

The 8+ Developing Skills: English and Verbal Reasoning series is a comprehensive two-book collection designed to thoroughly prepare Year 3 students for the demands of competitive 8+ 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.

   

Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning (Coming soon)

The 8+ Developing Skills: Mathematics series is a comprehensive two-book collection designed to thoroughly prepare Year 3 students for the demands of competitive 8+ entrance exams. Each book provides a complete course of study, seamlessly integrating numerical fluency, problem-solving, and logical reasoning into a structured, engaging, and highly effective learning journey.

Key features designed for success:

  • Themed Units: Captivating contexts, from Space Explorations to Ocean Deep, bring mathematical concepts and logical patterns to life.
  • Dual Skill Development: Each unit is systematically structured to build core mathematical ability and sharpen non-verbal reasoning skills side-by-side.
  • Exam-Focussed Practice: A rich variety of question styles, from mental arithmetic to shape series, builds exam technique and mathematical confidence.
  • Support for Parents and Tutors: Clear step-by-step solutions 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 8+ 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 8+, 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.

   

Mathematics and Non-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 8+, 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., Robotics, Architecture, Cryptography), pushing students to apply their skills under realistic conditions.
  • Advanced Question Types: Features multi-step word problems, complex shale analogies and the most challenging logic puzzles to ensure students are prepared for anything the exam might present.
  • Exam Strategy Focus: Dedicated sections on time management, logical deduction and spotting patterns to maximise accuracy under pressure.
  • Detailed Marking Guidance: Includes comprehensive solutions, alternative methods, and insights into common pitfalls, enabling professional-level feedback.

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About the author

Cliff Hall

Every Nova resource is built on a dual foundation: deep exam expertise and creative instructional design. Our 7+ books don’t just prepare children for the content of the exam, they help them understand how questions work, build confidence, and practise effectively.
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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