Magdalen College School, Oxford 7 Plus (7+) Exam Guide

About Magdalen College School

Magdalen College School, Oxford is currently a boys’ school at Junior level, and the majority of its Junior School admissions happen at 7+. September 2027 is a genuinely significant date for the school: it’s the first year girls join the Junior School, entering Years 3 and 4 together as part of the school’s move to full co-education by 2030, its 550th anniversary.

The school is explicit that every applicant, whichever year group or gender, follows the same admissions process and is judged to the same standard.

Key information for 2027 entry to Magdalen College School at 7 Plus (7+)

• School type: currently boys only at Junior level; girls join Years 3 and 4 for the first time in September 2027
• 7+ is the main entry point: the majority of Junior School admissions occur at 7+
• Assessed: English (spelling, descriptive writing and three comprehension exercises, each 15 to 20 minutes) and Mathematics (45 minutes), with breaks and playtime built in
• Small-group observation lessons of 2 to 3 hours, for most candidates, roughly a week after testing
• A relaxed 10-minute interview with the Head of Junior School; candidates are invited to bring an object or picture to talk about
• Registration deadline: 31 October 2026; registration fee £180 including VAT
• Assessment day: 23 January 2027
• Results: 9 February 2027; acceptance by 1 March 2027; induction day 11 June 2027
• Acceptance deposit £750 (UK); £1,500 (overseas)
• Bursaries are not awarded at Junior School entry; support starts at 11+, 13+ or 16+
• The school’s own words: ‘our tests and interviews are designed to explore the way in which each child thinks, no special preparation is expected or required’

Admissions information for 2027 entry to Magdalen College School at 7 Plus (7+)

Register by 31 October 2026, assess on 23 January 2027, and expect results on 9 February with acceptance due by 1 March. Offer holders join an induction day on 11 June 2027 ahead of starting in September.

Budget on full fees at Junior level: the school states clearly that bursaries aren’t awarded on admission to the Junior School, with support beginning only from 11+ entry onward. A voluntary Pre-Assessment Service is also offered, giving feedback on your application’s suitability before you commit.

How can I register my child for the 7 Plus (7+) assessment at Magdalen College School?

Register through mcsoxford.org with the £180 fee by 31 October 2026. If you’re weighing suitability before applying, the school’s Pre-Assessment Service is worth using; it’s free-standing and voluntary rather than part of the formal process.

What is the 7 Plus (7+) assessment format at Magdalen College School?

English and Maths are the two written strands: English covers spelling, descriptive writing and three comprehension exercises of 15 to 20 minutes each, and Maths runs for 45 minutes, with breaks and playtime built in through the day. Small-group observation lessons follow about a week later, alongside a relaxed 10-minute interview with the Head, for which your child can bring an object or picture to talk about.

The school’s own guidance is direct: the tests and interview are designed to explore how a child thinks, and no special preparation is expected or required. Read that as licence to keep things light rather than a reason to skip practice altogether.

Magdalen College School 7 Plus (7+) top tips for your child

• Take the school’s no-preparation guidance at face value and avoid heavy drilling
• Practise short descriptive writing pieces and comprehension passages at Year 2 level
• Keep number work steady ahead of the 45-minute maths assessment
• Help your child choose an object or picture they’ll enjoy talking about for the interview
• Use the free Pre-Assessment Service if you want an early steer on suitability

How to prepare your child for the 7 Plus (7+) Magdalen College School assessment

Our 7+ English and maths packs below give structured practice in exactly these strands, with full answers for marking together. Used gently, in the spirit of the school’s own advice, they build the comfort and confidence that a thinking-focused assessment like this one actually rewards.