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8+ practice books built on exam expertise and creative design

Two carefully structured book series supporting English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Written by experienced educators with a deep understanding of how children succeed in high-stakes entrance exams.

Developing SkillsMastering Skills

Five 8+ Nova practice books fanned out: student books and teacher's guides from the Developing Skills and Mastering Skills series.

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.

Choose a cover to see the book.

English and Verbal Reasoning

8+ English and Verbal Reasoning

Developing Skills: Teacher’s Guide Book 1

Paperback · For parents and teachers

  • Step-by-step notes, discussion prompts and full mark schemes for every unit
  • Written for new and experienced tutors, and for parents
  • Matches Student Book 1

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ English and Verbal Reasoning

Developing Skills Book 2

Paperback · 10 thematic Units

  • Ten themed units, from AI to Nature
  • Reading, writing and verbal reasoning built together in every unit
  • Answer keys and parent tips for learning at home

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ English and Verbal Reasoning

Developing Skills: Teacher’s Guide Book 2

Paperback · For parents and teachers

  • Step-by-step notes, discussion prompts and full mark schemes for every unit
  • Written for new and experienced tutors, and for parents
  • Matches Student Book 2

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

8+ Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Developing Skills: Teacher’s Guide Book 1

Paperback · For parents and teachers

  • Step-by-step notes, discussion prompts and full mark schemes for every unit
  • Written for new and experienced tutors, and for parents
  • Matches Student Book 1

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Developing Skills Book 2

Paperback · 10 thematic Units

  • Ten themed units, from Space Explorations to Ocean Deep
  • Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning built side by side
  • Step-by-step solutions and parent tips for learning at home

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Developing Skills: Teacher’s Guide Book 2

Paperback · For parents and teachers

  • Step-by-step notes, discussion prompts and full mark schemes for every unit
  • Written for new and experienced tutors, and for parents
  • Matches Student Book 2

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

About the English and Verbal Reasoning books

The 8+ Developing Skills: English and Verbal Reasoning series is a two-book collection designed to prepare Year 3 students for the demands of competitive 8+ entrance exams. Each book provides a complete course of study, integrating reading comprehension, creative writing and verbal reasoning into a structured, engaging 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.

About the Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning books

The 8+ Developing Skills: Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning series is a two-book collection designed to prepare Year 3 students for the demands of competitive 8+ entrance exams. Each book provides a complete course of study, integrating number, calculation, shape and problem-solving with non-verbal reasoning into a structured, engaging 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.

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 confidence needed to excel in competitive entrance exams.

Choose a cover to see the book.

English and Verbal Reasoning

8+ English and Verbal Reasoning

Mastering Skills Book 1

Paperback · 10 thematic Units

  • Ten full-length, timed practice papers on demanding themes
  • The most challenging comprehension, writing and reasoning questions
  • Mark schemes and annotated exemplars for feedback at home

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ English and Verbal Reasoning

Mastering Skills: Teacher’s Guide Book 1

Paperback · For parents and teachers

  • Step-by-step notes, discussion prompts and full mark schemes for every unit
  • Written for new and experienced tutors, and for parents
  • Matches Student Book 1

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ English and Verbal Reasoning

Mastering Skills Book 2

Paperback · 10 thematic Units

  • Ten full-length, timed practice papers on demanding themes
  • The most challenging comprehension, writing and reasoning questions
  • Mark schemes and annotated exemplars for feedback at home

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ English and Verbal Reasoning

Mastering Skills: Teacher’s Guide Book 2

Paperback · For parents and teachers

  • Step-by-step notes, discussion prompts and full mark schemes for every unit
  • Written for new and experienced tutors, and for parents
  • Matches Student Book 2

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

8+ Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Mastering Skills Book 1

Paperback · 10 thematic Units

  • Ten full-length, timed practice papers on demanding themes
  • Multi-step word problems, complex shape analogies and tough logic puzzles
  • Full solutions and alternative methods for feedback at home

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Mastering Skills: Teacher’s Guide Book 1

Paperback · For parents and teachers

  • Step-by-step notes, discussion prompts and full mark schemes for every unit
  • Written for new and experienced tutors, and for parents
  • Matches Student Book 1

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Mastering Skills Book 2

Paperback · 10 thematic Units

  • Ten full-length, timed practice papers on demanding themes
  • Multi-step word problems, complex shape analogies and tough logic puzzles
  • Full solutions and alternative methods for feedback at home

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

8+ Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Mastering Skills: Teacher’s Guide Book 2

Paperback · For parents and teachers

  • Step-by-step notes, discussion prompts and full mark schemes for every unit
  • Written for new and experienced tutors, and for parents
  • Matches Student Book 2

Buy on Amazon: Coming soonSee what's insideBulk order this title

About the English and Verbal Reasoning books

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 (for example Environmental Science, Classical Myths or 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.

About the Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning books

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 (for example Environmental Science, Classical Myths or Systems of the Body), pushing students to apply their skills under realistic conditions.

  • Advanced Question Types

    Features multi-step word problems, complex shape 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.

Taught from these books

Nova tutors teach 8 Plus from the Nova books. Book a free consultation to see how it works for your child.

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