THE SCHOOL ENTRANCE TEST
INCREASE YOUR CHILD’S CHANCE OF PASSING
Most private senior schools set entrance tests at the age of 11 or 13 or 16, except for a few wide ability entry schools which rely on an interview and previous school reports.
Many schools use the Common Entrance Exams organised by the Independent Schools Exam Board and apply at 11 or 13. You can see samples at http://www.iseb.co.uk/default.htm Schools are entitled to set their own test papers and pass scores, but generally the tests follow an established pattern. The three most common subjects are English Language, Maths and Science. For older children there can also be specific subject tests. In the case of very selective senior schools (such as Eton and Winchester), there may even be two sets of tests spaced out over two years.
For those seeking entry at 16 to a sixth form to do the International Baccalaureate, they will likely be tested in their 3 main Higher subject choices. A Level schools will more likely be satisfied with good GCSE passes.
If you are applying for a scholarship, then there will be separate tests and auditions (and you will need a very good reference from the existing school).
If you have your heart set on a specific school, you should not leave anything to chance – if your child fails the test, you not only lose a non refundable deposit, but more importantly you may have lost the chance of admission to your second and third choice schools, which could have filled up in the meantime.
Many parents do not realise you can coach a child to pass entrance or scholarship tests. We recommend several very experienced personal tuition firms all based in London, but which can send tutors anywhere including internationally. These firms have amazingly high success track records - usually more than 90% acceptance into first choice school - so, it’s a very worthwhile investment.
What does it involve?
To prep a child for a Common Entrance Test at age 11 entry, one is probably looking at tuition for 3 to 4 weeks. It plainly depends on the child’s ability and the complexity of the entry tests. Top public schools need much more time and planning. Initially the tutor needs to assess the child’s strengths and weaknesses. A child educated in a state school will likely need more tuition than one currently in a private preparatory school.
The tutor will endeavour to obtain sample test papers for the target schools.
Our Personal Tuition companies can all see children at their Central London premises, but most children will be tutored at home in the late afternoon or evening. For overseas families the tutor can come to stay with the family for a specified period. Additional tutoring can also be done by video conference on the internet.
Tests are often taken 6 to 9 months before entry – so there is no time to lose.
What might it cost?
As a generalisation, specialised entrance test tutor rates range from £45 to £75 per hour plus expenses and the typical UK based assignment comes to more than £1000.
International assignments are more likely priced on a rate between £160 to £250 per day plus travel and living expenses. The tutor is on call 6 to 8 hours per day and assignments generally last about 3 weeks. Many tutors will be invited to live in the family home. For international assignments it is important that the child can read, speak and understand English fluently. International assignments are typically £3000+
What next?
If you have decided you need our tuition service, we put you in touch with several of our partner firms, who can provide details of services and costs. They can only do so if you provide detailed information on your child and the target school (s). So please try to complete all sections.