Before the Tests
What happens before the 7+ tests? All those who have registered for the 7+ entrance tests receive a letter from our Assistant Registrar, Ms Isabella Raeburn, formally inviting them to attend the admissions tests. It contains a reply slip and also a report form, to be passed to the Headteacher of the pupil's current school.
Once the reply form has been returned, you will receive a second letter providing details of the day itself, including the timings of the different tests. The tests will be held at MCS in the January preceding entry the following September. | |
| What to wear and what to bring? Boys need to bring a pencil, rubber, ruler and a simple packed lunch. They should wear whatever they feel comfortable in. We will provide a snack and a drink during the morning.
What should I do if I have a question? If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Ms Raeburn, the Assistant Registrar, at any stage of the admissions and applications process (01865 242191 or iraeburn@mcsoxford.org). | |
On the Test Day
Which tests will my son take? Boys take tests in English (spelling, descriptive writing and three comprehension exercises) and Maths. Tests are relatively short (15-20 minutes each for each part of the English test and 45 minutes for the Maths test) and there are breaks between them. All candidates are tested together and many of the tests are teacher led.
What else happens on the day? There are two breaks in the morning - one for a drink and biscuit, the other for some outdoor play (weather permitting). There is also a break for lunch. | |
| How can I help my son prepare for the tests? There is no need to prepare your son for the tests. Our tests are designed to allow us to assess each candidate's potential, not simply their current academic attainment. The most important thing is that he feels relaxed about coming for the day. We do not expect or require pupils to receive any coaching for the tests. However, sample English and Maths papers are available here, to give you an idea of the format of the papers and the type of questions that will be asked. | |
After the Tests
What happens at an observation lesson? Most boys will be invited back to MCS for observation lessons about a week after the 7+ test day. These will be in small groups, and the lesson is 2 hours long (either 9-11am or 1-3pm). In the course of this lesson, your son will leave the group to meet the Head Teacher, Ms Helen Barnard, for a short interview.
How will my son be interviewed? The interview will last 8-10 minutes, and will be a relaxed chat following the boy's own interests. If he would like to bring an object (or picture) to stimulate discussion, he would be most welcome to do so. It is not something that you or your son needs to feel any anxiety about. | |
Please be reassured that the boys will have a good time when they are with us for both tests and interviews. A parent of one of our 2012 candidates said:
'Thank you to everyone at MCS for making the process for my son so painless. After his interview I said "Did you have a nice time?" - and his reply "It was brilliant"!' | |