Entry at 11+

Maths: The Maths online test is based on the National Curriculum up to and including Year 5. It assesses your child’s ability to recall what they have been taught and apply this knowledge to solve problems. We want to stretch able candidates, which is why the Maths test is adaptive (see the question below for more information about this).

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning: These sections are designed to test your child’s academic potential, by assessing your child’s ability to solve problems with written or visual information. These tests are also adaptive (see below).

English: The English online test is based on the National Curriculum up to and including Year 5. It assesses your child’s ability to recall what they have been taught and apply this knowledge The English online test includes a piece of fiction written solely for our use.  There is no extended writing required in this test, instead candidates are asked a series of questions based on comprehension of the passage and the correct use of standard English in context. This test is non-adaptive.

Puzzles and Problem Solving: This section encourages your child to think deeply about a scenario and apply mathematical techniques to solve a problem.  It asks candidates to use words and numbers and mathematical techniques to solve multi-step problems. This test is non-adaptive.

Creative Comprehension: The questions in this section assess your child’s ability to read and analyse a series of written sources and graphs that are centred around a theme. This test is non-adaptive.

Adaptive
The Maths, Non Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning tests (in Session 1) are adaptive, which means that the questions get easier or harder depending on the answers given. This ensures that each question is at the right level of difficulty for each pupil. It also means that candidates can’t go back to a previous question once they’ve submitted an answer.

Non-Adaptive

The English, Puzzles and Problem-Solving and Creative Comprehension tests (in Session 2) are non-adaptive, which means that all pupils will see the same questions, although some will progress further through the questions than others. In these tests, candidates can go back and forward through the questions and can change their answers if they need to.

Most questions are multiple choice – candidates may sometimes need to type a letter or a number, but will not need to type large amounts of text, so will not be at a disadvantage if they are not fast at typing. The Creative writing paper will be hand-written (except for candidates who use a computer at school as their usual way of working).

Yes, we will give them paper and pens to use during the online tests to help them with working out.

In this written paper, candidates are given a paragraph of text or an image and are asked to write a piece of fiction inspired by it. We look at spelling, punctuation and handwriting, as well as at applicants’ ability to write lucidly and effectively, with creativity and flair. You can find a sample Creative Writing paper above.

No. We will provide pens, pencils and paper as well as snacks and drinks. Dictionaries, calculators or other devices are not allowed. However, if candidates wish to bring a bottle of water with them, they are very welcome to do so, but please make sure the bottle is clearly named.

The online assessments last for 105 mins, split into two parts and the written paper is 45 mins. However, there are breaks and activities built in to the day, so you should expect your son to be with us for several hours.  Timings will be confirmed as we approach the test day.

During the online tests there will be a clock on the screen showing how long the candidate has left for each section. If a candidate is eligible for extra time, this will automatically be added to the clock. In the Creative Writing paper, there will be a clock on the wall and the invigilator will also let all candidates know how much time they have left.

No – applicants will take their tests in small groups in classrooms. They will be looked after by a group leader and our prefects throughout the day.

We are keen to assess applicants on how they apply the knowledge they already have, so they do not need any special tuition or intensive practice. However, we do recommend looking at these familiarisation questions with your child in advance of the tests, so that they know what types of questions to expect on the day.

Beyond that, the assessments test the knowledge of the Year 5 Maths Curriculum, and candidates will need to be able to answer questions on an extended piece of fiction.  These are skills which your child will be developing at his current school so there is no requirement for intensive practice or tuition. For further familiarisation, parents may also like to look at other online practice materials with their child.

Online assessments are increasingly common in education and we believe that the varied format of these new online tests, together with the written English paper, interview and reference, will give us a better opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of each candidate’s ability and potential.  This more comprehensive suite of tests will help us see beyond testing cognitive ability alone and to more fully see a child’s potential in creative and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and problem-solving.

The online tests are provided by a company called Quest Assessments, which is highly experienced in delivering educational assessments, and the questions are developed in collaboration with our Head of Maths and Head of English.  The assessments designed for MCS are entirely bespoke.

If you are unable to travel here for your child to take the tests, please contact us to let us know. We will then be in touch to ask you to make arrangements for them to take the tests under exam conditions at a local test centre.

Candidates who require access arrangements will be asked to indicate their entitlement at the point of registration.  We will work with families to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for each test.