Our approach to student assessment
Our selection tests for schools focus on two key areas that provide the foundation for academic progression. They assess core skills and behaviours that enable learning, rather than assessing knowledge acquired from school.
Thinking skills – assesses problem solving and critical thinking, important academic skills that are crucial to success in a wide range of subjects.
Mathematical reasoning – assesses core mathematical reasoning skills that underpin further maths learning.
We also offer assessments in the following areas to support evidence-based selection decisions:
Reading comprehension – assesses a wide range of key reading skills including skimming, scanning, deducing meaning from context, and understanding of attitude, opinion and implication.
Structured writing – assesses candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in writing on a range of topics.
Non-cognitive assessment – identifies student behavioural competencies such as resilience, communication and collaboration skills that support academic success and can be developed.
We ensure selective tests are accessible to all candidates, so there is no need for coaching colleges or paid-for preparation courses. Our test content is also designed to be directly relevant to school content so that limited preparation is required.