Year 7 Entrance Examination Further Information

There are two papers, English and Mathematics with a short break between the papers.

Our Maths and English papers are designed to test National Curriculum content from Year 5 and the start of Year 6. These papers have been modified to support pupils during their disrupted Year 5 learning.

Maths (Time allowed: 1 hour)
The Maths paper covers Number, Shape and Space, Measurement and Data Handling and we expect candidates to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, simple fractions and decimals. We are looking for candidates to have the ability to reason and apply these basic skills in solving problems including the use of charts, diagrams and tables. Fluency and accuracy and knowledge of multiplication tables are very important and candidates will need to be proficient in all of these skills in order to work quickly and accurately without a calculator.

It may be beneficial for your daughter to be aware that she is not expected to finish the Maths paper.

English (Time allowed: 1 hour 15 minutes)
We expect candidates to be thoughtful readers and fluent, confident writers with an understanding of writing techniques and figurative language. Both the Reading and Writing sections of the Entrance Exam will be in response to a single unseen text which could be fiction or non-fiction. Candidates are advised that the Writing task will be connected to the unseen text so pre-learned creative writing should not be used.

If you have already informed the School of any additional requirements for the exam, the agreed arrangements will be detailed in the email sent to you.

Candidates’ needs will be accommodated to ensure they receive the relevant support required. This will include working in a classroom with pupils with similar needs. Unfortunately we cannot accept any late requests for access arrangements, now the application deadline has passed.

Candidates will have a short break between each paper to go to the toilet and have a snack and drink.

We will be providing refreshments (nut-free). However your daughter is welcome to bring her own (nut-free) snack and a drink, if she has any specific dietary requirements.

The exams take place across three of our buildings – Main Building, Mary Bennett House or the Sixth Form Centre. Candidates will sit the exam in classrooms.

A member of staff will be present to invigilate and should candidates have any questions they may put up their hand and the staff member will help them.

Candidates should wear clothes that they will feel comfortable in to take the examination. They do not have to wear their school uniform.

Candidates should bring a clear pencil case or clear bag that contains the following:

• pencil
• rubber
• pencil sharpener
• blue or black pens
• ruler
• highlighters (not compulsory)
• reading book

They will not need a calculator or any other mathematical equipment.

There is pay and display parking on nearby residential roads and public car parks in Surbiton and the edge of Kingston. Please allow enough time to park your car and walk to School.

Our Entrance Exam will start promptly at the time stated in your email communication, otherwise there will be an impact on following session.

Please ensure that you leave enough time for your journey and to park your car, if you are driving, and arrive promptly for your allocated time slot.

If your daughter is unwell on the date, please email entranceexam@surbitonhigh.com to advise us so that an alternate date can be arranged.

We will inform parents and candidates of the initial outcomes from the Entrance Examination on Friday 2 December by email. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a face-to-face interview, led by senior members of staff who are trained to put candidates at ease. Interviews will be bookable online and will commence on 5 December through to mid–January. 

Final outcome of the Entrance Exam, Scholarships and Bursaries will be sent out as soon as possible. This is typically around the beginning of February.

Should your daughter have any medical conditions or allergies that we should be aware of on the day, that you have not already informed us of, please advise us by emailing entranceexam@surbitonhigh.com and ensure that she brings any necessary medication, such as an EpiPen with her.