Entrance Assessments at Exeter School

Welcome to prospective families whose children are sitting the entrance exam for entry in September 2027. You can find guidance and sample papers for the various assessments via the links below.

We understand that entrance assessments can feel daunting — for pupils and parents alike. Our aim is simple: to give every child the best possible opportunity to show what they can do, in an environment that feels calm and supportive rather than high-pressure.

Every assessment is marked fairly and consistently by experienced staff who understand that a single test is only ever a snapshot. We look beyond raw scores to understand each child’s true working ability, taking into account their individual circumstances and potential. If your child has a specific learning need, additional time, or any other form of support in their current school, please let us know in advance — we’re happy to make reasonable adjustments so the assessment reflects what your child can genuinely achieve, not how they cope under unfamiliar conditions.

On the day of your child’s assessment – whether it is part of our group testing day in January or a pre-arranged sitting with our Admissions office, our staff will do everything they can to put pupils at ease. Assessments take place in friendly environments, with clear instructions and time for questions, so that nerves don’t get in the way of a child’s best performance. We know that children show their true ability when they feel comfortable, and that’s exactly the atmosphere we aim to create.

If you have any questions about the assessment process, need to request additional support, or simply want reassurance about what to expect, our Admissions team is here to help. We want every family to feel confident and informed as they go through this process with us.

Please use the guidance notes and sample papers below to help your child prepare with confidence.

Guidance for junior school entrance assessments

Admissions assessments for Year 3 entry (age 7+)

English  – The English tests will assess the child’s skills in all the key aspects of literacy: reading, comprehension, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. The writing test comprises a planning/introductory session with the teacher before writing. The introduction may take the form of verbal, visual or concrete stimulus which is fully discussed with the pupils before they start. A good standard of presentation, punctuation and content of writing, is encouraged rather than the quantity. Pupils will sit an online English reading test which will comprise a range of age-appropriate English exercises and reading skills. There will also be a short spelling test. The pupil will also read a passage from an age-appropriate text to the teacher.

Mathematics – The mathematics takes the form of two papers: a general mathematics paper covering a range of maths topics and a mental maths paper completed to time. The General Mathematics paper is read aloud by the teacher. Pupils are encouraged to show their working. There is also a timed mental mathematics paper, assessing accuracy and speed across a variety of mathematical concepts including number work. The questions are read out and repeated by teacher.

Admissions assessments for Year 4 entry (age 8+)

English – The English tests will assess the child’s skills in all the key aspects of literacy: reading, comprehension, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. The writing test comprises a planning/introductory session with the teacher before writing. The introduction may take the form of verbal, visual or concrete stimulus which is fully discussed with the pupils before they start. A good standard of presentation, punctuation and content of writing, is encouraged rather than the quantity. Pupils will sit an online English reading test which will comprise a range of age-appropriate English exercises and reading skills. There will also be a short spelling test.

Mathematics – The mathematics takes the form of two papers: a general mathematics paper covering a range of maths topics and a mental maths paper completed to time. The General Mathematics paper is read aloud by the teacher. Pupils are encouraged to show their working. There is also a timed mental mathematics paper, assessing accuracy and speed across a variety of mathematical concepts including number work. The questions are read out and repeated by teacher.

Admissions assessments for Year 5 entry (age 9+)

English – The English tests will assess the child’s skills in all the key aspects of literacy: reading, comprehension, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. The writing test comprises a planning/introductory session with the teacher before writing. The introduction may take the form of verbal, visual or concrete stimulus which is fully discussed with the pupils before they start. A good standard of presentation, punctuation and content of writing, is encouraged rather than the quantity. Pupils will sit an online English reading test which will comprise a range of age-appropriate English exercises and reading skills. There will also be a short spelling test.

Mathematics – The mathematics takes the form of two papers: a general mathematics paper covering a range of maths topics and a mental maths paper completed to time. Pupils are encouraged to show their working. There is also a timed mental mathematics paper, assessing accuracy and speed across a variety of mathematical concepts including number work. The questions are read out and repeated by teacher.

Admissions assessments for Year 6 entry (age 10+)

English – The English tests will assess the child’s skills in all the key aspects of literacy: reading, comprehension, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. The writing test comprises a planning/introductory session with the teacher before writing. The introduction may take the form of verbal, visual or concrete stimulus which is fully discussed with the pupils before they start. A good standard of presentation, punctuation and content of writing, is encouraged rather than the quantity. Pupils will sit an online English reading test which will comprise a range of age-appropriate English exercises and reading skills. There will also be a short spelling test.

Mathematics – The mathematics takes the form of two papers: a general mathematics paper covering a range of maths topics and a mental maths paper completed to time. Pupils are encouraged to show their working. Pupils are allowed to use a calculator for the first part of the maths test so it will be useful to familiarise children with calculators beforehand. There is also a timed mental mathematics paper, assessing accuracy and speed across a variety of mathematical concepts including number work. The questions are read out and repeated by teacher.

Guidance for senior school entrance assessments

Year 7 entry (age 11+)

Computer-based assessment – During the 11+ assessment there will be an element of testing using computers. This is a cognitive abilities test which asks questions based on English and Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning, which includes multiple choice, drag and drop and complete the word answers. The content is the same as required for the written English and Mathematics papers. This innovative test provides a reliable, fair and comprehensive assessment for children whatever their educational background. The test is deliberately designed to be taken without any prior practice.

Year 8 entry (age 12+)

During the 12+ assessment there will be an element of testing using computers. This is a cognitive abilities test which asks questions based on English and Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning, which includes multiple choice, drag and drop and complete the word answers. The content is the same as required for the written English and Mathematics papers. This innovative test provides a reliable, fair and comprehensive assessment for children whatever their educational background. The test is deliberately designed to be taken without any prior practice.

Year 9 entry (age 13+)

During the 13+ assessment there will be an element of testing using computers. This is a cognitive abilities test which asks questions based on English, maths, and non-verbal reasoning, which includes multiple choice, drag and drop and complete the word answers. The content is the same as required for the written English and maths papers. This innovative test provides a reliable, fair, and comprehensive assessment for children whatever their educational background. The test is deliberately designed to be taken without any prior practice.

Year 10 entry (age 14+)

During the 14+ assessment there will be an element of testing using computers. This is a cognitive abilities test which asks questions based on English, maths, and non-verbal reasoning, which includes multiple choice, drag and drop and complete the word answers. The content is the same as required for the written English and maths papers. This innovative test provides a reliable, fair, and comprehensive assessment for children whatever their educational background. The test is deliberately designed to be taken without any prior practice.

Please watch the video below where our staff provide advice about the entrance assessment process. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Admissions Office via telephone 01392 273679 or admissions@exeterschool.org.uk