Like most things in this extraordinary year, the 11-Plus is set to look a little different. Recognising the ongoing disruption – and the requirements for social distancing – many schools are shifting their approach. In what we know is already an anxious time, we wanted to focus on navigating uncertainty, and reassure families that we are here to help.
The need to maintain learning ‘bubbles’ means many schools are devising their own admissions processes – and these differ across institutions. The Godolphin and Latymer School, for example, has already advised parents that they will not follow the London 11+ Consortium this year, but will instead use the ISEB Common Pre-test. This computer-based test covers English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and can be taken at a student’s current school.
It’s a move driven by flexibility, reducing the need for children to travel to take the test. The ISEB Common Pre-test is easily organised in school ICT suites, meaning candidates can sit the exam in a familiar and safe environment that maintains their existing school ‘bubbles’. It takes around two and a half hours to complete, although the subjects can be split and taken separately if needed. It’s very likely that further schools will opt for the ISEB Common Pre-Test given the current situation.
