Pre-testing in Year 6 or 7 to secure your Year 9 place at St Mary's

If you are looking for Year 9 entry we offer the option for prospective students currently in Year 6 and 7 to sit our Year 9 Pre-tester assessment. Gaining a Year 9 place of entry, gives these girls peace of mind that their future plans for GCSE and A Level studies are secure.

Please read the further details below on joining us in Year 9. If you do need any further information, please contact our admissions team.

We can't wait to welcome you,

Hannah Helliar, Head

Pre-testing for Year 9 entry

Our annual entrance assessment is held every year on the last Saturday of January.

• Girls in Year 6 sit the assessment in the January of Year 6  
• Girls in Year 7 sit the assessment in the January of Year 7 

The Year 6 assessment comprises:

• An online adaptive assessment
• A 30-minute handwritten creative writing assessment
• A short interview

The Year 7 assessment comprises:

• A one-hour handwritten English paper
• A one-hour handwritten Mathematics paper
• A short interview

The Year 6 online adaptive assessment covers the following four key areas:

• Vocabulary – word fluency and understanding
• Mathematics – logical thinking, manipulating numbers and numerical concepts
• Non-verbal ability – recognising shapes, matching patterns, applying spatial awareness and visual intuition
• Skills – such as proofreading, perceptual speed and accuracy  

More about assessment

To apply for a Year 9 Pre-tester place

Simply complete an online application form and submit a registration fee. As part of the application process, our admissions team will be in touch with you to request a Headteacher reference and a copy of your daughter's latest school report.

Apply now

GCSE courses for 2023-25 and Academic Results