On behalf of the 13 Buckinghamshire grammar schools
1: WHAT’S NEW?
 Grammar schools in Bucks are now all independent
admissions authorities
 11+ tests now commissioned by academy grammar
schools – working together to maintain consistency in
the selection process
 New tests from 2013
 Different timetable from 2013 for 2014 entry
2: PROVIDER
 CEM (Centre for evaluation and Monitoring)Durham
University
 Selected by tender
 Three-year contract
3: TESTS
 Two tests
 Test preparation in advance
 Each 45-50 mins
 Verbal, numerical and non-verbal ability in both tests*
 Sections separately timed
 CD administration to ensure consistency
 Adaptations for pupils with special educational need
* Design of new tests reflects the widely-accepted view
of ‘ability’ as multi-faceted
4: VERBAL ABILITY
 Verbal reasoning
 Comprehension
 Vocabulary
Verbal Ability Example
Verbal ability example
5: NUMERICAL ABILITY
 Problem-solving
 Multi-stage
Numerical reasoning example
6: NON-VERBAL ABILITY
 Reasoning in a diagrammatic/abstract context
Non verbal reasoning example
7: MARKING & RESULTS
 OMR answer sheets – multiple choice
 Single total score
 Age-standardised
 Qualifying score = 121
8: PREPARATION
 Familiarisation sheet – explaining what the tests are
about, giving test-taking advice and a few sample
questions. This sheet will go home with pupils.
 Preparation papers = 2 x 30 mins – experience of testtaking conditions , these papers will not be marked
and not sent home.
9: BENEFITS
 Ability is multi-faceted
 A range of contexts
 Less time taken
 Reduced pupil stress
 Reduces impact of coaching
10: TRIAL
 Purpose: tests of appropriate standard
 1000 Bucks pupils in Y6
 March 2013
11: TIMETABLE
 Determined by government deadline of 31 October
 Both preparation papers on one day
 Both actual tests on one day
 Proposed preparation day: 10 September
 Proposed test day: 12 September
Next steps
 Grammar consultations run until the end of February
and they are inviting comments on the proposals
 In summer term further presentation for Y5 parents
giving more detail re the test process for children