Registering
Parents register their child directly with SEAG online, not through the primary school. A child who is not registered cannot sit the test. There has been a registration fee, with an exemption for families entitled to free school meals.
What the test covers
There are two papers, sat on separate Saturdays. Each paper covers English and maths, with a mix of multiple-choice and written answers. English questions include spelling, punctuation, grammar and a comprehension passage. There is no verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
The usual timetable
Registration has usually opened in May and closed in mid-September. The two papers have been sat in November, a week apart, with results in late January and school places allocated later in the spring.
Check the SEAG website for the current year's dates.
How to practise
Concentrate on maths and English, and practise written answers as well as multiple choice. Comprehension practice with answers backed up from the text is especially useful.
In Kestrel you can focus on the maths and English topics and leave reasoning aside.
Kestrel is independent and is not connected with any school, local authority, consortium or test provider. All practice content is original, and no pass guarantee is given.
Kestrel is independent and is not linked to any exam board, local authority or school. Always check the current admissions information for the schools you are applying to.