Two stages
One registration covers all the participating schools. Every child sits the SET first. Those who reach the required standard are invited to a second-stage test for the schools they are interested in.
The girls' schools and the boys' schools run separate second-stage tests, usually a week or two after the SET.
What the tests cover
The SET covers English and maths only, in multiple-choice papers. There is no verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
The second stage is also English and maths, but written rather than multiple choice, so children need to show their working and write full answers.
The usual timetable
Registration has usually opened in May and closed at the end of July, before Year 6. The SET has been held in mid-September, with second-stage tests in late September and early October, and outcomes before the 31 October application deadline.
Check the admissions pages of the schools you are considering for the current year's dates.
How to practise
With no reasoning papers, the time is best spent on maths and English: number confidence, fractions and problem solving, alongside reading comprehension, spelling and grammar. For the second stage, practise writing out methods clearly.
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.