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Frequently Asked Questions
The Test
Q: Why should I enrol my child for the Townley Grammar PTA mock test?
A: The Townley Grammar PTA mock test is as similar to a real admission test as possible. It is held in the school hall using the same procedure and instructions as the Townley Grammar Entrance Exam (TGEE) and replicates the real TGEE very closely. Therefore, because your child will have gone through the experience before, the real test should be a lot less stressful for your child. Your child’s results will indicate the likelihood of performing strongly in the real SET (Selective Eligibility Test), and will help identify any areas to focus learning on beforehand.
Q: Why is a PTA running a mock test?
A: As parents who have been through the process that you are going through, we understand that it can be a stressful time. We can offer parents of prospective entrants to grammar schools a practice test to help parents/carers and pupils prepare and set their expectations, and at the same time raise funds for the school to enrich the lives of Townley’s students.
Q: Does my child have to be in Year 5 to sit the tests?
A: The test is designed for children in Year 5 who will be sitting secondary school entrance exams in September. You are welcome to book a mock session if your child is in Year 4 to use the results as a baseline, but please be aware they will find it challenging and their results will be standardised against children in the year above them. It will be important to set expectations with your child ahead of the day.
Q: Where is the test held?
A: Townley Grammar School, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AB. Please note there is no parking on site.
Q: How much will the mock test cost?
A: Each mock test will cost £70 per session or £180 for booking all three dates.
Q: Cancellations, changes and refunds?
A: These sessions are non-changeable and non-refundable. If you need to cancel, this cancellation will not receive a refund. Please notify us if you wish to remove your child: ptamocktgs@gmail.com
Q: Can I book my child for more than one session?
A: You can book your child in for multiple dates: the paper on each date will be unique. However please do not book your child in for an AM / PM session on the same date.
Q: How long is the mock test?
A: As with the real Bexley SET, your child will sit two test papers. Each paper contains approximately 50 minutes of questions, plus time for instructions and practice questions. The entire process from the time you drop your child at the specified location until the time you can collect them is likely to be around 2.5 hours.
Q: Is this test suitable for applicants to other selective schools?
A: This test is suitable for all schools that use the Bexley Selection test. Alongside Townley this includes Bexley Grammar School and Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School which are both mixed schools as well as Beths Grammar School which is a boys only school.
Although the test is primarily for students sitting the Bexley Selection Test it will be beneficial to students applying to any grammar school that uses GL (e.g. Kent Test / Medway Test).
Q: Can I get a copy of the test questions?
A: We do not distribute the test questions. However, there are more full length practice papers available on Atom Learning. You can start a trial of Atom Learning to explore their resources here: www.atomlearning.com
Q: Are past papers available for practice?
A: Additional and different full-length practice papers are available on Atom Learning. You can start a trial of Atom Learning to explore their resources here: www.atomlearning.com
Q: What if my child has special requirements?
A: Townley PTA will be looking to offer support for special requirements in the future. At this present time we are unable to provide any additional support or adjustments.
Results
Q: What results do I receive?
A: Atom Learning will provide a report to each parent with results for their child’s test.
You will be provided a 'raw' score for each paper. This is the sum of your child's marks for correct answers. You will also be given an age-standardised score for each paper based on your child's age in years and months at the time of taking the test. Your child will be given an age-standardised score for each of the three main subject areas: verbal ability (verbal reasoning and comprehension), numerical ability (maths), and non-verbal ability (non-verbal reasoning).
They will also receive one total age-standardised score: as with the real Bexley test, the total score is weighted by following this formula:
50% of the verbal ability score + 25% of the numerical ability score + 25% of the non-verbal ability score.
Achieving a total weighted standardised score of 200 represents that the child is at an average academic level for their year group.
Q: When will I get my child’s results?
A: Results will be sent to you by email ten days after they sit the test.
Q: Will the mock test be taken into consideration for school applications?
A: Results from the mock test will have no impact on the Bexley or Kent selection test and will not be taken into consideration.
