Page 3 - Abingdon Additional Information
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Abingdon Preparatory School
Abingdon Preparatory School has 250 pupils aged between 4 and 13.
Girls are welcome from age 4 to 7. The Preparatory School is located in
50 acres of beautiful grounds about 10 minutes from the Senior School.
Boys transfer from the Preparatory School to the Senior School at age
13+. Main entry to the Preparatory School is at age 4+ and 7+. Further
information can be obtained from:
or email
or by calling
01865 391570
.
First year entry (age 11)
Details of the First Year entry procedure are listed below.
The key dates for First Year entry in 2013 are available on our website
Application
First Year boys are usually aged 11 on 1 September of their year of entry.
First Year entry is intended for boys who would normally transfer from
their primary school (or equivalent) on completion of Year 6 (UK national
curriculum). For this entry point, we recommend that prospective pupils
are registered before October in the academic year prior to joining.
The Assessment Process
The offer of a place in the First Year is made on the basis of a
candidate’s performance in the entrance test, a confidential report from
his current school and an interview. Details of the arrangements for the
entry test are sent to the parents of all registered candidates in the
previous October (or on registration for late registrations). The School
does not send out copies of past examination papers, but does send
sample questions.
The tests
Candidates sit an entrance test in early January with papers in English,
Mathematics and Reasoning. These papers are designed to be
appropriate for candidates from primary schools and to test potential
rather than attainment. There are two English papers. The first tests pupils’
reading skills, using a poem and a short prose extract, and asks
candidates to respond to how effects are created by writers. The second
paper asks for a brief composition and assesses pupils’ writing skills. The
mathematics paper contains questions on such topics as fractions,
decimals, averages, percentages, areas of rectangles and currency; metric
units will be used throughout and calculators are not allowed. Candidates
are not required to wear school uniform. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Interviews
Candidates are selected for interview at the School following the written
papers. The interview is a friendly affair, providing the School with an
opportunity to get to know a candidate’s personality and interests
outside the classroom. The School is happy for candidates to bring
something with them, such as an object of interest or an example of their
work, to provide talking points. Under certain circumstances some
candidates may be asked to attend a second interview.
Results
Offers of places are usually sent out about three weeks after the written
examination. Parents will be asked to give a firm acceptance of the place
and to pay a deposit which will be credited to the parents’ final account
when their son leaves the School.
Induction
Successful candidates are invited to the School for two induction days,
one in June and the second in September.
First year awards
There are two main categories of award available to boys joining the
First Year:
• John Roysse academic awards – a number of these are made for the
two years of the Lower School to reward outstanding performance in
the entrance tests and interviews. John Roysse academic award
winners are eligible to sit the academic scholarship examination two
years later.
• Griffen awards - a number of these are made for the duration of Lower
School to boys considered exceptional all-rounders as they emerge
through the admissions process.
In addition Lower School candidates may also be considered for:
• Head’s awards – a number of awards made at the discretion of the
Head in recognition of a particular strength or talent.
• Music exhibitions – up to two awards are available for the duration of
Lower School.
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