Magdalen College School Entrance Guide

The claim on the school website is that boys don’t need to have special preparation to sit the 11+ entrance tests. This is a popular phrase with most, if not all academically selective schools. Unfortunately, children are not born with a natural ability to pass tests, and this is a skill that needs to be learned. Whilst you don’t need to use a tutor to succeed in obtaining a place at the school, you will probably have to do exam preparation outside of school due the sheer fact that these processes are extremely competitive.

The Magdalen College School Selection Process (11 Plus)

The MCS selection process has a slightly different format to most of the London schools; namely, the English exam comprises of two written tasks (rather than the standard comprehension and written task); one fiction and the other non-fiction. This is accompanied by an hour-long maths and a 45-minute verbal reasoning test. These are closer to the assessments found in other schools, but it is worth ensuring your child is working towards the upper end of their year. For example mental arithmetic practice will not only help them in their assessments, but also during the interview stage. In the afternoon, boys remain at the school for an afternoon of activities which are designed to be relaxed and fun. This will also be an opportunity for pupil's to experience 'School life' and meet representatives from the current cohort of students.

The 11 plus Interview at Magdalen College School

It's worth bearing in mind that although the formal assessments have ended, boys will be monitored for courteous behaviour, as they would at the current schools. The results of the entry test determine who are invited back to interview and this is where the panel take the chance to assess the pupil’s analysis of a short text, which they will be required to read and comment on; carry out some follow up maths questions and get to know the boys’ interests and hobbies. It's important that pupils are not over-prepped for interviews as the interviewer (usually a senior member of staff) will be able to distinguish between recited responses and genuine thoughts. A great way to prepare is to have frequent discussions at home about current affairs, favourite books and hobbies etc. The more your child discusses these things, the easier they will be able to talk about them in a new environment. These assessments are designed to select the ‘most promising’ pupils for their schools. It is no secret that these tests are challenging, and push children far beyond age expected expectations. But every year I see pupils develop, grow and exceed what they thought they were capable of!