Frequently Asked Questions

Are there a fixed number of places allocated to each Borough?
No. All applicants are considered on an equal basis by the Latymer Governors whatever their present Borough provided the child lives in one of the noted postcode areas as published in the schools admissions policy.

What is an NVR Test?
The Non-Verbal Reasoning Test used by Latymer attempts to assess potential rather than what has been taught. We are able to offer practice material in the types of question included in the Latymer Entrance Test.

How are English and Mathematics assessed?
There will be tests in Mathematics and Literacy in November for the candidates who achieve the required level on the Non-Verbal Test. Sample Mathematics test papers, and practice material in Literacy are available from the School. Care is taken to ensure that questions set in the Mathematics paper correspond to the levels of attainment laid down in Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum. Some questions may be very demanding as they are testing for exceptional ability and giftedness but none will exceed the KS2 degree of difficulty.

Are there opportunities to join Latymer at a later date?
As from September 2010, ‘In Year’ applications have to be made directly with Local Authorities. Parents can no longer make direct applications to schools. If a vacancy occurs, parents who have applied through their Local Authority about ‘In Year’ admissions will be contacted to arrange a test for their child. Vacancies of this kind in Years 7 to 11 are rare. In addition a number of new pupils join the Sixth Form (Year 12) each year. Applicants for the 6th Form are requested to submit a personal statement and are required to sit a test. Offers are made subject to performance in both the Latymer test and their GCSE results.

Do both sexes follow the same curriculum?
Yes. Boys and girls are taught in mixed classes for all subjects except some aspects of PE.

When can successful applicants see the School?
Successful applicants and their parents will be invited to the School on an evening in early July. There is also an induction half day in the Summer Term which gives the children an opportunity to see the School in operation and to meet their form tutor and other children who will be in their form.

What about foreign language tuition?
In the first year, pupils study either French or German. In the second year all pupils begin a second language chosen from French, German, Russian and Latin.

Is special consideration given to a child with musical talent?
A small number of very musical children may be admitted provided it is felt that they are also capable of following an education leading to the higher grades of GCSE in a full range of National Curriculum subjects.

Do you have to take equal numbers of boys and girls?
The numbers of each sex in each year group are approximately equal but balancing numbers is not a consideration when pupils are assessed for acceptance.

How do I appeal against a decision not to accept my child?
Details of the steps you need to take will be sent to you if your child is not successful. The procedures are quite straightforward. Firstly you will need to inform the Governors of your wish to appeal; you will then be sent a form on which you state the reason(s) for your appeal.  All appeals are heard in April or May by an independent committee of three in an informal atmosphere.