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. Please note that from September 2004 there has been a significant change to the London and Home Counties school selection process. Parents will need to submit one form to their own local authority listing all of their chosen schools in their order of preference irrespective of the Borough/County in which the school is located. Information can be obtained from your Primary School or your Local Authority Education Department (Admissions Section).

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, Verbal Reasoning 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 VR and 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?
If a vacancy occurs, parents who have written to us enquiring about a place will be contacted to arrange a test for the 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.

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. This gives the children an opportunity to see the School 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.