Every child is unique, and we are looking for children who will flourish and thrive in our environment taking full advantage of our outstanding provision. To this end, all children of school age are assessed so that we can look at their potential and attitude to learning.

The aim of the assessment process is to identify potential. Bickley Park School is looking for well-rounded pupils with a genuine interest in education in the broadest sense of the word, with interests that stretch beyond the confines of the academic curriculum. The School has strong traditions in music, drama, art, debating, community activities and sport.

There are many extra-curricular activities, all of which are important in developing a well-balanced, confident individual.

No specific preparation for our entrance tests is needed; all candidates start on an equal footing, with identical opportunities to display their academic aptitude.

We do not assess candidates for entry who are below the age of 5, instead they will be invited to a Meet the Teacher session where they will have an opportunity to play with other children and interact with staff members. Should it become evident during this session that the child is presenting with needs which will fall outside of that which the school is able to meet, our SENDCo will arrange to speak with the parents before the pupil’s entry.

All other candidates for entry will take assessments in English, Maths and Reasoning, which are designed for their age group. This will include a writing paper. Where the prospective pupil is of Year 3 or above, the tests will be computer adaptive testing for English, Maths and reasoning, with a separate written paper. No formal preparation is needed for this testing.

Candidates who are applying to join our Year 7 will be interviewed if they have not attended the initial school visit.

References will be sought from the Head of a candidate’s current school as part of the assessment process.