Our Musical Aptitude Tests (MAT) do not require a child to have any knowledge of music theory, have received formal music training or have accomplished a certain grade level. Please do not send in any supporting material, certificates of aptitude/ability as we are unable to take these into consideration. Please be assured that our Musical Aptitude Tests have been designed to both allow applications from all musicians and to explore their musical experiences to date.

Musical Aptitude Test 1

This is a written test, taken with other children, and is approximately 30 minutes in duration. The test is based entirely on aural responses and will require written responses. There are no practice papers for the test. The information below is intended to ensure transparency as to the elements which will be tested.

There are 60 questions across four sections: Pitch, Melody, Texture, and Rhythm.

Pitch. Two sounds are played and the candidate is required to tick whether the second sound is the same as the first, or, if it is different, if it is higher or lower than the first sound. Each question played once, 20 questions.

Melody. A melody of five notes is played. A second melody is then played, with exactly the same rhythm. Candidates are required to state whether the melody is the same or whether it has been changed, and if it has been changed, to identify which note was changed. Each question played once, 10 questions.

Texture. A single chord is played and held for approx 2 seconds and the candidate has to decide whether the chord was made up of two, three or four notes. The notes can be octaves apart, or all clustered together and only semitones apart. Each question played once, 20 questions.

Rhythm. A 4/4 bar of notes is played, all on the same pitch. A second 4/4 bar of notes is then played. Candidates are required to state whether the second pattern is the same as, or different to the first. If it is different, they are also asked to identify the beat where the rhythm change occurred. Each question played once, 10 questions.

Musical Aptitude Test 2

Applicants who receive the qualifying mark in the Musical Aptitude Test 1 will be allocated a 3 minute performance slot for an instrumental or vocal performance followed by a discussion. There is a totally free choice of piece and instrument / voice, enabling all candidates an equal chance to succeed. There will then be a discussion that will inform us about musical interests and ambitions. Applicants may play unaccompanied, with a piano accompaniment or with a backing track. Details will be sent to those who qualify. 

Other Information relating to both parts of the test

Parents of children who have special educational or medical needs, which may require the school to make particular provision for the tests, must provide written evidence of the child’s normal way of working from their current school’s Headteacher, by email, at the time of completing the SIF form and by 9am on 1st September 2025. Late notification will not be accepted. Please ensure any letter or evidence from your current school is obtained prior to the end of the summer term to meet our deadline.

Parents will be informed in advance of the test date of any appropriate reasonable adjustments that will be made for their child. Every effort will be made to ensure that the tests are accessible and fair to all children.

Children that are medically unfit on the test day (a medical certificate will be required) or have religious or other unavoidable reasons for being unable to attend will be offered one further date to attend. The alternative day will be in the same week.

Notification must be within 24 hours of the tests taking place. A child may only take the Aptitude Tests for admission to Year 7 once.

The Musical Aptitude Test (MAT) dates are in the Autumn term of the year of application (i.e. September 2025 for admission in September 2026). Anyone wishing to apply under this criterion must complete and return the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to the School by the relevant deadline shown in the table below (SIF - which can be found below and on the school website).