Designed as a gateway to esteemed medical courses at select universities, the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) demands meticulous preparation and strategic planning, much like that of other critical exams students may have prepared for. Through this guide, we are offering insights, tips and resources to support UCAT exam preparation and empower students during this pivotal stage in their academic and professional journey.

Understanding the UCAT Exam

The UCAT exam is a standardised test that is designed to assess the qualities students are expected to possess for a successful career in healthcare, like their personal behaviours and attitude, as well as their cognitive ability. 

The test is completed electronically and is made up of five sections including verbal reasoning (the format of which many students will be familiar with if they sat the 11 plus exam), quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision making and a situational judgement test (‘SJT’).

Which Universities Require Students to Sit the UCAT Exam?

At the time of writing, there are 44 universities in the UK that require students to sit the UCAT exam should they want to secure a place on a medical course. A few universities previously required BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) exam results to support an application, however this exam format is being discontinued from this year onwards, so just the UCAT will remain.

The nature of applications themselves may vary among individual universities and continue to evolve over time. With that in mind, we recommend any students considering sitting the UCAT exam should also review the specific course guidelines for the universities they are applying for to ensure they are equipped with the key information to support an application. The following universities currently require applicants to sit the UCAT exam to be considered for a coveted place on their medical courses:

• University of Aberdeen 
• Anglia Ruskin University
• Aston University
• Bangor University
• University of Birmingham 
• Brighton & Sussex Medical School
• University of Bristol 
• Brunel University London
• University of Cambridge (this institution previously required the BMAT exam)
• Cardiff University
• University of Central Lancashire
• University of Chester
• University of Dundee
• Edge Hill University
• University of East Anglia
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter 
• University of Glasgow 
• Hull York Medical School
• Imperial College London
• Keele University
• Kent and Medway Medical School
• King’s College London
• Lancaster University
• University of Leeds (this institution previously required the BMAT exam)
• University of Leicester 
• University of Liverpool 
• University of Manchester 
• University of Newcastle 
• University of Nottingham 
• University of Oxford (this institution previously required the BMAT exam) 
• Plymouth University
• Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (part of the Queen Mary University of London)
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Sheffield 
• University of Southampton 
• University of St Andrews 
• St George’s, University of London
• University of Sunderland 
• University College London (this institution previously required the BMAT exam)
• University of Warwick 
• University of Worcester

Select universities in Australia and New Zealand also require students to sit the UCAT exam should they wish to enrol in medical courses. At the time of writing, this applies to 15 universities across Australia and 2 universities in New Zealand. 

Bookings for the UCAT exam in the UK typically open in late Spring and the exam itself is sat during the Summer and beginning of the Autumn term. Australia and New Zealand follow similar time frames but as their seasons and term dates differ from the UK, applications tend to open around March and the exam is sat between June – August.

Any students considering applying for international study should bear this in mind and contact the admissions team at their chosen universities to confirm whether UCAT results are required and the key timelines for international applicants.

Additional Preparation: A-Levels, Interviews & UCAS

In addition to the UCAT exam, there are two additional criteria students will be assessed on before being offered a place through UCAS. The first is A-Level exam performance and the second is their UCAS application itself and follow up university interviews. Fortunately, both of these are areas a private tutor can support with to help students excel during the application process.

UCAT Exam Practice

In the lead up to the UCAT exam itself, private tutors can provide invaluable support to students so the process feels comfortable and familiar by the time they sit the test. 

Our tutors are no strangers to the UCAT exam and format so they are equipped to develop effective strategies for tackling each section of the exam, provide practice questions and mock exam environments and offer constructive feedback to help students improve their performance ahead of the real thing.

A-Level Exam Preparation 

Projected and actual results are taken into consideration when universities give offers to prospective students, so it is important for students to be prepared and confident going into their A-Level exams.

Private tutors can support students in the leadup to A-Level exams by providing targeted support and guidance for a range of subjects, including those relevant to a student’s path in medicine, such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Whether a student is struggling with complex concepts or simply looking to enhance their understanding and exam technique, our expert tutors will tailor their teaching approach to suit each individual’s needs. They can offer one-on-one tuition, review past papers and provide additional resources to supplement students’ learning so they are set up for success.

UCAS Applications & Personal Statements 

A student’s UCAT score is taken into consideration alongside their UCAS application for medical and dental courses so it is imperative that the UCAS application is polished and really brings to life a student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities and any relevant work or personal experiences.

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, the specialist tutors we work with are well versed in crafting compelling and standout personal statements that help students secure coveted university places. We can work with students to submit a UCAS application and personal statement that showcases their passion for medicine or dentistry, highlights their experience to date and leaves a long-lasting impression on the admissions team.

University Interviews

With a stellar UCAS application submitted and UCAT exam results in-hand, students can turn their attention to university interviews. While the interview process will vary across different institutions and for different courses, tutors can offer valuable insights into what admissions tutors are looking for and help students to present themselves in the best possible light.

Equally, tutors can support students by helping them to familiarise themselves with common interview questions and practising their responses in a mock interview environment that help students to feel more confident and articulate during the actual interviews.

Key Milestones for UCAT Exam Applicants

Whether students are hoping to sit the UCAT exam this summer or they are getting ahead and thinking about the UCAT exam from 2025 onwards, there are some important milestones to take into consideration.

Registration opens

Typically, new candidates looking to sit the UCAT exam in the UK can create a UCAT account from early May. This is the first step to be completed ahead of booking the test itself and registrations are completed using the Pearson VUE system.

For those who have not come across Pearson VUE before, they are an international testing company that provides exams for a variety of purposes. Students or parents of students who have sat the LNAT exam may be familiar with the Pearson VUE registration process already but it is quite straight forward. 

To register for a UCAT account, applicants will need to provide a valid form of photo ID that meets the UCAT identification policy requirements. The ID must show the applicant’s legal name and be the form of identification they intend to present on the day of the exam itself.

Booking and sitting the UCAT exam

In 2024, booking for the UCAT 2024 opens on 18 June from 6am BST. Those planning to sit the exam can register before this point but will not be able to book the test itself until this date. 

The exam window itself then begins on 8th July 2024 and runs until 26th September 2024 so students can book their test at a time and date that best suits them within this period.

Registration for a UCAT account and test bookings themselves will close on 19th September 2024, a week prior to the final test date.

Receiving results

Students will receive their UCAT exam results straight away as the test is computerised. This means students should have a clear idea of how they measure up to other students and whether they meet their chosen university’s entry requirements before submitting UCAS applications. 

UCAT will share results with your chosen universities automatically so once you’ve completed your UCAT exam and UCAS application, there is no need to do anything further with the results. 

The UCAT exam can only be sat once per academic year and results are valid for the upcoming UCAS admissions cycle (for example, results from those sitting the exam in 2024 will be valid for the 2025 UCAS admissions cycle only). 

If for any reason the exam doesn’t go as planned and you get unexpected results that don’t meet the needs of your chosen course, there is the option to retake the UCAT the following year and defer entry. Otherwise there are also a number of other paths available.

Do note that UCAT application and exam dates vary year on year, so if you are not applying in 2024, it is worth checking the UCAT website when you’re ready to apply in case timelines have shifted. 

Preparation for the UCAT exam requires careful planning but equipped with key information, timelines and the support of private tutors when needed, students can maximise their chances of success and confidently approach the next phase of their journey towards a career in medicine or dentistry. 

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Useful resources:

• Understanding Your UCAT Results: A guide outlining the average scores over the past 8-years so you can understand how you measure up to other candidates.
• Booking your UCAT test: If and when you’re ready to book your UCAT exam, you can do so here.

The post A Tutor’s Guide to Preparing for the UCAT Exam appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

As students grapple with choices that may profoundly influence their careers, the pressure to make informed decisions can be daunting. From selecting the right course to navigating the intricacies of application platforms, each step brings forth a unique set of hurdles to overcome. The uncertainty of acceptance coupled with the anticipation of leaving home for the first time, can evoke a mix of excitement and anxiety, making the university application journey a profound and sometimes stressful rite of passage.

Recognising the profound impact of this transition, parents can often provide reassurance and emotional support, emphasising that the application process is not solely a measure of academic skills. By fostering a balance between ambition and self-compassion, parents cultivate a nurturing environment that empowers students to navigate the challenges of university applications with resilience and confidence.

Private tutors can also play a crucial role in supporting students and parents through each phase of the university application journey and offering guidance to aid informed decisions about the choices after secondary school.

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, our experienced network of tutors have an extensive knowledge of the UK education system. Our tutors are no strangers to crafting stand out personal statements and preparing students for A-Levels and specific university entry exams so students feel confident, empowered and excited about their journey into higher education.

Understanding the University Application Journey

Preparing to Apply for University

Preparing for the university application process itself is crucial for a smooth and successful transition from secondary education into higher education. We encourage students to first do the following things to best prepare themselves for the application process: 

1. Research and Self-Reflect before beginning the formal university application journey

• Students should aim to start the application process early by first researching different universities, courses and potential career paths. By doing this, students are able to gain a better understanding of the entry requirements for their chosen course or university, including academic qualifications and any additional assessment criteria to support their applications. 
• It is equally important for students to reflect on personal interests, strengths and aspirations. Consider how the chosen course or university aligns with long-term career goals and values. Self-awareness is key in selecting a university and course that will be a good fit.

Tutors can help facilitate in-depth discussions with students to identify their academic strengths, interests and future aspirations. By conducting personalised assessments, tutors can assist parents and students in making well-informed decisions about suitable courses and universities, aligning academic goals with long-term career aspirations.

2. Build a Strong Academic and Personal Profile

• Focus on revision and academic excellence ahead of A-Level exams. Universities often consider predicted grades, so maintaining a high standard is crucial so there are no surprises when results are published during the summer.
• Participate in extracurricular activities where possible to demonstrate a well-rounded skill set and a commitment to personal development. This could include volunteering, sports, clubs or participating in the arts.
• Explore work experience that relates to your chosen field of study as this will help you stand out from other applicants and provide you with additional learning opportunities that strengthen your knowledge and understanding when you reach university. Joining online webinars and attending speaking events can also bolster this.

3. Prepare for Standardised Tests and Language Proficiency Exams

•  Many courses and universities require standardised tests like the LNAT or BMAT. Research the specific requirements for the chosen universities and courses and prepare accordingly.
•  For non-native English speakers, take language proficiency exams like the IELTS or TOEFL if required. Achieving a competitive score enhances the application.

These early preparations set a solid foundation for a successful university application process. Research, academic excellence and preparation for required assessments are key elements that contribute to a well-rounded and competitive application.

Open Days and University Visits

Once students have shortlisted their chosen universities and courses, it is time to prepare for open days. Typically, university open days will fall in the spring and early summer for the year ahead and students in year 12 should ideally be aiming to attend university open days so they are ready to submit UCAS applications as they enter year 13.

Tutors can provide guidance on creating a strategic plan for attending open days and university visits during the university application journey. This includes helping students and parents compile a list of questions for course leaders and / or providing guidance on what to observe during visits. By offering insights into how these experiences shape university choices, tutors can play a key role in ensuring students and parents are able to make informed decisions.

Crafting a Standout Personal Statement

Approximately 700,000 university applications are submitted in the UK each year, meaning students have to really stand out from the crowd to secure an offer from their chosen university or on a preferred course. 

The UCAS personal statement is a critical component in this process as it presents an opportunity for students to truly let their personality shine and to demonstrate why they are the perfect fit for a chosen course or institution. 

In 2023 it was announced that UCAS is set to replace written personal statements with video questionnaires to encourage applicants to submit a more “personal” application that allows them to truly express themselves rather than focusing solely on academic achievements. Video personal statements are not set to come into play for 2024 applications and it has not yet been determined when this change will take effect, so written applications still stand for now.

During the university application journey, tutors can provide invaluable support to students as they craft their written personal statement. Tutors offer tailored sessions that allow them to develop a deeper understanding of each student and unearth unique experiences, achievements and personal qualities that make for a compelling personal statement. Tutors are also meticulous so will be well placed to support with editing and feedback so students can refine the narrative of their personal statement while remaining authentic to themselves.

UCAS Application Submission

Once students have set up a UCAS account online, they are ready to begin the application submissions process. While there is a great deal of information to be included, you have flexibility to save your progress and revisit it at a later stage (but make sure you check the UCAS submissions deadline before doing this).

Each student can apply for a maximum of five courses overall. Students can apply for as few universities or courses as they wish (for example, if a student is hyper focused on a specific course or institution, they may only choose to apply for two) but the maximum is five courses. By preparing for the application journey in advance through research, self-reflection and open day visits, we hope it will be easier for students to narrow down the five courses best suited to them.

Tutors can assist parents and students in navigating the UCAS application platform during the university application journey or conduct thorough reviews of application drafts to ensure all information is accurate and well-presented. By explaining the significance of each section and helping students strategically choose their university options, tutors contribute to a comprehensive and polished application.

Awaiting Results and Managing University Offers

During the anxious wait for offers, tutors are able provide emotional support to students and practical guidance on managing multiple offers.

Our experienced tutors are no strangers to the university application process and know first-hand how stressful and overwhelming the wait for offers and results can be. By facilitating discussions about course preferences, entry requirements and future career paths, tutors can help empower both parents and students to make well-considered decisions when offers are received.

Navigating University Rejections

Receiving a rejection notification or an unexpected result is never a pleasant experience but the university application journey doesn’t have to end there. 

Should you find yourself in this position, a tutor can play a pivotal role in providing emotional support to both parents and students. With existing knowledge of your academic journey, strengths and weaknesses and the education system, your tutor will be well placed to guide you through the alternative options like apprenticeships (which have seen a 7% increase in new starters in 2024 so far). 

Tutors can also continue working with students to strengthen their skills in support of future applications or other pursuits, emphasising the importance of resilience and adaptability during the university application journey.

Applying for Overseas Schools and Programmes

We know some students will be looking to venture a little further afield and apply for overseas schools and educational programmes. While that can be an exciting opportunity, it also presents its own set of challenges. 

Each country will have specific visa requirements for overseas students and every university and course will have its own entry criteria. In addition to that, so it is important to do your research and make sure you are able to meet these needs before applying to any overseas schools or programmes.

Typically, admissions fees are higher for international students and this applies to UK students travelling overseas as well as international students coming into the UK to study. Before applying for an overseas course, we recommend reaching out to the admissions team to get a clear picture of the fees, entry requirements for your preferred course, guidance on overseas student applications and visas, and usual timelines so there are no surprises.

Once you have this information and are ready to formally begin the overseas university application process, your tutor can provide support throughout the journey.

Getting to Grips with European University Application Journey

Tutors can offer tailored support for European applications by helping familiarise students with entry exams, modern foreign language requirements and unique application processes. They provide resources for language proficiency exams, offer guidance on preparing for entrance assessments and assist parents and students in understanding the nuances of studying in European universities during the university application journey.

Embarking on the American University Application Journey

For U.S. applications, tutors can guide students through the intricacies of standardised tests, such as the SATs or ACTs, providing study resources and exam strategies. They assist in crafting compelling recommendation letters and personal essays, ensuring that the application reflects a student’s unique qualities. 

Tutors can also offer insights into the holistic approach of U.S. admissions and help students showcase their extracurricular achievements and character development to strengthen their application and stand out from other prospective students.

Crafting a Strong Application for Overseas Schools

Once students are clear on the university entry criteria and chosen course(s), tutors will be able to help students tailor application materials to meet the specific requirements of each overseas institution, ensuring a cohesive and impactful presentation that showcases academic achievements, extracurricular activities and personal qualities. 

Regardless of whether students choose to study in the UK or overseas, both tutors and parents can play a crucial role by supporting them through the university application journey, providing guidance along the way.

Tutors will act as strategic partners, providing tailored programmes that equip students with the skills to craft a compelling personal statement, confidently sail through an admissions interview or excel in their A-Levels or specific course entry exams.

Beyond practical help with paperwork and preparation at home, parents play a crucial role in guiding their children and providing emotional support that fosters open communication.

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Useful resources:

1. Guidance on applying to university in the US
2. Guidance on applying to universities in the EU and beyond

The post Navigating the University Application Journey in the UK: A Tutor’s Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

The LNAT was developed as a fair way to assess students’ potential to study law at undergraduate level. As many students won’t have had exposure to law as a subject in secondary school or sixth form, it can be a daunting process, so preparation for the exam is crucial. 

To simplify matters, we have laid out some of the need-to-knows about the LNAT to help you get started but we have specialised LNAT tutors with a wealth of experience preparing teenagers for the exam, and all have impressive track records.

What is the LNAT?

The LNAT exam is sat every year by prospective law students entering into higher education in the UK. Other countries may have their own variants of this (like the LSATs in the US) but ultimately these tests are intended to gauge a student’s intellectual ability rather than their existing legal knowledge. The LNAT will measure critical verbal reasoning skills that form the foundation of  a legal education, including: 

• Comprehension
• Interpretation
• Analysis
• Induction
• Synthesis
• Deduction

Alongside UCAS applications, admissions interviews and A-Level results, the LNAT is intended to give admissions teams a more rounded impression of a student’s aptitude and ability to study law.  

What does the LNAT exam involve?

The LNAT assessment is 2 ¼ hours and is divided into two parts. The first is a 95-minute multiple-choice section based on twelve argumentative passages and the second is an essay writing section that requires students to argue a case and draw on a wide range of topics. 

Within section two, students will be able to choose from one of three essay questions to best demonstrate their ability to discuss and debate a case before coming to a robust conclusion. This section is 40-minutes in length and will require students to have a strong command of written English. 

Our LNAT tutors thoroughly prepare teenagers for both elements of the test, honing in on areas of improvement and polishing existing skills.

Past papers and targeted one-to-one discussions form the basis of our tuition. Tutors also keep a close eye on their students’ progress through regular testing, reading recommendations and they engage teenagers in debates about current affairs and legal issues. 

What do I need to prepare for the LNAT?

First and foremost, check application dates! Each university will have specific dates and requirements so it’s important to wrap your head around these well in advance so you’re able to sit the test and submit an application in plenty of time. Timelines are typically as follows:

August

Registration for the LNAT exam opens in August for admissions for the following academic year and you must sit the test in the UCAS year in which you are applying to study. To give an example, registration for the LNAT in August 2023 would be for entry into a university from September 2024.

September – January

Generally, LNAT testing begins in September, a year prior to admission and runs until the end of January.

Oxbridge typically requires applicants to have sat their exam and submitted UCAS applications by mid-October, and the London School of Economics calls for submissions by  the end of December.

Late LNAT admissions

Late admissions are accepted up until June, however we encourage all applicants to sit their exam well in advance to ensure applications can be considered by university admissions boards.

LNAT Fees

Test fees are determined by an applicant’s test centre location, not on place of residence or nationality. At the time of writing, there is a fee of 75 GBP to sit the exam within the EU and 120 GBP to do so outside of the EU. 

For candidates that may struggle to fund their LNAT test, there is an LNAT bursary scheme available but this can take up to a week to process and must be applied for prior to booking the exam. Some students in the UK and EU receiving state benefits may also be eligible for test fees to be waived but this should also be checked in advance of booking your test.

When will I get my LNAT results?

Results are not as simple as a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail’ and are primarily for the benefit of universities to use alongside A Level results and UCAS applications to inform admissions decisions.  

Candidates will receive their results via email but the date will be dependent on when they  sat their LNAT exam.

• Students that take the exam in the September to January period will have their results emailed to them by mid-February.
• Candidates taking the test after the end of January will receive their results in mid August.

Can I resit the LNAT exam?

Candidates may only sit the LNAT once between 1st September and 31st July of the following year, although exceptions are occasionally made in cases of extenuating circumstances. 

Therefore applicants cannot resit the exam until the following academic year and results cannot be carried over from one year to the next, so it’s important for students to be prepared.

Our specialised LNAT tutors can help prepare you for the exam

University admissions tests can be a source of stress and anxiety for teenagers and parents alike, especially as the format doesn’t allow students to approach revision in the same way they would for core subjects. 

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, our team includes a number of full-time law tutors, Oxbridge graduates, legal professionals and teachers at leading private schools, all equipped to help students finesse their skills and approach the LNAT with confidence. Our tutors also attend regular training sessions to ensure they remain up-to-date with any changes to the LNAT syllabus and can support other aspects of university applications, such as personal statements and Oxbridge interviews. 

We know all students are unique; some will benefit from a few intensive revision sessions, some will require longer-term support and some will thrive in online tutoring sessions. Our tutors will help identify a student’s individual learning style and implement a bespoke programme of tuition to equip them with strong essay writing, problem-solving and verbal reasoning skills so they are prepared for anything the paper might throw at them.

Useful resources

• Sample tests can be found here 
• Locate your nearest LNAT test centre here

The post A Tutor’s Essential Guide to the LNAT Exam appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

Fortunately there’s a lot of literature available but it’s spread far and wide so we’ve collated all the most important need-to-knows and tips for how to approach your application to save you the unnecessary stress.

What To Do Before Applying For Schools

Do Your Research

First and foremost, do your research to shortlist schools that align with your religious beliefs (if applicable) and that have a good reputation, as well as a strong Ofsted performance. There are so many qualified and fantastic tutors available to support with CATs, SATs, the 7+ and the 11+ but it’s also worth checking the school’s performance across these exams to understand what support will be available from the school in helping your child succeed.

Even if you have had a school in mind for a while, it’s still important to research other options as there may be another school that’s recently outperformed your current choice, or one with something better to offer your child. Exploring multiple schools means you can list a few choices on your application to maximise your child’s chances of getting into a school you’ve selected, rather than one that was allocated to them.

Visit The Primary Schools You Have In Mind

Schools will offer open days or tours for prospective parents. Before committing to a school, we recommend attending one of these days. Seeing for yourself how the school runs, what the atmosphere is like and having the opportunity to meet the teachers will help you to truly gauge whether it’s the right fit for your child.

Ask Around

Speak to other parents as they may be able to share additional insights or information you weren’t already aware of, or may have been through the application process previously with an older child.

Talk To Your Child

Parents only want the best for their child but it’s also important to gauge their interest. There may be a school they visited that made them feel particularly welcome or that they were drawn to. Younger children may of course struggle to articulate this or may be biased in their decision based on which seemed the most fun but it is important to consider their interest too.

Involving your child in the process can also help get them excited in the lead up to starting in September and reduce their nerves when the new term begins.

Important Dates: When To Start Primary School Applications & Submission Dates

If you’ve been to or are due to go to primary school open days, then make a point of getting time in with the admissions team or attending talks hosted by them as they’ll be able to confirm the key dates and deadlines you need to be aware of.

Generally speaking, most primary schools in the UK will open applications from September for the following academic year but each borough or school will have its own set of submission dates so be sure to check these in advance and allow plenty of time to complete and submit your child’s application.

You can also find useful resources for Local Authorities and cities outside of London at the bottom of this post.

In the Borough of Barnet, Primary applications for September 2023 will open from September 1st 2022 and close on January 15th 2023. 

What Is The Primary School Applications Process?

When you have visited school open days and decided on you preferred school(s), you can begin the application process by registering on www.eadmissions.org.uk with a valid email address. 

• Registration – Using an active email address, register for an account with eadmissions as applications are now processed online. 
• Verify your account – Once you’ve registered, you’ll be sent a verification email which needs to be completed before you’re able to progress with your child’s application so keep an eye out for this and don’t forget to check spam / junk folders!
• Begin the application – After verifying your account you can login to the eadmissions page and click ‘start application’ to begin the formal process. Note: 2023 applications will only be open to children born between September 1st 2018 – August 31st 2019. If you enter an incorrect date of birth, you will not be able to progress to the next step of the application.
• Select the school(s) – After filling in your child’s details, you can then select the local borough or authority you’d like to apply for, and select your school(s) of choice. You’ll be asked to answer a handful of questions for each school application, like whether the applicant has a sibling already at the school.
• Submit – Once you’ve completed this for all schools you’re applying for, check back over to confirm all the details you’ve filled in are correct and submit. After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a unique application reference number as proof that you have processed an application for your child.

• Attach supplementary documents – Only after submitting an application will you be able to upload and attach Supplementary Information Forms (SIFs), like a certificate of religious practice or reference letter from a priest for religious schools or results from an aptitude test. 

Common Primary School Application Questions

Can I only apply for schools in my borough?

No, you can apply for schools both within and outside of your borough through the eAdmissions site. Do note that some schools have a specific catchment area or distance as part of their admissions criteria so, to avoid disappointment, make sure to familiarise yourself with this before applying too far outside of your borough.

Will applying for schools in a different borough lower my child’s chances of being accepted?

No, an admissions authority cannot give priority to its own residents so as long as they meet the other admissions criteria for that school, their chances of acceptance should be the same as that of any other child in the borough. 

Will listing just one school on my child’s application better their chances of acceptance? 

In short, no. All applications will be assessed against a school’s acceptance criteria, not rather than factors like other applications. If you list only one school and your child does not qualify for a place, your Local Authority will offer a place at the nearest school with a vacancy and this may not be a preferred school so we recommend listing multiple schools to maximise the chance of your child being accepted in a school you’re happy with.

Will my child have priority if their sibling already attends the school we’re applying to?

Most schools will try to give priority to siblings but if there are other children who qualify for a place under a higher criteria then a child will not be guaranteed a place solely based on their sibling being an existing student.

If my child is already attending a nursery connected to our first choice primary school, will they automatically be accepted?

Regardless of whether your child already attends an associated nursery, schools are not permitted to give priority places so there is no guarantee they will be accepted for a reception place. Everyone must apply through the eAdmissions site.

What Are The Options If You Miss The Primary School’s Application Deadline?

Your Local Authority’s website will have the most accurate guidance for the schools in your area but in many cases, applications submitted after the deadline will still be considered but they will not be processed until after those that met the deadline. With that in mind, we recommend getting your application in as early as you can as late applications mean there is a far greater chance your child will not be offered a place at one of your preferred schools.

In extenuating circumstances, such as the loss or serious illness of a close relative or having moved to the area after the closing date, a ‘Reason for Late Application Form’ can be submitted to your local borough for consideration, with second round applications being due by the end of April / early May at the absolute latest.

What Happens After You’ve Submitted An Application?

Once you’ve submitted, you can sit tight until National Allocation Day on 17th April 2023. The outcome of submissions is typically sent to prospective parents via email using the contact information you registered your eAdmissions application with. 

Once this comes through, you must either accept or decline your child’s offer through the eAdmissions website. The deadline for accepting an offer will be outlined when you receive the outcome but is usually within a fortnight so please check this date carefully to ensure you don’t miss out on a place.

What Happens After You’ve Accepted A Primary School Offer?

The deadline for accepting an offer is typically the end of April or beginning of May, with a formal offer of a new school place being sent from the selected school in early-mid May. 

Each school will have a process in place so, alongside this offer, your chosen school will also share details on next steps and what to prepare ahead of starting in September.

What Are The Options If My Child Doesn’t Get Accepted Into Our Chosen Primary School?

If your child does not qualify for a place under your preferred school’s admissions criteria, the borough will offer a place at the nearest school with a vacancy. While this is often not the most preferable route, it does mean your child will have somewhere to go in September so it’s always worth accepting the school offered to you in this instance, even if you intend to appeal another decision.

If you reject offers in the interim, the Local Authority have no legal duty to then offer you another place elsewhere which could leave you in a sticky situation in September or with an alternative school which you’re even less taken by.

The appeals process will vary across each school and Local Authority but if your child is not offered a place at any of the schools ranked higher on your application form than that which you have been offered, you do have the right to appeal. In the Borough of Barnet, an appeal would typically be held by an independent panel in July.

If you’re unhappy with the final school offered, you can still contact your preferred school and ask to be put on the waiting list as placements often shift around prior to the school year starting so there’s a possibility a space might become available for your child. 

Please note that the above information is relevant to state school applications at the time of publishing. We recommend you also consult your Local Authority or chosen school’s website for the most up to date guidance as dates and processes can change. Independent schools will each have their own process and assessment criteria in place so we recommend contacting the school’s admission team directly for detailed guidance on applying and key dates.

Useful resources:

More on the application process in your borough here, including details: on applying for children with multiple addresses, applying from overseas, applications for children of UK Armed Forces or service personnel, children with special needs and ‘looked after’ or previously looked after children. 

Appealing primary school admissions

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UKiset: What is it?

In a nutshell, the UKiset is an assessment for international students who want to enter the British education system. Independent schools will look at the results of the test when considering an overseas applicant’s academic potential and level of English. 

The UKiset – which is taken on the computer – is designed to level the playing field for pupils across the globe and helps teachers see how a candidate compares to students of the same age in the British school system.

The single assessment can be used to apply to multiple schools, and some head teachers offer places based solely on UKiset results and references. However, children are often asked to sit school-specific entrance exams as well. 

UKiset: Who can take the test?

The test is for pupils between 9 and 18 years of age, and can be taken by native and non-native English speakers. The computerised questions are adaptive and age appropriate, and will get harder if the candidate gets the answer correct, and easier if they get it wrong.

What does it cover?

The UKiset has three distinct sections designed to test different skills, and takes between 2 and 2.5 hours to complete (for sixth form candidates it may last a little longer).

The assessment is made up of:

• Reasoning: this section consists of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematical reasoning.
• Reading and listening: candidates will sit the Cambridge English test, a multiple choice paper that assesses receptive language skills.
• Essay writing: students will be asked to produce a short, handwritten essay to demonstrate their expressive language skills.

How much does it cost?

The assessment costs £295, a figure which includes registration, arrangement of a test date, invigilation fees, results sent to the candidate, and the full UKiset profile sent to up to five schools. 

If you are applying to more than five schools, extra choices can be added at £50 per school.

Where can you take the UKiset?

The assessment must be sat at a registered test centre, as opposed to at home. There are now test centres located in over 130 countries around the world and, once you have completed your registration, you will be sent your closest test centre location and next available test date.

Some schools will specify where the test should be taken so it is important to check with them first before you book anything.

Which schools require the UKiset test?

Over 270 private schools have received UKiset profiles since its launch. Around 30% of these schools insist that children take the test, while 40% use it as one component of their admissions process for specific parts of the world. 

Schools such as Eton College – which allows overseas students to sit the UKiset rather than its own pre-test – Charterhouse and Cheltenham Ladies College have all adopted it as an admissions procedure.

One of the benefits of the test is that teachers get a very detailed picture of a child’s potential, consisting of four pieces of information: 

(1) The UKiset profile, which includes their personal details, a photo and identification information.

(2) The reasoning score, which is standardised for their age and compared to British students in the same year group.

(3)  The Cambridge English Placement Test result, which provides the student’s academic English level for reading and listening. 

(4) The candidate’s English essay, which is provided it in its raw unmarked form as a demonstration of a child’s ability to express themselves in English.

How can you prepare?

Knowing how to prepare for the UKiset can be difficult as there are no official past papers. However, there are plenty of physical and online revision resources out there – if you know where to look. 

To prepare for reasoning section of the exam, UKiset suggests Bond workbooks. Bond is a cornerstone of 11+ preparation – it has book series on Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning – however it also publishes assessment papers for older children. 

While workbooks are very useful, it is also helpful for children to get used to the online format of the UKiset. Atom Learning, Bofa and Pre Test Plus are all excellent online resources.

For the language element, Cambridge Assessment English has published a huge range of material to help students prepare for the Cambridge English test. You should also encourage your child to watch English television or listen to English songs and radio to familiarise them with the language. 

For the essay section, the best preparation is to practice writing expository essays on a wide range of topics. Providing opinions orally in English could also help in this area.

If you are looking for more tailored support, Hampstead and Frognal Tutors has a wealth of experience preparing international students for British entrance exams, and offers both face-to-face and online tuition services. 

To make an enquiry, please click here.

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