We expect all our students, both internal and external applicants, to achieve at least six GCSEs at grade 7 or above (or grade A or above) and to meet the subject specific requirements for A Level study, which can be found in our Guide to A Level Subjects.
Entrance exam
All students applying to Trinity School will need to complete three assessments as part of their Entrance Exam. The assessments consist of a combination of computer-based and written components and are designed to assess academic ability regardless of the subjects you wish to study at A Level.
The Computer-Based Testing
- Lateral Thinking (50 minutes)
- Lateral Thinking Part 1 (Comprehension & Verbal Reasoning) – 25 mins
- Lateral Thinking Part 2 (Quantitative + Non-Verbal Reasoning) – 25 mins
This multiple-choice paper will test your verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning skills. This is an adaptive cognitive online test and assesses your underlying academic ability. This will take place on devices provided by the school. All exams will take place in the school unless the candidate is based overseas. No prior subject knowledge is required.
We strongly recommend that applicants familiarise themselves with the style of testing before the exam day. The Familiarisation Test for the computer-based sections can be found HERE
Written Exams
Written Communication Paper (60 Minutes)
This paper is made up of two 30 minute sections and tests your ability to analyse sources, as well as construct a piece of analytical writing. No prior subject knowledge is required.
Mathematical Reasoning Paper (60 Minutes)
This paper will assess your ability to manipulate numbers. There will be a range of mathematical problems to solve as well as some science-based questioning. This assessment will be accessible to everybody currently undertaking Mathematics and Science (I)GCSEs. This is a Calculator based paper. We do not provide practice papers and you are not expected to revise in preparation for these tests. The examination marks are reviewed and candidates who have performed well will be invited back for interview. The offer of a place is made based on your performance in these written and computer assessments, along with other sources of information including interviews, your personal statement, school reports and references.
Interviews
Candidates who have performed well enough in the examinations will be invited back for interview. The interviews are a chance for us to get to know you, to discuss your ambitions, your interests, your engagement with the wider world, and what you hope to gain from studying here: we are looking to identify students who will flourish at Trinity and make the most of our academic provision whilst making a meaningful contribution to the community.
Most students will have two ‘general’ interviews, focussed on the above, but those interested in studying Art, Drama, DT, Music and Photography will have further subject interviews in each subject. Art, DT and Photography interviews will require you to bring a portfolio.
Art, Drama, DT and Photography also hold separate interviews for those who have applied for scholarships: candidates will be sent further details about the specific requirements of these interviews closer to the time.
For the 2023-24 cycle, interviews will take place on Saturday 18 November 2023.
Music, drama and sports scholarship assessments take place on a different day.
