Downsend School Private Tutors

Downsend School uses the GL Progress Test in English (PTE) and GL Progress Test in maths (PTM) for their 11+ admissions. This test evaluates core competencies and reasoning skills to assess a student’s readiness for secondary education.

1. The school suggests contacting them to have an informal conversation. This should allow you to see if the school is a good fit for your child
2. Arrange a visit. You can go on an open day or talk. You can also arrange a private tour.
3. Parents need to complete an online registration form found on the school’s website: https://applications.cognita.com/downsend/login/?_ga=2.266527054.1341614346.1738767570-377905616.1732702187 and pay a £150 registration fee.
4. After registering your child, you will receive an email with a link to book their Assessment Day. The assessment will take place in November, January, or March of Year 6, depending on the registration date.
5. Your child will then sit the online Progress Test in English (PTE), the online Progress Test in maths (PTM) and complete a writing task.
6. Offers are usually made within two weeks of the Assessment Day. To secure a place, you must submit the completed forms from the Offer Pack by the given deadline and pay a £750 acceptance deposit, which will be refunded after your child’s final term at Downsend School.

1. The Progress Test in English (PTE) assesses your child’s proficiency in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. It also includes both fiction and non-fiction texts to evaluate their reading comprehension skills.
2. The Progress Test in Maths (PTM) measures your child’s understanding of key mathematical concepts, including algebra, data interpretation, and geometry. It also tests their reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
3. Creative writing paper assessed your child’s writing skills. Marks will be given for effective use of imagination, structure, purpose, organisation, coherence, sentence construction and punctuation.

No, Downsend School does not have a catchment area. Instead, entry is determined on 11+ test scores.

Downsend School offers numerous different scholarships in Year 7.

1) Academic scholarship

2) Music scholarship

3) Sports scholarship

4) Drama scholarship

5) Art, Design and Technology. 

To find out more about Downsend School scholarships click here.

The best way to prepare for 11 plus exams is to complete practice papers. This allows your child to understand the exam format, experience the questions first hard and master the skill of working under timed conditions. 

Our 11+ practice tests are carefully researched and regularly updated to align with any changes to entrance exams requirements. Sparkling Minds Tuition practice papers are designed to challenge students to reflect the competitive demands of the real papers. They provide an accurate and effective preparation experience.

It is extremely important for your child to have a high understanding of the different maths and English topics that could come up. Make sure they are practicing topics they struggle with to  improve before completing countless practice papers, otherwise they will not understand how to break down and answer certain questions. 

At  Sparkling Minds Tuition, we offer breakdowns explaining what your child specifically needs to focus on, detailed videos going through the topics with your child, multiple worksheets per topic to practice and of course practice papers.

In addition to the entrance tests, applicants may need to submit recent school reports and attend an interview. The school values academic performance, personal qualities, and extracurricular achievements. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their enthusiasm for learning and adaptability.

Preparation should focus on strengthening skills in English and Mathematics. Practicing GL-style questions and developing reasoning abilities is essential. Students should also practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning exercises. Tutors, like those at Sparkling Minds Tuition, can provide tailored support and test strategies to help students excel.

Yes, Sparkling Minds Tuition offers targeted preparation for the GL Assessment used by Downsend School. Their tutors provide personalised lessons, practice tests, and exam strategies to ensure students are well-prepared and confident on exam day.

At Sparkling Minds Tuition, we offer free assessment resources to help students prepare effectively for entry into Downsend School, ensuring confidence and academic success.