Admissions
School Admissions Appeals : Information can be obtained from Herts Direct Appeals pages.
Admissions are made via the Herts Direct Admissions link. Through this link you will also find previous statistical information and transport information.
Herts Direct also publish an Appeals Timetable for parents.
Admission Arrangements 2024/2025
As a result of consultation, we can now provide the agreed admissions arrangements for 2024/2025.
Consultation
Stanborough School Musical Aptitude Tests (MAT) for Admission into Year 7
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.
The musical aptitude test dates take place in the summer term of Year 5. Publication of results are provided before the secondary school application deadline of 31st October 2025. Applicants under this criterion must complete and return the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to the school by 23rd May 2025. The SIF details are below.
Secondary Transfer Supplementary Information Form For Musical Aptitude Applicants ONLY
Please read the following points before completing this form:
- All applicants for secondary transfer under criterion 5, proven musical aptitude, are asked to submit this form to the school by 23rd May 2025 by post or email to admin@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
- This form can ONLY be used for Musical Aptitude applications
- Please complete all sections of this form
- Please use capital letters and write clearly in black ink
| First Name | |
| Surname | |
| Date of Birth | / / |
| Name of Parent/Carer | |
| Relationship to Child | |
| * Child’s Permanent Home Address
* (the home address must be as at 31st October 2025. No other address will be considered) |
Postcode : |
| Contact Numbers and Email | Daytime: ………………………….. Evening: ……………………………
Mobile: ………………………………………………… Email: …………………………………………………… |
| Address of Parent/Carer if different from above |
Postcode : |
| Please indicate musical aptitude | Voice Instrument (eg, violin) |
| Accompanist required | Yes No |
|
Signed : ………………………………………………………….. Date : ………………………………………… Name (print) ………………………………………………….. You must also include Stanborough as one of your preferences when you submit your Common Application Form to your home Local Authority. |
|
After the tests have been completed and following the publication of results, anyone wishing to continue their application for a place at Stanborough School on the basis of Musical aptitude must ensure that Stanborough School is included on the CAF and submitted to their home authority. Up to 10 percent of the PAN (24 places) will be allocated on the basis of both a written musical aptitude test and a performance musical aptitude test.
The musical aptitude test is in two parts, both parts must be completed in order to be considered for a musical aptitude place. All students who apply under this criterion will be invited to sit a written aptitude test in music, followed by a performance in the chosen instrument (including vocal). The written test does not require any formal knowledge of musical theory.
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. There are no practice papers for the test.
There are 60 questions of four types: Pitch, Melody, Texture and Rhythm
Pitch
For these questions, candidates listen to two sounds and have to indicate whether the second sound is the same as the first, or whether it is higher or lower. Some of the pitches are less than a semitone apart i.e., very close together.
20 questions.
Melody
For these questions, candidates listen to two tunes consisting of five notes. Candidates have to decide whether the second tune is the same as the first or if one of the notes has been altered. If there is a change, candidates will be expected to identify which note has been altered, by giving the number of the note.
10 questions.
Texture
For these questions, candidates listen to a number of notes, played together at the same time (a chord). Candidates need to decide whether or not each chord has two, three or four notes.
20 questions.
Rhythm
For these questions, candidates listen to two patterns of notes and have to decide whether the second pattern is the same as, or different from, the first and where any difference occurs. Each rhythm will be four beats (or pulses) in length.
10 questions.
Musical Aptitude Test 2:
In addition to the written aptitude test, candidates will be required to complete a musical performance aptitude test. Each child is allocated a five minute slot, in that time they will perform on their preferred instrument/s (voice included) and speak to the panel. There is a totally free choice of piece/s, enabling candidates of all cultures an equal chance to succeed. They may also perform on more than one instrument if they prefer.
We can provide an accompanist if required or you may bring your own. There is also provision to play a backing track (USB/MP3). Please note for vocal performances this should be a backing track only and not have the original artist singing.
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.
This evidence must be sent by the deadline date as advised. Parents will be informed in advance of the test date of any appropriate special arrangements 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 reasons for being unable to attend (evidence will be required) will be offered one further date to attend.
- Notification must be withing 24 hours of the tests taking place.
- A child may only take the Aptitude Tests for admission to Year 7 once.
Test Results
Parents will be notified of the results of these tests before the Local Authority closing date for the return of Common Application Forms (CAF).
Parents who wish to apply for a place at Stanborough School must include it as one of the preferences when making their child’s secondary transfer application via their home local authority. Parents should be aware that the results of the test do not guarantee a place at the school.
KEY DATES – Year 7 Entry, September 2026
| 5th May 2025 | SIF Registration opens for musical aptitude test |
| 23rd May 2025 | SIF Registration closes for musical aptitude test |
| W/c 2nd June 2025 | Letters detailing time of musical aptitude test sent to applicants who are considering applying under criterion 5 |
| 16th June 2025 | Musical aptitude test (written) |
| 24th, 25th, 26th June 2025 | Musical aptitude test (performance) |
| 25th September 2025 | Stanborough Open Evening for prospective parents |
| W/c 29th September 2025 | Stanborough Open Mornings for prospective parents |
| W/c 6th October 2025 | Results for all musical aptitude test sent to parents by Stanborough School |
| 31st October 2025 | Closing date for the common application form. HCC online applications to be submitted to the LA. |
| 2nd March 2026 | Allocation of places: Letters or emails will be sent out by the local education authority to all parents who have applied using the CAF. |
