Entrance Examinations Go Online

Well done to all pupils who took part in our 11+ Entrance Examination Day last Saturday. This year has seen the need for creativity and ingenuity when it comes to everything and the Admissions process has been no different. New systems were needed for setting, invigilating and marking and moderating papers, but we are pleased to report that it all worked smoothly and successfully. Very pleasingly we were still able to test all of the pupils in their core subjects in the same way as previous years, maintaining a ‘level playing field’ for all candidates.

Our Scholarship programmes and assessments also took place virtually for candidates applying for Scholarships in Art, Drama, Textiles, Design and Technology, Music and Sport. Online auditions and discussions as well as portfolio work made these assessments very enjoyable for pupils and the staff.

Academic Admissions Manager, Cia Swingler explains: “Unable to hold our normal Sports Scholarship Assessment days, we had to adapt and have instead conducted over 70 online interviews, establishing each candidate’s sporting achievements and discovering their aspirations and ambitions. It has been a great opportunity to get to know each pupil.”

Despite these extraordinary challenges (not to mention the snow and floods), the current ‘lockdown’ restrictions didn’t stop RGS innovation, creativity and teamwork prevailing. Thank you to all prospective pupils and their families, and we look forward to welcoming you to RGS soon.