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Entrance ExamsSenior School Entrance ExaminationsEntry to Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10Closing date for applications - Thursday 8 January 2009. Saturday 17 January 2009, 8.45 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. (Lunch will be provided) The Entrance Examination consists of papers in English, Mathematics and a Reasoning Test plus an additional Science examination for Year 10 candidates. Each candidate will be interviewed. The English Examination will consist of a reading passage and a piece of extended writing. The reading consists of analysing a passage and answering questions on it to show an imaginative response to the content and a grasp of the information it contains. The extended writing task tests the candidate’s ability to organise ideas and to write appropriately. Proficiency in spelling, paragraphing and punctuation will be expected. The examination lasts for one hour.
The Mathematics Examinations are designed to provide girls with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability in mathematics, according to their age of entry and level of experience. The tests, based on the National Curriculum content at the appropriate level, broadly cover four basic areas of study: numerical skills; space and shape; algebraic methods; and handling of information. Calculators are not allowed. The examination lasts for one hour. The Reasoning Test lasts for one hour 15 minutes, and consists of 3 separate sections. Questions will be of a verbal, numerical and perceptual nature. The Year 10 Science Examination will consist of a single paper with elements of biology, chemistry and physics. There will be a series of short questions which will examine breadth of knowledge, not depth, and cover a basic knowledge in all three areas of science. Calculators will be allowed. The examination lasts for 45 minutes. Results Results are published at the end of January. The Bishop Williams Scholarships for outstanding ability are awarded to girls who are between 11 and 12 years old on the 1 September 2009 (i.e. Entry to Year 7 applicants). Suitable candidates will be invited for further testing. Download Application forms for Junior or Senior entry. If you want a printout in Word of the Entrance and Scholarship Examinations details on this page click here. Bursaries are available. Academic Scholarships are awarded at Year 7 entry, and Music Scholarships are available at all levels. Sixth Form bursaries are awarded for entry into Year 12 (see below). Fees, scholarships and bursariesThe fees are currently:
There is a 5% reduction on fees for a second daughter and a 10% reduction for the third and subsequent daughters. Discounts do not apply to scholarship and bursary holders. Lunch charges for Junior pupils are included in the basic fee. Lunch charges for Senior pupils are £2.50 per day. A full term's notice in writing is required before the removal of a pupil otherwise a term's fee in lieu will be charged. All payments must be made in full by the first day of term. Interest will be charged on late payments. Scholarship Examinations The English scholarship examination will consist of a reading task and a piece of extended writing. The reading will consist of a text and answering questions to show a grasp of information and the ability to respond to issues raised. The extended writing task tests the candidate’s ability to present ideas and opinions in a structured way. A high standard of proficiency in spelling, paragraphing and punctuation will be expected. The examination lasts for one hour. The Mathematics scholarship examination is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their mathematical ability. The 45 minute paper consists of a series of questions of a challenging nature which not only test numerical techniques, but also powers of deduction and problem solving skills. No knowledge beyond Key Stage 2 would be expected. There will be a particular emphasis on using and applying mathematics in the context of the other areas of mathematics. Hence students should expect questions of an investigative nature. Calculators are not allowed, and geometrical instruments other than a ruler and pencil will not be required. The examination lasts for one hour. Music Scholarship applicants should be aged between 11 and 18 years on 1 September 2009. They should have a standard equivalent to Grade 4 Associated Board on at least one instrument, and show an enthusiasm to pursue an active musical life during their time at the school and demonstrate potential. The Music Examination will be held on the afternoon of Saturday 19 January 2008. Applicants must be prepared to perform one piece on their main instrument and one piece on a second instrument if applicable. For the purpose of the examination, voice can be offered as one instrument. Aural and sight-reading tests, on the first instrument, will also be given.
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