Hi,

We are preparing for the Sutton Grammars which would be our first preference. However, as we are local thought would also give Trinity/ Whitgift. Don't intend to sit any other private schools.

In the past Trinity/Whitgift used to test English , Maths and verbal reasoning only. However this year with ISEB, it appears that the children would have done non verbal reasoning too.

Query for me - is whether to start preparing for non verbal reasoning too.......Son attends a state school so it is not something he would be familiar with. Wondering if there is anyone else in a similar situation..... i.e. whether to prepare for non verbal reasoning....... I would have to work with him myself as he is not tutored.

Am not really sure also where to start with non verbal reasoning in terms of books etc. Any ideas or your thoughts on this also please?


Thanks.

You're asking people to guess what the entry format will be for 2022 when people are still going through the trauma of the 2021 process.

Honestly -no one can possibly know what the admissions processes for independent schools will be next time around. Your guess is as good as the next person's.

Don’t think it’s entirely fair to suggest OP is asking forumites to speculate on the test formats. Clearly it all depends on what happens for the rest of the year. For 2022 applicants, perhaps it’s worthwhile focussing on all 4 elements - English, Maths, VR and NVR - there is a fair amount of information on each of these areas on this forum and elsewhere.

If this year has taught us anything (I am going through it right now, results on Friday), is that formats, methodology, timings and just about everything else can change at the drop of a hat, so you need to be prepared for all eventualities if you want to start now. I would suggest that you start with the "How to do NVR" guide under the shop tab on this website and follow with the usual suspects, Bond, CGP etc.
In my opinion, you don't need to do a ton of NVR preparation. English and Maths (again, in my experience) is where your child will really benefit with practising over a longer period of time. For example, with comprehension, yes you need to learn how to evidence understanding for the right number of marks etc but you also need to develop a certain level of maturity to understand more complex texts. With NVR, it is just not as layered.
Going through it all over again this year too, though I can scarcely believe it!
Good luck.