Graveney, Chestnut Grove Academy, Burntwood & Ashcroft: How to Prepare for Selective School Tests

Caroline Curtis
Feb 14
3 min read

If you are considering Graveney School, Burntwood School or Ashcroft Technology Academy, you will likely come across the Wandsworth Year 6 Test.

For many parents, this test feels confusing at first, especially because it is not something primary schools prepare children for directly.

This guide explains:

What the test is.
Who needs to take it.
What it involves.
How to prepare in a calm and manageable way.

What Is the Wandsworth Year 6 Test

The Wandsworth Year 6 Test is used by several state secondary schools as part of their admissions process. It helps schools assess academic ability for either partial selection or ability banding.

Your child must take the test if you are applying to

Graveney School
Burntwood School
Ashcroft Technology Academy
Chestnut Grove Academy

The test is written and marked by GL Assessment, an independent exam board. It is not organised by primary schools, so parents must register their child directly.

What the Test Actually Involves

The Wandsworth Test is made up of two multiple-choice papers. There is no writing involved.

Non verbal reasoning

This paper looks at how children think using shapes, patterns and visual sequences. It tests logic, problem solving and the ability to spot relationships between images.

Verbal reasoning

This paper focuses on reasoning with words. It includes vocabulary, word relationships, codes and language-based logic questions.

Children record their answers on a pre-printed answer sheet which is marked by computer. Because there is no opportunity to show working, timing and familiarity with the format are very important.

Which Schools Use the Test and How

Different schools use the results in different ways.

Graveney School and Burntwood School use the test for partial academic selection, with a proportion of places offered to the highest scoring children.

Ashcroft Technology Academy and Chestnut Grove Academy use the test for ability banding, placing children into bands before applying distance and other criteria.

Taking the test does not guarantee a place, but without it, applications to these schools cannot be properly considered.

Key Dates for 2026 Entry

Registration opens in May 2025
Registration closes on 4 September 2025
Tests take place between 25 and 29 September 2025
Results are released by 24 October 2025
Secondary school applications close on 31 October 2025
National Offer Day takes place in March 2026
Late testing is available in December, but should only be relied on if absolutely necessary.

When Should Children Start Preparing

Although the test is taken at the start of Year 6, preparation should not begin in Year 6.

From our experience at Brilliant Beans, the most confident children usually start preparing in Year 4. This allows time to build reasoning skills gradually, strengthen maths and reading foundations, and become comfortable with the test style without pressure.

Starting early does not mean intense studying. It means steady, calm preparation that fits around normal school life.

What Helps Children Most

Children tend to do best when they:

Become familiar with verbal and non verbal reasoning question styles
Practise working within time limits
Read regularly to build vocabulary and comprehension
Learn exam technique alongside content
Feel supported and confident rather than rushed
Consistency over time matters far more than last-minute cramming.

How Brilliant Beans Supports Families

At Brilliant Beans Tutoring, we support children preparing for the Wandsworth Year 6 Test and selective schools across South West London.

We focus on:

Verbal and non verbal reasoning in the GL Assessment style
Key Stage 2 maths and reading comprehension
Timed practice and exam technique
Small group teaching to build confidence
SEN-aware support where appropriate
Clear guidance for parents at every stage
We work with children aged 7 to 11 using a calm, structured and child-centred approach.
Our first month is free, so families can explore whether the support feels right without pressure.

A Final Thought for Parents

The Wandsworth Test is not about doing more work. It is about understanding the format, building confidence, and preparing steadily over time.

With the right information and support, the process can feel far calmer and far more manageable for both parents and children.

If you are considering Graveney, Burntwood or Ashcroft and would like guidance tailored to your child, Brilliant Beans is always happy to help - just get in touch with us!