Year 6 test structure
The test has been specially prepared for Wandsworth by GL Assessment (formerly called NFER-Nelson), an independent organisation which designs and scores educational tests.
The test will be in two parts, with a short practice session at the beginning and a break between the two parts:
- Part 1: non-verbal reasoning - 55 minutes total test time including introductory guidance from the invigilator and time allowed for practice questions. The test consists of four sections (three of 10 minutes each with 19 questions in each and one of 9 minutes to answer 18 questions)
- Part 2: verbal reasoning - 50 minutes to work through 80 questions excluding introductory guidance
Non-verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning questions are designed to test children's ability to work out problems, regardless of their knowledge of English. They use abstract figures to test children's ability to work out similarities and sequences of shapes or codes.
Verbal reasoning
Verbal reasoning questions test children's ability to reason with words. They use word games, such as matching words with similar meanings, or using the letters from one word to make another.
Test format
For both parts of the test, your child will be given a pre-printed answer sheet to fill in. The answer sheet lists the different possible answers and the child has to put a pencil mark by the side of the correct answer.
The tests are scored by a computer which reads the pencil lines. There is no writing involved.
Extra time
If your child receives SEN support and routinely receives extra time to complete normal classroom activities, they may be eligible to be given extra time when they take the test.
The test has already been designed so that children have to read very little and do no writing at all. Although we are required to consider requests for extra time, national research into this type of test shows that providing extra time does not necessarily have any significant effect on a child's results.
If you wish to request extra time for your child you must complete the Extra Time request form and email this to year6test@wandsworth.gov.uk