Expressly Academic Testing
At Poole High School, children are admitted without reference to ability or aptitude. However, parents also have the option to apply for a place within the Expressly Academic Class, which constitutes up to 10% of our intake. These places are awarded to students who demonstrate high academic ability through a series of tests.
Our Expressly Academic route is specifically intended for students with high ability.
Is it right for my child?
As a general guide, the Expressly Academic route may be appropriate if your child:
- Is regularly achieving at or above age-related expectations.
- Has an NVR (Non-Verbal Reasoning) or CATs score greater than 115.
What does the test involve?
The Expressly Academic Test is designed by our teaching staff, based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. All sections of the test are in a multiple-choice format to provide a consistent and fair assessment experience.
The test consists of three parts:
-
English Test
- Based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
- Duration: 25 minutes.
-
Mathematics Test
- Based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
- Duration: 25 minutes.
-
Reasoning Test
- Includes verbal reasoning and maths-based logic questions.
- Does not include diagrammatic or pictorial non-verbal reasoning questions.
- Duration: 40 minutes.
The English and Mathematics tests are taken first, followed by a 15-minute break before the Reasoning test.
Can my child prepare for the test?
No preparation materials or exemplar tests are available for the Expressly Academic Test. This ensures all students have a level playing field, regardless of prior access to resources or tuition.
2025 Testing for September 2026 Entry
Applications for Expressly Academic testing will be opening soon.
Test Date: Saturday 27th September 2025 (exact timings to be confirmed)
Application Deadline: Sunday 14th September 2025 at 23:59hrs
No late applications will be accepted after this time.
Once you have applied, you will receive an immediate confirmation email. We will then contact all candidates during the week beginning Monday 15th September 2025 to confirm exact timings and procedures for the testing day.
Test Results: Letters will be sent out between Monday 13th October and Friday 19th October 2025.
Please remember that the deadline for applying for a secondary school place via BCP Council is 31st October 2025.
For more information, please contact our Admissions Team.