Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Curricula and exams

Curricula and Exams

  • Common Entrance CE

    Curricula and examsCommon entrance (usually shortened to CE) is the name of the examination taken for entrance into some senior independent schools at age 11 (usually girls) or 13 (boys and girls).The 11+ CE examination is used mostly by girls’ boarding schools it consists of papers in English, maths and science. The 13+ examination covers eight core subjects at a higher level.

  • Curricula and exams for the middle years

    It's not only the type of qualification you need to think about; the subjects you opt to study at 14+ can have far reaching consequences on A level and beyond. Careers and university options may seem like distant dreams, but it's important you check out advanced course requirements now to ensure that your options will enable to you take the courses you want at A level and university.

  • Exams update

    The revised primary national curriculum started in 2014. English involves more focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar, including mastery of the subjunctive and semi-colons, plus the ability to spell 200 complex words such as controversy, environment, conscience and mischievous, by the end of key stage 2. It also include the use of formal spoken English, to be developed through, eg, poetry reciting.

  • Extended Projects - stretching the able

    With a myriad of courses on offer, plus year on year improvements in pass-rates, it is seemingly harder than ever for savvy, innovative, intellectual students to shine and to take the right path. Developed by The Edexcel Examination Board in conjunction with teachers and academics, students undertaking an extended project qualification can earn up to 70 UCAS points, (just over half an A-level).

  • Oxbridge entrance

    For many A level students and their parents, Oxbridge is the sine qua non of a university education - a golden ticket to fame and fortune. But Oxbridge is certainly not for everyone, even some of the brightest, and certainly doesn’t guarantee riches, or even a job. Critics say that Oxford and Cambridge are too focused on academic ability.

  • Post 16 curricula and examinations

    What you study post-16 is likely to shape a huge chunk of your future. If you are considering university study or apprenticeships at 18, make sure you scrutinise course requirements before choosing your advanced level study courses. It's important to think about the type of examination you opt for - A level, Highers, Pre U, IB etc.

  • Progress 8 and Attainment 8 – What are they?

    Progress 8 aims to capture the progress a pupil makes from the end of primary school to the end of secondary school. It is a type of value added measure. Attainment 8 measures the achievement of a pupil across 8 qualifications.

  • Sixth form subject selection - helping you choose

    If you thought it was difficult choosing GCSE subjects, there is added pressure at A level, IB or their equivalent. Whittling down GCSE choices from eight or more subjects can be tricky. If your school only offers A level and you prefer the breadth of IB, depth of Pre U or vocational orientation of BTec qualifications and the like, you may need to consider changing schools at 16.

  • Understanding the 11+

    This is the must read article for any parent of a child under eleven years of age who is contemplating a selective or independent school education. We unravel the mystery behind 11+ testing and examinations and explain what you need to do, when and how, to ensure maximum success for your child.

  • What school league tables do not tell you

    League tables have caused a lot of agony and misunderstanding. As raw statistics, they are more or less meaningless. You will observe, for a start, that results swing wildly according to which newspaper you happen to look at. Among other things they don’t tell you: the pupils’ IQs, school policy, examinations taken or quality of education overall.


Subscribe for instant access to in-depth reviews, data and catchment:

☑ 30000 Independent, state and special schools in our parent friendly interactive directory.
☑ School exam results by subject and performance GCSE, Alevel or equivalent.
☑ Which schools pupils come from and go onto.
☑ Honest, opinionated and fearless independent reviews of more than 1200+ schools.
☑ Comprehensive catchment maps for English state schools inc. year of entry.
☑ School data comparison by A/B weighted, relative success and popularity.
☑ Compare schools by qualities and results.
☑ Independent tutor company reviews.

Try before you buy - The Charter School Southwark

The Good Schools Guide subscription

For a limited time get one month's Good Schools Guide subscription free with any purchase of The Good Schools Guide to North or South London.

Your subscription will activate on checkout

The Good Schools Guide London South

The Good Schools Guide to North London

We use cookies to give you the best possible online experience. If you continue, we'll assume you are happy for your web browser to receive all cookies from our website. See our privacy policy for more information.

For a limited time get one month's Good Schools Guide subscription free with any purchase of The Good Schools Guide London North or The Good Schools Guide London South.