There has been discussion recently about entrance procedures to senior schools and the disruptive effects that pre-tests can have on boys’ education in Years 6 to 8. We have considered introducing our own pre-test but have decided against doing so.
Charterhouse recognises that many boys develop rapidly between the ages of 11 and 13 and often make considerable academic progress during their last two years at prep school. We don’t think it is educationally sensible, therefore, to base our decisions for entry at 13+ on a single test at 11.
Instead we rely on the prep school’s advice which we seek in the January two years before a registered boy is due to start at Charterhouse. Prep schools know that, on the academic front, we seek to recruit bright boys who will achieve at least 60% in Common Entrance and who, after five years with us, will go on to top universities – as happens every year. We also want to know about the boy’s personality and about his other interests and talents. This helps us to choose boys who are going to make the most of the opportunities that Charterhouse has to offer.
The selection we make at 11 is based on the information the prep schools provide. We need to know whether or not a boy is likely to be up to our standard by the time he takes Common Entrance. In some cases, we make it clear that passing Common Entrance might present difficulties, and that we will keep in close touch with the prep school to monitor the boy’s progress over the next two years. During this time we will pre-test if necessary, or mark practice Common Entrance papers, and then give our advice about the boy’s prospects. Boys who are likely to fail Common Entrance are usually withdrawn, while others, who make good progress from 11 to 13, pass comfortably and go on to flourish at Charterhouse.
H.D.Gammell
Registrar