Ealing Fields C of E High School – Music Aptitude Test Explained
Each year, Ealing Fields C of E High School offers 16 specialist music places for Year 7 entry. These places are awarded to children who demonstrate a natural musical aptitude. Importantly, this does not depend on whether your child has had formal music lessons — the test is designed to assess musical potential, not prior training.
Here’s everything you need to know about the process.
Stage 1: Listening Test (Out of 60 marks)
The first round is a one-hour listening assessment, held in Twyford’s Performance Centre under exam conditions.
Your child will be asked to listen carefully and answer questions that test their ability to:
Pitch (high vs low sounds)
Rhythm (beat and pattern)
Chords (harmonies)
Melodies (tunes and changes)
This stage lasts up to an hour and is marked out of 60. Students don’t need any preparation materials on the day, but regular practice at home makes a real difference.
Question Types:
• Pitch (20 questions)
Children hear two sounds and indicate whether the second is the same, higher, or lower. Some sounds differ by less than a semitone, making them very close in pitch.
• Melody (10 questions)
Children listen to two short tunes of five notes each. They must decide if the second tune is identical or if one note has changed—and, if so, which note.
• Texture (20 questions)
Children hear chords (groups of notes played together) and identify whether they contain two, three, or four notes.
• Rhythm (10 questions)
Children compare two short rhythmic patterns (each four beats long) to decide if they are the same or different. If different, they must pinpoint where the change occurs.
Stage 2: Aural Test (Out of 40 marks)
The top scorers from Stage 1 are invited back for a second, shorter assessment – about 20 minutes long – inside the Music College.
This part feels more interactive. Students will be asked to:
Clap back or play back rhythms and pitches
Listen and repeat musical patterns on classroom instruments
Identify different instruments from recorded music
Important Dates
Round One: 2nd or 3rd October 2025
Round Two: 9th or 19th October 2025
How the Scoring and Offers Work
All applicants sit Round 1 on one of two given dates.
Parents are told their child’s score and whether they are invited to Round 2.
Final score = Round 1 + Round 2 (out of 100).
Students are ranked in order of score. The top 16 are offered a music place on National Offer Day (early March) — unless they accept a higher-preference school.
What if your child doesn’t make the top 16?
They will be placed on a waiting list, ranked by score.
In case of a tie, priority goes to children living nearer the school.
They can still apply for a general admissions place via the PAN London Common Application Form.
How to Apply
Complete the Specialist Music Admissions form online by 12 noon on Friday 3rd October 2025.
Also submit the PAN London Common Application Form to your Local Authority by 31st October 2025.
Do not send in certificates or reports — prior music experience is not part of the process.
Expectations for Music Place Students
While not an entry requirement, students who gain a specialist place are expected to:
Actively contribute to extra-curricular rehearsals and performances
Make strong progress in performing, composing, and listening through the Music College programme
Learn a string, woodwind, or brass instrument (including guitar) as a first or second study
Final Thoughts
The Ealing Fields music aptitude test is a fantastic opportunity for children with a natural musical ear. With clear preparation and steady practice, your child can feel confident in showcasing their ability — regardless of whether they’ve had lessons before.
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