The St Marylebone CE School – Music Aptitude Test Explained
The St Marylebone CE School offers specialist Performing Arts places each year, including Music (Instrumental) places for students entering Year 7. These places are awarded on the basis of musical aptitude, not previous grades, lessons, or theory knowledge.
For families applying for September 2026 entry, the Music Aptitude Tests will take place on:
📅 Thursday 25th September 2025 – Round 1 Aptitude Test (listening test)
📅 Saturday 11th October 2025 – Round 2 Aptitude Test (aural + performance)
Who Can Apply?
Any applicant who selects Music (Instrumental) on their Performing Arts Supplementary Information Form will be invited to the test.
The assessments are designed to spot a natural ear for music — so children do not need formal lessons or theory training in order to do well.
What the Test Involves
🎧 Round 1 – Listening Test
Multiple-choice questions only
Covers: Pitch, Rhythm, Melody, and identifying similarities/differences in short pieces of music
No instruments or prior musical knowledge needed
Usually takes place on a Thursday afternoon in late September
This round is purely aural — it identifies children with a good musical ear.
🎧 Round 2 – Aural & Performance Test
Invitation only (for top scorers from Round 1)
Takes place on a Saturday morning in early October
Involves:
A second short listening test (aural skills)
A short performance on ONE instrument of choice
Results and Next Steps
Families will be notified of results by email before 31st October 2025, so you can make an informed decision when completing the secondary school application form.
Successful candidates will be offered a Performing Arts Scholarship place but must still name The St Marylebone CE School on their official eAdmissions application to the Local Authority by 31st October.
Students awarded a Performing Arts place will be recognised as Performing Arts Scholars at the school.
Final Thoughts
The St Marylebone Music Aptitude process is designed to highlight children’s natural musical strengths, not their training. With a simple listening test in Round 1 and a short instrument performance in Round 2, it gives students the chance to shine in a supportive and fair way.
If your child loves music and has a good ear, this could be a fantastic pathway into one of London’s most respected schools for the performing arts.
Want to Help Your Child Prepare?
If you would like to train and practise with our 11+ Music App.
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♫ Join our 8-Module Live Online Course
If you’d like to book our 8-Module Music Aptitude Mastery Course, which gives your child expert support and structured preparation, visit:
