Applying for a Music Aptitude Place at St Clement Danes School
If you’re considering applying to St Clement Danes School under the Music Criterion, here’s what you need to know about the process and key dates.
Music Aptitude Places
• Each year, 24 places are offered to students with high music aptitude.
• The school has a total of 240 Year 7 places, with 10% allocated for music ability.
Application Process
The assessment happens in two stages:
Stage 1: Written Listening Test
• Date: Monday, 7 September 2026
• Format: 60 questions over 45 minutes
• Sections:
◦ Pitch: Identify if the second note is the same, higher, or lower.
◦ Melody: Spot changes in short tunes.
◦ Rhythm: Compare beat patterns.
◦ Texture: Count the number of notes in chords.
• Results: Released on Thursday, 17 September via the Parent Portal.
For Stage 1, St Clement Danes School uses the standard Music Aptitude test. This test format is also used by schools like: Moulsham, Chancellor’s, Dame Alice Owen’s, South West Herts schools, Twyford, Tiffin, Ealing Fields, Ada Lovelace, Herts and Essex, Liverpool College.
Stage 2: Performance Assessment
• Dates: 21–25 September 2026
• Format: Perform a piece up to 3 minutes long for a panel of examiners.
• Scoring: Out of 45 points, assessing:
◦ Accuracy
◦ Musicality
◦ Communication
• Results: Announced in Mid October.
Important Notes:
• Pieces are not judged on difficulty or prior grades.
• Bring any backing tracks or sheet music needed.
• Arrive early to set up and warm up.
Reviews & Appeals
• You can request a marking review of the Stage 1 test.
• Stage 2 scores are final, but exceptional circumstances can be raised during the appeals process after allocation day.
Staying Updated
All registration, test times, and results are shared via the Parent Portal. Make sure you check it regularly.
More Information
For full details and key dates, visit the South West Herts Consortium website or St Clement Danes School.
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