Queens’ School Music Aptitude Test: A Parent’s Guide

21 Jul

If you're applying to Queens’ School under Criterion 6 (Music Aptitude), it’s important to understand how the process works. As part of the SW Herts Schools Consortium, Queens’ uses a two-stage Music Aptitude Test to assess musical potential—not prior training or qualifications.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Stage 1: Written Listening Test

• Date: Monday, 8 September

• Duration: Around 45 minutes

• Location: Queens’ School main hall

This is a 60-question, audio-based test that assesses your child’s natural musical listening skills. It’s split into four sections:

◦ Pitch (20 questions): Two notes are played—your child decides whether the second is the same, higher, or lower.

◦ Melody (10 questions): Two short five-note tunes are played—your child identifies if one note is different and which one.

◦ Rhythm (10 questions): Compares two short rhythm patterns to detect differences.

◦ Texture (20 questions): Chords are played—your child states how many notes they hear (two, three, or four).

Testing is conducted using high-quality audio equipment in a formal setting.

📢 Results: Published on Thursday, 18 September via the Parent Portal. These scores determine if your child will be invited to the second round.

Stage 2: Performance Assessment

🗓 Dates: Monday 22 – Friday 26 September

This round is only for students who pass Stage 1.

Your child will perform one piece, either sung or played on an instrument, for a panel of music specialists. The performance can be up to 3 minutes long, and the piece is scored on:

• Accuracy (15 points)

• Musicality (15 points)

• Musical Communication (15 points)

✅ Key Guidelines:

• No personal accompanists—bring sheet music if accompaniment is needed.

• Backing tracks are allowed (via Bluetooth or CD—bring your own player).

• Arrive 10 minutes early to warm up.

• Bring your own gear (amps, leads, drumsticks, etc.) if needed.

• Instruments must be tuned in advance.

• No marks are given for difficulty level or previous exam grades.

📢 Results: Available on Thursday, 16 October via the Parent Portal (note: not at 9:00 am).

🔍 Marking Reviews & Appeals

• Stage 1: You can request a marking review soon after results are released—contact the test centre directly.

• Stage 2: No review or breakdown is offered. If something exceptional happened on the day, you can raise it during the official Secondary Transfer Appeals Process after allocation day.

Please note: Scores are not age-standardised.

Reviews & Appeals

• Stage 1: You may request a review of the marking immediately after results are released

• Stage 2: No reviews or mark breakdowns are available. If you believe exceptional circumstances affected the performance, you can raise this during the official appeals process after allocation day

Important Note: Music Aptitude scores are not age-standardised, so they reflect raw performance.

Stay Informed

All communications—including registration details, test dates, results, and appointments—will be available on the Parent Portal. It’s your responsibility to log in regularly and keep up to date. For a full list of deadlines, check the SW Herts Consortium Calendar.