Watford Grammar School for Boys: Music Aptitude Test 2025 – What You Need to Know
If you’re considering applying for a Music Aptitude place at Watford Grammar School for Boys (part of the SW Herts Schools Consortium), here’s a concise guide to the process and key dates.
Music Places Available:
Up to 22 spots are offered each year to students demonstrating strong musical aptitude.
The Two-Stage Test
Stage 1: Listening Assessment
• Date: Monday, 7 September 2026
• Format: 60 questions (approx. 45 minutes), assessing:
◦ Pitch: Identifying if a second note is the same, higher, or lower.
◦ Melody: Spotting changes in short tunes.
◦ Rhythm: Comparing beat patterns.
◦ Texture: Counting how many notes are played together.
For Stage 1, Watford Grammar School for Boys 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: Monday, 21 – Friday, 25 September 2026
• Format: A short performance (up to 3 minutes) on an instrument or voice before a panel.
• Scoring: Marked out of 45 points:
◦ Accuracy (15)
◦ Musicality (15)
◦ Communication (15)
• The difficulty level of the piece or previous exam grades are not part of the assessment.
Results:
Available in Mid October.
Performance Essentials
• Arrive 10 minutes early to warm up.
• No personal accompanists allowed; bring sheet music if accompaniment is needed.
• Backing tracks can be played via Bluetooth or CD (bring your own player if needed).
• Instruments must be tuned in advance.
• Music stands are provided.
Reviews & Appeals
• You may request a review of Stage 1 marking soon after results are published.
• Stage 2 marks are final, but you can raise exceptional circumstances through the Secondary Transfer Appeals process.
Stay Updated
All test dates, times, and results are shared through the Parent Portal. Be sure to check it regularly to stay informed about your child’s application.
For more details and the full calendar, visit the Watford Grammar School for Boys website.
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