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FamTest FAQs

Please note: The Familiarisation Tests at Wilson’s School (FamTests) are organised and run exclusively by the Wilson’s Parents and Friends’ Association (PFA). Therefore, please direct any queries to the PFA and not to the school.

Why is the PFA running FamTests?
As parents who have been through the transition from primary to secondary school, we understand that it can be a stressful time. We plan to run a small number of FamTests in order to raise funds for the school while simultaneously offering parents of prospective entrants to grammar schools a practice test designed in the most helpful way possible.

What is the benefit of sitting a FamTest?
Your children will benefit from experiencing a formal examination in unfamiliar surroundings in as large a venue as they are likely to experience (at Wilson’s School, this will be at the John Jenkins Hall and the Sports Hall). As a result of this experience, the real tests should be less stressful and the procedures more familiar.

What is the format of the FamTest?
The format of the FamTest will be similar to those set by schools which examine English and Mathematics only.

What will the FamTest include?
The FamTest will include a multiple-choice English paper and a multiple-choice Mathematics paper. There are no specimens, sample questions or previous papers available. The FamTests will be based on the Key Stage 2 English and Mathematics curriculum which is freely available online.

How long are the FamTests?
We allow for up to 2.5 hours for the FamTest session. Each paper (English and Mathematics) takes around 45 minutes and there will be a short break in between the two papers.

Is this FamTest suitable for applications to other selective schools?
Yes. We believe this FamTest will be of use to your child regardless of the school you finally decide to apply to. It is open to both boys and girls.

How do I book a place for my child?
All bookings must be made online through our booking system. You will need an e-mail address and a PayPal account or a debit / credit card to make a booking. The booking will not be finalised until payment has been received.

Please note that the e-mail address you use to make the booking will be used for all future correspondence concerning the FamTests. We recommend you use this e-mail address to make a booking for your own child only.

Can I book multiple FamTests for my child?
The papers in all four FamTest sessions will be exactly the same. As a result, we do not recommend booking multiple FamTests. However, as we are only running four sessions, and there are limited places available, early booking is highly recommended. There are no plans to offer any more sessions regardless of demand.

How much does the FamTest cost?
Each session costs £50.

What if I cannot afford the FamTest?
We have a limited number of free places available to those who would otherwise be unable to afford these Familiarisation Tests. To apply for one of these places, please write in confidence to the PFA, via our ‘Contact Us‘ form. Although based on need, they are also limited, so they will be offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Can I cancel after the place has been booked?
If you need to cancel after your child’s place has been booked and confirmed, the PFA will retain a £25 administration charge.

Where will the FamTests be held?
The FamTests will be held at Wilson’s School, Mollison Drive, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 9JW. There will be two gates open, situated on Mollison Drive. Members of the PFA Team will be there to guide you.

What time should I arrive on the day?
Please arrive 30 minutes before your allocated session is due to start. A queue will form on the school site and your child will then be registered and escorted to the John Jenkins Hall or the Sports Hall as indicated on your child’s FamTest ticket. Parents cannot accompany their child into the school building for safeguarding reasons.

Morning session: Arrive by 9.00 am.
Afternoon session: Arrive by 1.30 pm.

Can we park on the school’s site?
Parking is not available anywhere on the school’s site and there are parking restrictions on Mollison Drive. Given that we expect the roads around the school to be busy with routine traffic, we highly recommend that you walk to the school from a nearby parking area or even better, take public transport. It is never a good idea for your child to arrive stressed because of problems with parking or traffic and so, if you must drive, please park a good distance from the school and walk the last ten minutes. The fresh air and exercise will do your child good ahead of the examination! Please do not inconvenience our neighbours by parking inconsiderately.

What does my child have to bring?
It is important that your child gets the full experience of the routines of an official examination. This includes only bringing items that would be permitted on the day of the real examination. As a result, your child can only bring:

  • A paper copy of the tear-off FamTest ticket at the top of your e-mail showing your child’s candidate number, session and name. Please note that if you turn up for the wrong session, it will not be possible to accommodate your child.
  • A transparent pencil case or a small clear plastic bag.
  • Two HB or B pencils.
  • A pencil sharpener.
  • A soft rubber.
  • A ruler.
  • A transparent bottle of water without labels.
  • A book to read during the break or before the test starts – this is optional and has nothing to do with the exams.
  • A snack for the break if you feel it is necessary.

Products containing nuts of any kind are not permitted in the school. Mobile phones and other smart technology, watches, calculators, dictionaries and any stationery displaying time tables are strictly prohibited.

Other Information:

  • Please ensure your child dresses suitably for the weather.
  • Your child will be given an opportunity to go to the toilet before the test and during the break between the English and Mathematics papers. If they ask to go to the toilet during the test, they will be allowed, but the time taken will not be added as extra time at the end of the test.
  • Please note that regardless of the weather, we do not have any indoor facilities for parents, nor can we provide access to toilets or other facilities for safeguarding reasons.

What does a FamTest ticket look like?
Your child’s FamTest ticket will be sent along with the final confirmation e-mail by the middle of June 2024. This is the second e-mail you will receive from us after making your initial booking. It will contain your child’s candidate number (starting with 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001 or 8001), session and name displayed on a cut-away section at the beginning of the email. If you know your child’s candidate number, then you have received your child’s FamTest ticket.

Can I accompany my child into the examination hall?
No. Parents are not permitted to accompany their children into the examination halls or the school buildings. More details will be provided in due course, but after the test is over, you will be able to pick up your child from the Mollison Drive entrance. Please note, regardless of the weather, we are unable to provide a waiting area / toilet facilities for adults due to safeguarding reasons.

What happens if I am running late?
If you arrive after the first test has started, (i.e. after 9.30 am for the morning session or after 2.00 pm for the afternoon session), we cannot allow your child to enter as it would disturb other candidates. Unfortunately, no refund can be given in such circumstances.

Who do I contact if my child needs to carry medication with them to the examination hall?
If your child needs to carry prescribed medication with them into the examination hall, you MUST contact the PFA using our ‘Contact Us’ form and let us know at least a week prior to your child’s FamTest examination date. If you do not notify the PFA in advance, your child may not be allowed to take the FamTest as we will not have had the opportunity to ensure appropriate support in the venue.

What happens if my child is ill on the day?
If your child is ill on the day, please ring the PFA in advance of the FamTest starting time on the number provided to you in the final confirmation email. If you can provide a certificate from a doctor, we will issue a full refund. However, we cannot issue a refund on the basis of an appointment card or receptionist’s stamp. We reserve the right to contact your GP Surgery to confirm the certificate’s authenticity. Please note: the mobile number provided to you will be manned by the PFA Team on the FamTest weekend only (i.e. Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th June 2024) from 8.00 am – 5.00 pm.

What time can I collect my child?
Please arrive promptly to collect your child from the car park of the school on Mollison Drive. There will be letters pinned to the inside of the fence. You should stand by the first letter of your child’s surname when you arrive. On leaving the examination hall, the children will be asked to find the sign that matches their surname. Following this process makes collection very easy indeed, so we appreciate your support. Children will only be allowed to leave the school with a parent, guardian or designated adult, so please do not ask them to meet you outside of the school grounds.

Morning session collection: Arrive on foot by 11.45 am.
Afternoon session collection: Arrive on foot by 4.15 pm.

Please note, the end time is approximate and we would welcome your patience on the day.

When will I get my child’s results?
Results will be sent to your registered e-mail address by the 12th of July 2024.

What will the results contain?
The results will contain the percentile rank by gender based on both days (four sessions). There will not be a pass mark, as this is a familiarisation test.

Can I get a copy of the test questions?
For copyright reasons, we will not be distributing the test questions.

Will my information be shared with other organisations?
We take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the products and services you have requested from us. We will not pass your information to other organisations. Your data will be deleted shortly after exam results are sent out.

What should I do if I require other details not listed above?
For any other details not listed above, please contact the PFA using our ‘Contact Us’ form.

Thank you and we wish you and your children good luck and a good experience.