Maths
Assesses national curriculum knowledge relevant to the year group, across areas such as number, measurement, geometry, statistics and, from 11+, some introductory algebra. Schools can also include Primary Maths Challenge style questions, which are more playful and test a candidate's ability to think analytically and adapt to the unexpected. At 16+ these draw on Maths Olympiad style questions.
English
Combines a comprehension section, assessing reading for understanding of a fiction or non-fiction text, with a spelling, punctuation and grammar section, both aligned to the national curriculum for the year group.
Verbal Reasoning
Assesses understanding of challenging vocabulary and language, spotting patterns and connections to extend rules and sequences, and using logic to make higher-level deductions.
Non-verbal Reasoning
Assesses analysing visual information to problem solve, identifying and continuing patterns, and visualising changes in 2D and 3D space.
Puzzles and Problem Solving
A set of interactive puzzles spanning number, geometry, algebra and logical reasoning. They go beyond curriculum maths to reward strategy, trial and error and perseverance, which are hard to tutor and tend to identify intrinsically motivated learners.
Creative Comprehension
Presents a range of sources, which might include a map, a diary entry, an unfamiliar graph, a table of results or a coded message, and asks candidates to synthesise information across different media to solve problems. It rewards sustained thinking and adaptability in unfamiliar contexts, and is very hard to prepare for by tutoring.
The last two subjects were created to give admissions teams a view of which candidates can think deeply, creatively and analytically, in a way that does not favour those who are heavily tutored.
