Reading School and Kendrick use a two-stage process: reasoning first, then maths and English for those who progress.
At a glance
Subjects
Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Usually held
September
Set by
GL Assessment
Schools
2
The papers
Stage
Paper
Questions
Time
Stage 1
Reasoning
50
50 minutes
Stage 2
Maths
30
50 minutes
Stage 2
English
12
50 minutes
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare for the Reading
The Reading & Kendrick selection test covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
The column with the box gets no carry, so □ + 7 must end in 1.
That makes □ = 4.
Why the other options are wrong
A (7): Test this digit in the column: it does not give the answer shown.
B (3): This adds a carry that is not there: the column to the right does not pass 9.
C (5): One too many: check the carry again.
D (1): This is the digit in the answer, not the missing digit in the number being added.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word completes the sentence with the correct spelling?
Mum wrote the dentist appointment on the kitchen _____.
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, calendar
How to work it out
Mum wrote the dentist appointment on the kitchen calendar.
A calendar has days: it ends in -dar.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word is most opposite in meaning to “frequent”?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, rare
How to work it out
“rare” is the opposite of “frequent”.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B
How to work it out
Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.
Questions parents ask
What subjects are in the Reading?
The Reading tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
When is the Reading?
The main test usually takes place in September. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
How should my child prepare for the Reading?
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the Reading format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Find out where your child stands today
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.