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Familiarisation

MOCK Tests

  • Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning

Please note that the Mock Tests are organised exclusively by the St. Olave’s PA. Therefore, please direct any queries to the PA at olaves.mocktests@gmail.com and not to the School. We will not be able to provide any updates on queries made to the school. All updates are provided on this website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Test

What has changed this year?

In terms of logistics, cars will not be allowed to be parked on Park Avenue and council parking enforcement will be put in place to avoid inconvenience to the neighbours.

Why should I enrol my child for the St. Olave’s Parents’ Association mock test?

The St. Olave’s PA mock test is as similar to a real admission test as possible. It is held in the school hall using the same procedure and instructions as the St. Olave’s admission test and replicates the real St. Olave’s Stage 1 Selective Eligibility Test (SET) very closely. Therefore, because your child will have gone through the experience before, the real test should be a lot less stressful for your child.
Your child’s results will indicate the likelihood of performing strongly in the real SET (Selective Eligibility Test) , and will help identify any areas to focus learning on beforehand.

Why is a Parents’ Association running a mock test?

As parents who been through the process that you are going through, we understand that it can be a stressful time. We have run the mock tests since 2016 in order to offer parents of prospective entrants to grammar schools a practice test to help parents/carers and pupils prepare and set their expectations, and at the same time to raise funds for the school to enrich the lives of St. Olave’s pupils.

Where is the test held?

At St. Olave's Grammar School, Goddington Lane, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9SH. Note that entrance is only via the Park Lane entrance.

Is this test suitable for applicants to other selective schools?

We believe this test will be of use to you regardless of which school you finally decide to apply to. It is open to both boys and girls.

How much will the mock test cost?

Each mock test will cost £60.

What if I cannot afford the mock test fees?

The St. Olave’s Parents’ Association believes that everyone should have the opportunity to gain admission to a Grammar school and has a number of free places for those who can demonstrate financial hardship (for example to students in receipt of the Pupil Premium). If you think you qualify, then please apply in confidence to olaves.mocktests@gmail.com and provide details.

What questions does the mock test contain?

The mock test is intended to be as close to the St. Olave’s Stage 1 Selective Eligibility Test (SET) as possible. It contains four separate multiple choice sections across English Comprehension, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning.

How long is the mock test

The test itself is around 60 minutes, similar to the St. Olave’s SET as well as that of several other grammar schools. The entire process from the time you drop your child at the specified location until the time you can collect them is likely to be around 2 hours.

Can I get a copy of the test questions?

For copyright reasons we do not distribute the test questions. However, there will be sample papers that will be on sale for purchase during the mock test days. Please note that we now accept payment in both cash and card

St. Olave’s is a boys’ school. Is the mock test open for girls too?

The mock test is open to both boys and girls therefore your daughter is very welcome to sit the test. We believe that the St. Olave’s mock test is an excellent preparation for an entrance test to any grammar school.

Does my child have to be in Year 5 to sit the tests?

The test is designed for children in Year 5 who will be sitting secondary school entrance exams in the next school year. The test is not appropriate for children who are not in Year 5.

Are past papers available for practice?

Sample papers are available on sale for purchase during the mock test days. Please note that we now accept payment in both cash and card. In addition, the PA sell sample test papers at the school during their Open Day in the summer.

The Results

What results do I receive?

There is no pass or fail on this test. You will receive results showing which questions your child gets correct, wrong or does not attempt. This will help you decide whether he or she needs more support for a particular section in terms of practice or speed or both. We also provide a ranking within the cohort who sit the test at the same time as your child (separately for boys and girls and also across all candidates) which will help you understand their readiness for the real test.

My son scored well in the Mock Test but was unsuccessful in the SET. (this question was asked by couple of parents in previous year)

Your son can perform well in one mock test in summer on a certain day. The main test paper although similar in style, can be more challenging for your son and also the cohort taking the SET can be much stronger than those taking PA Mock Test.

How are the test results presented?

Results are emailed to your registered email address. To give you a very clear picture of your child’s performance in comparison to other potential grammar school applicants, we tell you:

  • whether your child attempted each question and if so, whether he or she answered correctly or incorrectly
  • your child’s percentage score of in each section and in total
  • your child’s percentile ranking within the whole cohort taking the test that week, for each section and overall
  • similar percentile rankings within the same sex cohort taking the test that week
  • After all the mock tests have been run, we send a further email with similar percentile ranks showing your child’s performance compared to all the pupils who have taken the test this year.

    When will I get my child’s results?

    The test papers are sent away for marking and it takes us about 2 weeks to get the results, therefore the earliest we may publish results is two weeks after the mock test date. We endevour to issues the results between 2-3 weeks after the mock test date. Results are sent by email.

    What if my child has special requirements?

    Please let us know of any special medical or education requirements. Atleast one of the mock test sessions will cater to those with special educational needs, known medical needs or other circumstances which may require positive action on the day of the test. You will be required to provide documentary evidence of needs. Any decision on eligibility for extra time taken by the Parents’ Association will be completely separate from a decision by the School on extra time for the actual SET.

    Booking a Place

    Are places limited?

    Once bookings are open, all available sessions are shown on the website. There will be no sessions opening at a later date. There is a maximum of 150 places available in each session due to health and safety reasons. To be guaranteed a space in your chosen session, early booking is recommended.

    Can I book my child for more than one session?

    This year we are only offering one test paper across all sessions therefore unless you want your child to attend multiple sessions for practice, we do not recommend you to book more than one session.

    Can I pay by credit card, cheque or cash?

    We currently only accept payment by PayPal. Setting up an account with Paypal is free and simple

    What if my child has special requirements?

    Please let us know of any special medical or education requirements. One of the mock test sessions will cater to those with special educational needs (SEN), known medical needs or other circumstances which may require positive action on the day of the test. You will be required to provide documentary evidence of needs. Any decision on eligibility for extra time taken by the Parents’ Association will be completely separate from a decision by the School on extra time for the actual SET.

    After booking, I haven't had a booking confirmation email from St. Olave's PA, only a confirmation from PayPal. Do you send a confirmation?

    After you book, you should get a confirmation email from us. If you haven't got one, either you made a mistake with your email address or our email is in your spam folder. If you can't find it, please contact us, and add olaves.mocktests@gmail.com to your address book to make sure you receive emails from us in future.

    Change and Cancellation

    Can I cancel and get a refund?

    There is a £10 administrative cost for a cancellation or a date change. Any changes will be subject to availability of a place on another date. However, we cannot change dates or give any refunds within 7 days of the date of the exam

    Can I change my date?

    See the information above. Please check dates of any school trips, sports days, sports fixtures, friends’ birthdays and other entrance tests etc before booking for your mock test session. There is a £10 administrative cost for a date change. Any changes will be subject to availability of a place on another date.

    What if the PA changes or cancels a test?

    In the unlikely event of the Parents’ Association having to change or cancel the date of a test, we will give you at least two weeks’ notice and will offer you a choice of all available dates or a full refund.

    On the day

    What does my child need to bring for the mock test?

    Your child should ONLY have with them:

  • A transparent/clear pencil case or bag;
  • Two HB or B pencils;
  • A pencil sharpener;
  • A soft rubber;
  • A ruler;
  • A transparent bottle of water without labels;
  • An A4 piece of paper with your child’s first name and surname, candidate number, parent/carer's name and a mobile number where we can reach you during the test if necessary.
  • Your child should NOT have with them:

  • Electronic devices including calculators, mobiles or tablets;
  • Language aids including dictionaries or smartphones;
  • A watch (there will be a clock in the room);
  • Any food or drink other than water;
  • Opaque bottles or pencil cases;
  • Any bags, hats, hoodies, toys or mascots.
  • We will confiscate any disallowed items for the duration of the exam.

    What about clothes? Toilet breaks?

    Comfortable clothes are best. As there will be some time spent waiting outside, please dress suitably for the weather.
    All children are given an opportunity to go to the toilet before the test. Toilets are also available during and after the test if necessary.

    What School entrance can we use?

    Entry is via the Park Avenue Entrance ONLY. There is no entry from the Goddington Lane Entrance.

    Is parking available?

    There is no parking available on site and extremely limited parking in neighbouring roads. If you are driving to the school, please be mindful of the parking restrictions and access to neighbours driveways. You are advised to park at Tesco Orpington where up to three hours of free parking is available with no requirement to use the store. Please arrive at the school through the Park Avenue entrance and await stewards’ instructions. Parents/carers are not allowed to re-enter the school grounds until the appropriate collection time.

    Can I come by public transport?

    Certainly. Candidates are strongly advised to use public transport wherever possible. Orpington Station is less than 15 minutes' walk away and there are a number of local bus routes.

    Is there a waiting area for parents/carers?

    We are sorry, but there is no waiting area for parents/carers at the school.

    Who can collect my child/can my child come home on their own after the test?

    Your child must be collected by a responsible adult.

    What if I am late to pick my child up?

    Please make every effort to be there on time as it can be distressing for the children if you are late. However, you will be provided with a mobile number to ring in case of emergency on the day.

    What time should we arrive and what time can we collect our children?

    If you have a morning session booked, please arrive by 9.30 a.m. and wait at the gate. Your child should be ready for collection from 11:15 am.
    If you have an afternoon session booked, please arrive by 2:30 pm and wait at the gate. Your child should be ready for collection from 4:15 pm.

    Entry to the School is via the Park Avenue entrance only.

    Can I accompany my child to the examination hall?

    No, because you will not be able to in the real exam, and we are trying to provide a realistic experience.

    What happens if we are late?

    If your child is ill on the day and you notify us at least two hours before the test starts and can also provide a doctor’s certificate, we will allow you to book another mock test subject to availability. If there are no remaining places, we will give you a refund.

    What if my child needs to carry medication with them to the examination hall?

    If your child needs to carry prescribed medication with him / her to the examination hall, you MUST tell us during the booking process.

    Will there be a first aider on site during the tests?

    There will be a first aider on site during each test. If you have concerns about this or if you have a child with medical needs please contact us at olaves.mocktests@gmail.com

    Will my personal details be shared with other organisations?

    We will only use your personal details to administer your account and to provide the products and services that you have requested from us. Your personal data will be removed from our system 90 days after the final exam results have been sent out.

    What are your child protection procedures?

    All our invigilators are DBS checked. Before and after the test children will be in groups accompanied by two adults. During toilet breaks children will be shown to the toilets by two adults who will remain outside (unless in an emergency). In the event of a fire alarm the children will be escorted outside where a register will be taken.


    Please note that the Mock Tests are organised and run exclusively by the St. Olave’s Parents’ Association. Therefore, please direct any queries to the PA at olaves.mocktests@gmail.com and not to the School.