Eton CEM

[rumination]

My DS is sitting the Eton CEM list test soon. Does anyone know of any tutoring agency that might have a really good simulation of the Eton test, including adaptive questions and with the same sorts of time limits and inability to go back to previous questions? My guess would be that the larger agencies might because of how many of their clients have children applying to Eton and other schools with these CEM tests have built an in-house solution designed to help students get as familiar as possible with this type of test.

I hope such a thing doesn’t exist, as if it does, it will allow people who can pay a way to push in front of people who can’t.

Ds has a place at Eton in 2019. We were told not to prepare for the test, and we didn’t. It was a really positive process, and we thought it was fairer than some of the other schools’ selection processes. I know that the system has changed a little in the last year, with the introduction of the pre-test, but one of the brilliantly fair things about Eton admissions is it seems to take tutor-proofing very seriously. When ds did his computerised test he said he couldn’t have prepared.

I’m not answering your question, am I? I expect if it’s a CEM test you’ll find some material out there, as many grammar schools use CEM. But the idea of an in-house simulation makes me sad, as it just makes Eton that little bit more inaccessible for bright kids without pointy-elbowed parents.

Agree with Habanero, don’t bother. The test is only one part of the entrance procedure, and it’s not only about passing or failing, it is an assessment.

You would do much better to take the pressure off and let your DS enjoy the day - and yes, we have been through it, although a few years ago!

@Habanero

I wouldn’t worry too much about the rich taking over via tutoring. Admissions are pretty wise to that and are taking very seriously their efforts to widen access.

In addition, it is worth bearing in mind that it is not only academic brilliance they are looking for. They want a good mix of talents and abilities in other areas too, such as sport, music and drama.

Well done to your DS, he will have a wonderful time there. Our DS left last summer, and loved it.

To get a feel for CEM, just go to your local WH Smith's. The questions will be on paper but it's good to get used to the types of questions.

I also think that every child should have a practice run. Some children get pretty stressed and do not show just how academic they are in these exams. Having a go or two to get used to the format of the exam is only reasonable. Frankly, who ever sits exams without having done a single practice paper??

Look at BOFA online. They do practise computer tests and also ISEB. Ds practised lots of paper CEM tests. With CEM speed is of the essence. There is a section on CEM and independent schools on the elevenplusexams website.