Banding tests.. what exactly are these ?

[MANT]

Like 1000s of other year 6 parents we are looking for the best possible secondary school for our child... one school CVMS ( super super oversubcribed) carries out banding tests prior to confirming a place. Are these like mini SATS, CATS OR NFER tests?

Are there any tests that we can use to prepare our child. I am sure they will cherry pick the top end into top mid and lower bands.

A little advice would be great

They cannot "cherry pick" on scores. The scores are used to put boys into the bands, not rank them within it. To tiebreak in each band, they use the published (faith &sibling, distance) criteria.

Thanks for your reply. The head teacher ( only a few days ago) assured all parents that disitance from the school would in no way affect entry so I am wondering what would ...Lottery draws or picking the best from the banding scores ? I know they no longer accept participation in Parish/church activities.

Does anyone know or have sons that have experienced these banding tests?

I've just rechecked their criteria. It isn't distance, it's lottery.