Epsom College - any ideas on CAT scores for 11+ and 13+ entries?

[2morasmum]

Hello,
I am considering Wellington College, Christ's Hospital and Epsom College for DS for 2022 or 2024 entries. Epsom is his preferred choice, would you please help me understand CAT scores for Epsom?

Thank you

Epsom are looking for an average of 120 and above but if you board you can probably get away with a bit lower. Wellington is the same (120 and above) but they are also looking for a child with something else to offer - e.g. Music, sport, drama etc so it’s not just about the academics.

P.s. my prep school supplied us with a list of minimum CAT scores by school just in case you see wondering what my source was.

@Tabitha957, that is very useful, thanks. Did your prep school also add what CAT score might put you in the scholarship region for Epsom? 130+?

I think the CAT score is just a baseline level of natural IQ requires to thrive at the school....getting a scholarship is more down to hard work, genuine love of learning and reading around subjects without somone hounding you to do it (at least it is if you sit one for 13+ entry). Having a really high IQ is undoubtably a benefit but it’s not a prerequisite that the school would be looking for.

Don’t suppose they told you Cat scores for the Sutton grammar schools?

Thank you for sharing this @Tabitha957!. It is ver helpful.

Do secondary schools actually look at CAT scores as part of the assessment process? I thought this year, with lots of schools switching to ISEB tests, the ISEB scores are the ones that matter?

The CAT scores go into the referral letters so important.
I actually think those CAT scores are quite high for the schools. They may aim for that but so out the great majority is up there.

Thank you Planogirl - I also checked with the school and they confirmed that CAT scores are part of the school references.

@Tabitha957

Epsom are looking for an average of 120 and above but if you board you can probably get away with a bit lower. Wellington is the same (120 and above) but they are also looking for a child with something else to offer - e.g. Music, sport, drama etc so it’s not just about the academics.

@Tabitha957 thanks for the guidelines on the CAT scores. Is there any chance you would share the list of scores your school provided? Our school has kept us all in the dark and simply advised every child will find there school. Helpful not.

Does anyone know if the Epsom college 11+ papers got considerably harder recently? Have been looking at the specimen papers they uploaded to their admissions section, they look as hard as the London day schools. Was hoping Epsom would be a bit lighter, but their Maths exam does not look easy at all. DC has a CAT score of 130+ but would still not find the exam easy without some more preparation!

My DS did Epsom 13+ pretest this year but the iseb. Did really well except maths but only got a waiting list for day.

Epsom was ISEB last year, papers are generally lighter than other London day schools, however demand for co ed places raises the bar considerably, so you need to be a top performer

From memory- 50/50 spilt boys / girls (80 places in total - over 500 applications - you need to be amongst top 20% to be offered a place. Eg top 80 -100 boys for 40 places ( as all schools over offer).

Forgot to add: CAT scores would be 125+ territory, with an additional value add skill such as our DS (drama; sport; musical instrument etc)