ATOM Learning SAS Vs real thing - recent differences?

[TaupeSnail]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some up-to-date experiences regarding Atom Learning’s CAT4 mock test scores compared to the actual GL Assessment CAT4 scores taken in schools.

There’s some older information suggesting that Atom Learning’s SAS scores were typically lower than the real thing, possibly due to their initial smaller norming population (around 150K tests annually when the platform launched).

knowledge.atomlearning.io/en/atomschool/standardised-age-scores

However, Atom now claims to norm against 700K mock tests a year, and they suggest there should be no significant difference between their scores and the official GL CAT4 scores (I’ve been in touch).

resources.atomlearning.co.uk/en/knowledge/standardised-age-scores-tutors

There are posts on here from last year on this issue but wanted to see if folks still experienced a difference.

For those of you who have used Atom recently, have you noticed any difference between your child’s Atom SAS scores and their GL CAT4 scores? Any insights or personal experiences would be really helpful as we prepare for the upcoming tests for our DS.

Thanks in advance!

It’s worth bearing in mind if they are taking the state GL 11+ on a paper test it’s not the same experience as taking an online test. On paper you need to transfer the answers using a sheet which can increase errors, you also don’t have the risk of missing pages etc. which needs to be prepared for. I can’t comment on the accuracy- we use both Atom and exam-condition mocks for practice but I don’t see the Atom as comparable to the real thing

we use both Atom and exam-condition mocks for practice but I don’t see the Atom as comparable to the real thing

We also used both. We found the Atom tests to be much easier than the actual 11+ exams DS sat in December 2023. Of the people I know that got their first choice schools, they used the Bond & CGP books not Atom Learning.

In atom, there are many mock tests in different format. We used to do all kinds of tests instead of sticking to West Midland GL test (we are in west midland).

My girl did score higher in single topic GL assessment paper (115 to 125) and score lower in a GL paper combined with 4 area (Eng Math VR NVR)(115) . The actual result is about 124 in 11+. We mainly use atom and GL assessment mock bundle for preparation.

£30 off code if anyone wants trying .

https://atomlearning.com/p/UxnuXJgs

I tried a number of practice CAT4 sites and would say that Atom is very commercialised and they entice you with free or cheap and then get you to subscribe for monthly price which is pretty high I must say. You get a lot of questions but not really like the real thing and there's just so much going on that you kinda get lost in the woods and can't see the trees.

I found a simple interface like schoolentranceexam.com or test-prepp.com or even the cat4-prep.com sites to be much better - simple and effective and much more focused on what you want.