The Fidelis College Mathematics Entrance Examination is designed to reflect the National Curriculum (Key Stage 2), testing both fundamental understanding and the ability to apply knowledge in problem-solving contexts.

To help your child feel confident and prepared, we recommend ensuring familiarity with the following key concepts:

• Number operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Time, area, and perimeter
• Prime numbers and factors
• Averages (mean, median, mode)
• Distance, speed, and time
• Graphs and charts
• Angles, reflection, and rotation
• Ratio, probability, and sequences
• Volume, nets of shapes, and 3D reasoning

While most questions align closely with the Key Stage 2 syllabus, some may extend into early algebra or logical reasoning to explore higher-order thinking.

Fidelis College’s English entrance exams are not used by other schools.  The English exams are split equally between comprehension and extended writing.  They give prospective students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of rigorous yet age-appropriate pieces of English-language fiction, then express themselves in a related non-fiction piece.

Teachers at Fidelis College have shared mark schemes for the papers, to ensure as much fairness as possible in marking. 

Section A

Q1 is the simplest, asking, in a child’s own words, or in a quotation, what is happening in the story.

Q2 is harder, demanding two different quotations and explanations of what the quotations mean.  The question may require inference.

Q3 demands the most, and is where children can show that they can take quotations and also recognise English language features and devices.  The strongest students will be able refer specifically to the extract, use terminology and explain the effects of what they have found.

Section B

This section asks students to produce an opinionated piece of extended writing.  They are given a statement as a stimulus, and can respond in agreement or disagreement.

The piece is marked according to the standard of students’ argument, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Teachers will mark higher the children that use technically accurate SPAG, offer a cogent line of reasoning, and use rhetorical techniques, such as rhetorical questions, emotive language, anecdote and careful repetition.

The Fidelis College 13+ Mathematics assessment follows the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) Common Entrance syllabus, reflecting the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum. The examination aims to assess both mathematical fluency and the ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar, problem-solving situations.

Candidates will be tested across the following core areas:

• Number: operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, and powers

• Algebra: simplifying expressions, solving equations, and interpreting graphs

• Ratio and Proportion: scaling, direct and inverse proportion, and percentages

• Geometry and Measure: angles, perimeter, area, volume, transformations, and coordinate geometry

• Statistics and Probability: data handling, averages, probability, and interpretation of graphs and charts

Papers are designed to reflect the standards of the ISEB 13+ Common Entrance at Level 2, with some questions extending into Level 3 material to challenge stronger candidates.

The Fidelis College 13+ English assessment is designed to reflect the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate both reading comprehension and extended writing skills. The examination consists of two equal sections:

Section A – Reading
Students read a carefully selected extract of age-appropriate fiction and answer questions that test their understanding, inference, and analysis. Questions progress in difficulty, from identifying basic information, to interpreting meaning, to analysing language features such as imagery, simile, metaphor, and word choice. This allows students to demonstrate not only what they understand from the text but also how they can explore and evaluate an author’s use of language.

Section B – Writing
Students produce a structured, extended piece of writing in response to a stimulus, usually in the form of a statement or prompt. Responses are marked for clarity of argument, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and the effective use of rhetorical techniques, such as persuasive language, emotive expression, and careful structuring of ideas. Stronger candidates will be able to craft nuanced, reasoned arguments that reflect high-level thinking and technical accuracy.

The 13+ English examination at Fidelis College provides a fair and rigorous opportunity for students to showcase both analytical and creative skills, preparing them for the academic challenges of senior school.