Musical Aptitude

September 2027 entry: 

The application round opens on Friday 11th September 2026.

The application form for a music aptitude place must be completed by Friday 25th September 2026. Only application forms fully received by midnight on Friday 25th September 2026 will be accepted. 

Please complete one online application form for each child for a music aptitude place (or you can complete and return a paper application).

The application form will only be used to make the arrangements for the test and will play no part when the applications of those meeting the threshold are processed and places allocated.

Inspiration Trust Music Aptitude Application Form – online

Inspiration Trust Music Aptitude Application Form – paper copy 

All children who submit a completed form by the deadline will be invited to a music aptitude test between 5th October 2026 and 15th October 2026. The test is designed not to determine the child's current musical ability or achievement, but their aptitude for learning music in the future, with a threshold of 66% having been set to determine qualification for consideration for a place. 

Parents and carers will be notified by the academy of the result of the music aptitude test by Friday 16th October 2026. This is in advance of the normal admission round application closing date on 31st October 2026. If the child scores enough marks to be considered for a place, Hethersett Academy must be named as a preference when completing the Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF). Dates may be subject to change.

What is a ‘Musical Aptitude Place’? 

As we are passionate about music education at Hethersett Academy and the Inspiration Trust, we allocate up to 10% of places available within the published admission number for Year 7 entry (26 places) to children who demonstrate an aptitude for music at Hethersett Academy. Children who wish to be considered for a music aptitude place will sit a music aptitude test. 

Is a ‘Music Scholarship’ the same as a ‘Musical Aptitude Place’? 

No. Pupils who are successful in being offered a music aptitude place are not automatically offered a scholarship. After National Offer Day (1st March 2026), details of how to apply for a Music Scholarship will be shared with all who are offered a place at the academy alongside other transition materials. 

Pupils who enter Year 7 via a music aptitude place do not automatically receive any further benefits, but it is expected that these pupils will want to participate fully in the musical life of the academy. 

Who can apply for a Music Aptitude Place? 

Anyone seeking entry for a child into Year 7 at the academy through the standard admissions process can apply for a Music Aptitude Place.  

Please note that if the child for which you are seeking entry into the academy in Year 7 already meets one of the oversubscription criteria that is given higher priority than a Music Aptitude Place, meeting the threshold for consideration for a Music Aptitude Place will not increase the chances of being awarded a place at the academy. For this reason, we recommend applying for a Music Aptitude Place only if you do you not already meet one of the following criteria (please check the admissions policy for more details on the points listed below): 

• The child has an EHCP which names Hethersett Academy 
• The child is looked after, or has previously been looked after 
• The child has a sibling on roll at the academy at the time of application 
• The child has a parent/carer who works at Hethersett Academy 

All of the criteria above have a higher priority than a Music Aptitude Place.  

Inspiration Trust Music Aptitude Test: 

Where will I need to go to take the test? 

Hethersett Academy 

When will the test take place? 

Between 5th October 2026 an 15th October 2026 

How long does the test take? 

The test takes approximately 40 minutes. You will be asked to book your test appointment using an online platform as part of the application process. Candidates will be asked to attend an appointment which is 60 minutes in total, and to arrive 10 minutes early for that appointment. 

Who will be there? 

Tests are taken in groups of up to 50 pupils at a time. The test is administered by two members of staff. Usually this will be the Inspiration Trust’s Director of Music, and the Head of Music at the academy.  

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING?  

• A pencil or pen 
• Any medical information or equipment if required (e.g. inhaler) 
• A water bottle (optional) 

Your child does not need any musical instruments or music books. All necessary materials will be provided. 

WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, A DISABILITY, OR A MEDICAL CONDITION? 

We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure all children can demonstrate their musical aptitude fairly. Please indicate on the application form if your child requires any adjustments, and we will contact you to discuss appropriate arrangements. These should be reasonable adjustments which your child routinely accesses in their current educational setting and evidence will be requested at the time of application (e.g. EHCP or letter from a school SENDCO).  

Examples of reasonable adjustments might include: 

• Extra time to complete the test 
• A scribe to record answers 
• Use of a smaller group setting 
• Breaks during the test 
• Alternative formats for the answer sheet 
• Use of assistive technology 

What is the test like? 

The test is delivered in a supportive and encouraging environment. There will be a written test, taken with other children, which is approximately 40 minutes in duration. 

The test is based entirely on written responses to aural tests. This means that pupils will read questions on paper, listen to recordings of music, and write their answers on the test paper. Candidates will be expected to circle the correct answers, or tick boxes indicating correct answers on their mark sheets. Fully worked examples will be included for each question type so children will understand exactly what is expected of them. 

There are no practice papers for the test. 

The test evaluates natural aptitude and potential across four areas: 

1. Pitch  

What candidates will do: 

• Listen to two sounds and indicate whether the second sound is the same as the first, or whether it is higher or lower in pitch 
• Some sounds may be less than a semitone apart (very close together), while others may be much further apart 
• Some sounds being compared will be the starting and ending notes of melodies; others will be played as stand-alone notes 

What we're looking for: Natural ability to distinguish between different pitches and identify pitch relationships, rather than trained musical skills. 

2. Texture  

What candidates will do: 

• Listen to a number of notes played together at the same time and indicate whether the sound is made up of 2, 3, or 4 notes 
• Compare the texture (the 'thickness' or 'thinness') of music played, stating whether one is thicker or thinner than another 
• Identify how the texture of one piece of music is changing to become thicker or thinner, and whether any change is sudden or gradual 

What we're looking for: Natural ability to distinguish between different layers of sound and identify changes in musical texture, rather than technical knowledge. 

3. Melody  

What candidates will do: 

Type 1 questions: 

• Listen to a piece of music played three times 
• Decide whether the third time was the same as the first and second, or if it was different 
• If there was a change, identify which note was different by indicating which note changed (1st, 2nd, etc.) 
• If there is a change, there will only be one note changed 

Type 2 questions: 

• The number of changes the listener should try to identify will be listed (there may be more than one) 

What we're looking for: Natural ability to remember and compare melodies, and to identify specific changes, rather than musical training. 

4. Rhythm  

What candidates will do: 

• Listen to a piece of music played three times 
• Decide whether the third time was the same as the first and second, or if it was different 
• If there was a change, identify which beat was different by indicating which beat changed (1st, 2nd, etc.) 
• If there is a change, there will only be one beat changed 

What we're looking for: Natural ability to remember and compare rhythmic patterns, and to identify specific changes, rather than musical experience. 

Important Information About the Test 

The test is designed to identify potential, not current ability. We are looking for children who show: 

• Natural ability to distinguish between different sounds 
• Good aural memory 
• Ability to identify patterns and changes in music 
• Concentration and focus during listening activities 

The test does NOT require: 

• Ability to read music notation 
• Playing a musical instrument 
• Singing ability 
• Membership of choirs or music groups 
• Previous music lessons or training 
• Knowledge of musical terminology 

The test is NOT about: 

• Current musical achievement 
• Prior access to music education 
• Performing music 
• Competing against other children 
• Demonstrating technical musical skills 

Children are assessed individually on their own potential, not in comparison to others in their group. 

How is the test scored? 

Each section of the test is scored using objective criteria focused on: 

• Accuracy of aural discrimination 
• Ability to identify pitch relationships 
• Ability to distinguish texture 
• Ability to remember and compare melodies 
• Ability to remember and compare rhythms 

A threshold score of 66% has been set. Children who meet or exceed this threshold will qualify for consideration under the Music Aptitude criterion. 

What happens after the test? 

26 Music Aptitude places will be offered. 

If more than 26 children meet the threshold set, then 26 names will be selected based on their aptitude test scores, with the highest scores being offered places. If two or more children have identical scores for the final place(s), the general tie-break criterion (distance from school measured in a straight line) will be applied. 

Parents and carers will be notified by the academy of the result of the musical aptitude test by 16th October 2026. This is in advance of the normal admission round application closing date on 31st October 2026. If the child scores enough marks to be considered for a place. 

Hethersett Academy must be named as a preference when completing the Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF). 

How do I apply for a Music Aptitude Test? 

Inspiration Trust Music Aptitude Application Form – online

Inspiration Trust Music Aptitude Application Form – paper copy 

Admission Policy for September 2027 entry 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Does my child need to play an instrument or have had lessons to pass the test? 
A: No. The test assesses natural aptitude and potential, not current ability or achievement. Children who have never had music lessons or participated in musical activities can perform just as well as those who have. 

Q: Should my child practice for the test? 
A: No specific preparation is needed. The test assesses natural aural abilities. Your child should simply arrive well-rested and ready to listen carefully and try their best. There are no practice papers available. 

Q: What if my child is nervous about the test? 
A: The test is conducted in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Our teachers are experienced in working with children and will help your child feel comfortable. Clear examples are provided for each question type. The test is about potential, not perfection. 

Q: Can my child take the test if they have special educational needs or a disability? 
A: Yes. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure your child can demonstrate their musical aptitude fairly. These should be adjustments which your child routinely accesses in their current educational setting. Please indicate this on the application form so we can discuss appropriate arrangements with you in advance. We may request evidence of these adjustments from your child's school. 

Q: What if my child has difficulty with reading or writing? 
A: We can provide reasonable adjustments such as a scribe, extra time, or alternative formats. These should be adjustments which your child routinely uses in their current educational setting. Please indicate your child's needs on the application form, and we may request evidence of these adjustments from your child's school. 

Q: What if my child is unwell on the test day? 
A: Please contact the academy as soon as possible. We may be able to offer a transfer to a later test date if one is available, but we cannot guarantee this option will be possible. 

Q: Does passing the aptitude test guarantee my child a place at the school? 
A: No. Passing the test qualifies your child to be considered under the Music Aptitude criterion. However, you must still name Hethersett Academy on your Local Authority Common Application Form by 31st October 2026. If the academy is oversubscribed, the standard oversubscription criteria will apply. 

Q: Will my child automatically receive a Music Scholarship if they gain a place through the Music Aptitude route? 
A: No. Music Scholarships are awarded separately after National Offer Day (1st March). Details of how to apply for a Music Scholarship will be shared with all pupils who are offered a place at the academy. 

Q: My child already meets a higher priority criterion (e.g. has a sibling at the school). Should they still take the Music Aptitude Test? 
A: If your child already meets a criterion with higher priority than Music Aptitude (such as having an EHCP naming the school, being looked after or previously looked after, having a sibling on roll, or having a parent/carer who works at the academy), taking the Music Aptitude Test will not increase their chances of being offered a place.  

Q: Can my child bring a parent or carer into the test? 
A: No. The test is conducted with groups of children only. Parents and carers will be asked to wait in a designated area and will be able to collect their child immediately after the test is complete. 

Q: What should my child wear? 
A: Children should wear comfortable clothing suitable for sitting and concentrating for approximately 40 minutes. School uniform is not required. 

September 2026 Admissions