Latymer Upper School

In their own words

Visitors to Latymer Upper School frequently refer to the ‘palpable buzz’ and energy that is felt on first entering our busy and vibrant school.

I felt it too, initially when I came here as a prospective parent and later on becoming Head here, and this vitality is one of the many characteristics of Latymer that makes studying and working here so stimulating. Our location in the heart of West London is, of course, another factor and I’m really proud that the School has so many features in common with our wonderful city. It values and respects diversity; it’s modern and forward-thinking; it promotes a global outlook and has a dynamic community of talented people who combine the highest academic achievement with excellence in the arts and sport.

One thing that attracted me to the School is that there appears to be no such thing as a ‘typical’ Latymerian. Try to pigeon-hole our eclectic student body and you pretty quickly come unstuck. Ours is not a one size fits all school. To be a Latymerian is to be part of a diverse community and it’s important to make the point to prospective parents that, outside of academic ability and an enquiring mind, there is no archetypal Latymer pupil, and that all teachers nurture and celebrate their students’ individuality.

I’m proud of our Latymerians; they’re academic, rounded and grounded – and they care about each other as well as those who may need help in the local and global community. In 2018 the School received three national awards from the TES: one for independent-state school partnerships (we partner with over 250 local schools, charities and community groups to the benefit of 3,000 children each year), one for ‘senior school of the year’ and one for ‘independent school of the year’.

Latymer offers a diverse and dynamic environment in which pupils from all walks of life learn together and are exposed to different perspectives – a valuable lesson in itself. This is in part due to our ambitious bursary programme.

Through our campaign, Inspiring Minds, we aim to raise enough funds to be able to offer one in four of our pupils a means-tested bursary, making Latymer one of the most inclusive independent schools in the country. Indeed, thanks to the success of the campaign, one in four of our Year 7 pupils joins the School on a bursary this year.

I hope our website will give you a flavour of how we go about making that vision a reality and look forward to seeing you at one of our open days.

Susan Wijeratna

The admissions process uses the online ISEB Common Pre Test (sometimes referred to as the Common Entrance Exam). This exam has a specific format and structure, includes a range of predictable questions types and is taken in an online/computer environment. Students should pay particular attention to the Non-Verbal and Verbal-Reasoning modules, as these sections may include question types they have never encountered before.

We have partnered with the test experts at Ready Steady Pass, to bring you the most accurate and best value ISEB practise material. These exams are audited by AQA and EdExcel exam markers, and ISI independent school inspectors. Tests are taken online, include unlimited resits and emailed results including answer sheets to share with tutors and parents.

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What questions can I expect?

The ISEB Common Pre Test is a combination of 4 individual exams, all of which are set in a multiple choice, online environment. The exams vary every year, but you can expect to find all or most of the below in this year's test.

Mathematics