Frequently asked questions

Our Events

What's the difference between the Assessment Test and Mock Tests?

The Assessment Test is for Year 4 and early Year 5 students and consists of a single test for children to be taken at home. The Assessment Test gives you an overview of their level of attainment compared to the standard expected. The test is printed at home and run using video invigilation. You email us the answer sheet and we send you a report outlining areas of strengths and areas for improvement. The At Home Mock Tests are focussed on replicating the authentic Mock Test conditions and we have At Home and On Location versions. They are great confidence boosters if your child is anxious about tests or needs some practice working under timed condisiton. Our Mocks will also compare your performance to others taking the same test. This is really useful if you want to guage how well your child is likely to do in the real test. For further information and to book a place see our events page.



Are all the Mock Day test papers different?

Yes. Each test has been specifically written by Cotswold Education staff for these events. The papers for each of our Days are different, so you can go to all our events without fear of repetition. The paper used for the Assessment Test is also different from any of the Mock Tests.



Are your Mock Tests different to those offered by other companies?

Yes! We were one of the first businesses in Gloucestershire to offer Mock Tests in 2011. We are a family run business of educational professionals with a lot of experience of going through the school application and testing process! We've filled in the forms, tutored for the grammar school test and gone through the appeals process, so we know from direct experience what we're talking about. Our staff have a wealth of exerience in primary education and higher education and are highly qualified. We have tutored 11+ students and devised and delivered many 11+ events and meetings. We strongly believe that our Mock Tests should be practical, useful and value for money. Our prices are all inclusive. That means you get - Two full test papers under authentic timed conditions - A full report including invigilators comments on how your child behaved in the room, breakdown of results on each type of question, ranking of your child compared to others and recommendations on what to do next - Free refreshments - Qualified and DBS checked staff in attendance to support your child and answer your questions There are no hidden extras to pay. We don't charge extra for the report or 'student observation'. Our reports are straightforward and informative. We want you to understand how your child peformed so you can help them improve. Our local knowledge and personal, friendly serivce is the reason we are recommended by so many of our customers who return to us when their younger children are preparing for grammar school.



What are the Grammar School Hubs?

The Hub Summer School focusses on revision and consolidation of skills and knowledge in an informal summer environment. We play games and have puzzles to solve to enable the children to engage in an interactive way. For more details see the relevant section below or visit our events page.



What does the Parents' Support Meeting include?

This event is a great way to find out pretty much everything about the grammar school test in Gloucestershire. We outline how to apply, how to appeal, what the test includes and how to help your child prepare for the whole process. Plus there's lots of opportunities to ask questions to our highly experienced educators.



Booking Events

How do I book your events?

Just go to our events page and look at the available dates. You can then click through to our ticket processor to book your place. You'll need to enter a few details before getting to the payment screen. Our card processor is Stripe and allows you to pay with all major UK credit and debit cards. After payment you will be sent etickets for the event. Please bring these with you, if possible, but don't worry if you forget as we'll be able to find your details. If you don't have a payment card please see the question below concerning payment.



Can I pay without a payment card?

Yes. If you don't have a credit or debit card you can pay directly to our account using BACS. Please email us on cotswoldeducationuk@gmail.com for our account details. You can pay directly into our paypal account via this direct link. If you want to pay by any other method please contact us. If you don't pay via our ticketing service we will contact you for further details and then issue you with an eticket for the event. If you are not sure about anything, please contact us!



My card doesn't seem to be accepted on the payment screen. Any ideas?

The default country on the payment page sometimes shows as USA. You can change this using the drop down menu before you enter your details. If you are still having problems please email us on cotswoldeducationuk@gmail.com or phone 07976 218062 and we will help resolve any issues.



Can I spread the cost of the events?

Yes! The majority of our events have a payment plan which allows you to book with a 25% deposit followed by up to three further payments, depending on how close to the event you book.



Mock Test Days

Is there anything I need to bring with me for your event?

No. We include everything you'll need including any test papers, a free pencil, rubbers and refreshments. You just have to bring your child along. Please let us know if your child has any particular needs, such as a special diet or medical condition. We will do our very best to make you and your children as comfortable and relaxed as possible.



What facilities are available?

All our events are held at venues with refreshments and toilets. In most cases there is ample on site parking, nearby shops and outside play areas. Please check the tickets and update emails for further information. If you have any particular requirements please contact us as soon as possible. PLEASE NOTE: Facilities may not be available depending on Covid 19 restrictions.



Can we bring other children with us?

You are welcome to bring younger siblings with you for the Assessment or Mock Mornings. Please note that you'll need to keep your child with you, but they are wecome to enjoy the free refreshments too. For the Mock Test there is a parents/siblings waiting room which is available throughout the morning. The Hub event does not have any faciliites for parents/siblings. PLEASE NOTE: Facilities may not be available depending on Covid 19 restrictions.



Can parents stay for the Mock Test?

Yes. We have a separate waiting room with free refreshments. You are welcome to stay and enjoy these if you wish, or leave your child with us until the end of the morning. Please make sure we have contact details should we need to get in touch with you during the morning, although we will always take the care and safety of your child our priority. PLEASE NOTE: Facilities may not be available depending on Covid 19 restrictions.



I've lost my booking details/eticket. Do I need them to get into the venue?

No. We will have your booking details ready to welcome you at the venue so don't worry if you've lost anything, so long as you've previously booked.



Can I just turn up and pay on the day?

Unfortunately not. We need to organise the papers and hall for the number that have booked. We can only allow attendance by those that have previously booked. However, if bookings have closed you can contact us to see whether we have any last minute places available.



What if I can't turn up on the day?

Please let us know asap on 07976 218062 if you are unable to turn up on the day, or think you may be late. We would strongly advise you to take the payment cancellation option when booking in case of illness or other unforeseen circumstances.



Can I get copies of the test papers and answers?

To make sure your child has never seen the test paper before we do not release the question papers and answer sheets. This also means that we have a substantial historical database of which schools children have secured in relation to their mock test score. The advantage of this is that we can give accurate predictions of likely grammar school places for your child which have proved accurate over many years. You may feel that going through the paper with your child would be useful but in reality these questions will never be on a future paper and knowing the answers does not necessarily help learning. We recommend that you use the information from our extensive report to help focus more practice and learning. We also believe that the experience of attending our mock tests is the most valuable since they will be more confident when approaching the real test.



Summer Hub

Can I book for just one day of the Hub?

Each day of the Hub is a mixture of themes and activities which build on each other. To get the full benefit of the event, children need to attend both days.



Can I stay and watch the Hub?

There is limited space at our Hub venue, so we can only allow children booked on the course to attend. However, there is a session at the end of the second day on examination technique which parents are invited to attend.



What do we need to take for the Hub?

Your child will need a packed lunch for each day, since it runs from 9.00 am until 3.00 pm. We will provide water, squash and biscuits for the break, but please supply anything else your child needs. All children will be given a specially written workbook and pencil, but they may bring other small pens/pencils items if they wish.