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Sport Aptitude
September 2027 Entry:
The application round opens on Friday 11th September 2026.
The application form for a sport aptitude place must be completed by Friday 2nd October 2026. Only application forms fully received by midnight on Friday 2nd October 2026 will be accepted.
Please complete one online application form for each child for a sport 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 Sport Aptitude Application Form – online
Inspiration Trust Sport Aptitude Application Form – paper copyAll children who submit a completed form by the deadline will be invited to a sport aptitude test on week beginning Monday 12th October 2026. The test is designed not to determine the child's current sporting ability or achievement, but their aptitude for learning and developing skills in sport in the future, with a threshold 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 sport 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, King Edward VII 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 ‘SPORT Aptitude Place’?
As we are passionate about sport at King Edward VII Academy and the Inspiration Trust, we allocate up to 5% of places available within the published admission number for Year 7 entry (12 places) to children who demonstrate an aptitude for sport at King Edward VII Academy. Children who wish to be considered for an aptitude place will sit a sport aptitude test.
Who can apply for a Sport Aptitude Place?
Anyone seeking entry for a child into Year 7 at the academy through the standard admissions process.
Inspiration Trust sport Aptitude Test:
Where will I need to go to take the test?
King Edward VII Academy
When will the test take place?
Week beginning Monday 12th October
How long does the test take?
The test takes approximately 30 minutes. You will be given an appointment time and will be asked to arrive a few minutes early. Please ensure your child wears comfortable clothing suitable for sporting activity (e.g. trainers, PE kit or comfortable sportswear).
Who will be there?
Tests are conducted in small groups. The test is administered by qualified PE teachers. Usually, this will include the Inspiration Trust's Sports Coordinator and the Head of PE at the academy. When you receive your appointment details, the adults expected to be present will be listed.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING?
- Comfortable clothing suitable for sporting activity (trainers are essential)
- A water bottle
- Any medical information or equipment if required (e.g. inhaler)
Your child does not need any specialist sports equipment. All equipment 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 sporting aptitude fairly. Please indicate on the application form if your child requires any adjustments, and we will contact you to discuss appropriate arrangements.
What is the test like?
The test is delivered in a supportive and encouraging environment. The test assesses fundamental movement skills and sporting potential, not prior sports training, coaching, or club membership. Children do not need any previous experience in organised sport to perform well in this test.
The test evaluates natural aptitude and potential across the following areas:
1. Agility and Coordination (approximately 8 minutes)
- Shuttle run: Moving quickly between markers to assess speed and agility
- Cone weaving: Navigating around cones to assess coordination and body control
- Balance activities: Maintaining balance in different positions to assess stability and control.
What we're looking for: Natural movement quality, body awareness, and coordination rather than speed or competitive performance.
2. Ball Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination (approximately 8 minutes)
- Catching and throwing: Using different sized balls to assess hand-eye coordination
- Bouncing and controlling: Demonstrating control of a ball using hands
- Target accuracy: Aiming at targets to assess spatial awareness and control
What we're looking for: Natural coordination, ability to track moving objects, and control rather than technical skill or prior training.
3. Movement Patterns and Body Control (approximately 8 minutes)
- Jumping and landing: Demonstrating different types of jumps with safe landing technique
- Running technique: Natural running style and movement efficiency
- Spatial awareness: Moving in relation to others and equipment
What we're looking for: Natural movement patterns, body control, and potential for development rather than current athletic performance.
4. Response and Reaction (approximately 6 minutes)
- Reaction activities: Responding to visual and auditory signals
- Decision-making: Making quick choices during movement activities
- Adaptability: Adjusting movements based on changing situations
What we're looking for: Natural responsiveness, decision-making ability, and adaptability rather than competitive speed.
Important Information About the Test
The test is designed to identify potential, not current ability. We are looking for children who show:
- Natural coordination and movement quality
- Good spatial awareness
- Ability to learn and adapt movements
- Positive attitude and willingness to try new activities
The test does NOT require:
- Membership of sports clubs
- Prior coaching or training
- Specialist sports skills
- Competitive sports experience
The test is NOT about:
- Being the fastest or strongest
- Winning or competing against other children
- Demonstrating advanced sports techniques
- Prior achievement in sport
Children are assessed individually on their own potential, not in comparison to others in their group.
How is the test scored?
Each activity is scored by qualified teacher using objective criteria focused on:
- Quality of movement
- Coordination and control
- Spatial awareness
- Ability to follow instructions and adapt
- Potential for development
A threshold score of 60 has been set. Children who meet or exceed this threshold will qualify for consideration under the sporting aptitude criterion.
What happens after the test?
12 sport aptitude places will be offered.
If more than 12 children meet the threshold set, then 12 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 sport 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.
King Edward VII Academy must be named as a preference when completing the Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF).
How do I apply for a Sport Aptitude Test?
Inspiration Trust Sport Aptitude Application Form – online
Inspiration Trust Sport Aptitude Application Form – paper copy
Admission Policy for September 2027 entry
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Does my child need to be good at sport to pass the test?
A: No. The test assesses natural aptitude and potential, not current ability or achievement. Children who have never participated in organised sport 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 movement and coordination. Your child should simply arrive well-rested, in comfortable clothing, and ready to try their best.
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. The test is about potential, not perfection.
Q: Can my child take the test if they have a physical disability?
A: Yes. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure your child can demonstrate their sporting aptitude fairly. Please indicate this on the application form so we can discuss appropriate arrangements with you.
Q: What if my child is unwell on the test day?
A: Please contact the academy as soon as possible. We will arrange an alternative test date where possible, provided we are notified before the scheduled appointment.
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 sporting aptitude criterion. However, you must still name King Edward VII Academy on your Local Authority Common Application Form by 31st October 2026. If the academy is oversubscribed, the standard oversubscription criteria will apply.
