Primary-level tests vs early secondary tests
Tests for earlier entry are pitched at primary level. They look different from the secondary tests used for Year 7 entry, and the difference matters when you choose practice. ACER’s Primary test (Level P) covers Reading and Viewing, Mathematics and Writing, and some schools use primary-level Edutest or AAS tests instead. For sections, timing and calculator rules by provider, see ACER vs Edutest vs AAS.
| Primary level (Year 5 and 6 entry) | Early secondary (Year 7 entry) | |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Shorter texts and visuals, with literal and inferential questions | Longer and more varied texts, including poetry and persuasive pieces |
| Maths | Number sense, patterns, measurement and simple data, often in puzzle form | Multi-step problems across more topics |
| Writing | A shorter piece, often from a picture or simple prompt | A timed piece with higher expectations for structure and vocabulary |
Always confirm the test and level on the school’s own page.
Age-appropriate preparation
Reading
- Daily reading of books they enjoy, plus some non-fiction and poetry.
- Talk about why a character acted, or what a picture is suggesting.
- Ask “how do you know?” to build the habit of finding evidence.
Maths and reasoning
- Quick, fun mental arithmetic and times tables.
- Number patterns, logic puzzles and “what comes next” games.
- Short sets of scholarship-style questions, without a calculator.
Writing
- Short stories from a picture or opening line, once a week.
- Focus on a clear beginning, middle and end before vocabulary.
- Gentle, specific feedback: one thing that worked, one thing to try.
Avoiding burnout
A Year 4 or Year 5 child preparing for a scholarship test is still a primary school student. Preparation that crowds out play, sport, friends and sleep tends to backfire, both in the test and afterwards.
- Keep sessions short and finish on a success.
- Protect weekends and holidays from heavy practice, especially early on.
- Watch for warning signs: tears over practice, trouble sleeping, stomach aches before sessions, or avoiding schoolwork they used to enjoy.
- Talk about the test as one opportunity, not a verdict on how clever they are.
- Remember there are other entry points, including Year 7 entry, if this attempt does not go the way you hoped.
The parent’s role
At this age, parents do most of the organising, and children do the thinking. A useful split:
- You confirm the provider, level, date, registration and fee on each school’s page.
- You set a simple weekly routine and keep it light.
- Your child does the questions; you sit nearby and help them read the worked solution, not give the answer.
- You keep a short list of skills that keep tripping them up, and revisit those.
- You rehearse the practical side: getting to the venue, or the online set-up if the test is at home.
Where Tuterly fits for Year 5 and Year 6 entry
Tuterly covers the Numerical Reasoning side only, so pair it with plenty of reading and some writing with feedback. Keep any practice short, in sessions that suit younger children. You can start today with the free scholarship numerical reasoning practice: choose Year 4 for Year 5 entry, or Year 5 for Year 6 entry. Planning ahead? Read the Year 7 entry guide, or go back to the scholarship hub.