Registered applicants for St Edward’s College Specialist Music Places are now approaching the final two stages of the assessment process for September 2027 entry.
The performance video must be submitted by 4pm on Monday 14 September 2026. Candidates will then attend the Music Aptitude Test at St Edward’s College at 5pm on Tuesday 15 September.
These two components assess different aspects of a child’s musicality. The video gives candidates an opportunity to communicate through performance, while the listening test assesses their ability to recognise musical differences in pitch, rhythm and melody.
With only ten days remaining, preparation needs to be selective. Families seeking individual guidance can book a one-to-one Music Aptitude Test lesson on Zoom.
The remaining St Edward’s College dates
St Edward’s College has published the following timetable for registered music applicants:
- Performance video deadline: Monday 14 September 2026 at 4pm
- Music Aptitude Test: Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 5pm
- Results emailed: Friday 9 October 2026
Parents should follow the instructions sent directly by the College, particularly those concerning the performance upload and arrival arrangements for the listening test.
Our complete St Edward’s College Music Aptitude Test guide contains the confirmed assessment format and wider admissions information.
Two assessments requiring different preparation
It is helpful to treat the performance video and listening assessment as separate tasks.
The performance requires the child to sustain and communicate a musical idea. The listening test requires concentration, discrimination and the ability to make decisions about what has been heard.
Repeating complete practice tests will not necessarily improve both areas. The remaining time should be divided according to what the individual child actually needs.
Preparing the performance video
The College requires one piece performed on the child’s principal instrument or voice. The recording must not exceed three minutes.
According to the College’s Specialist Music Place information, the performance is considered in terms of musical potential, expressiveness and the ability to communicate emotion, as well as technical accomplishment.
This means the most difficult piece is not automatically the strongest choice. A secure performance with shape, character and a clear musical intention is likely to represent a child more effectively than an ambitious piece they cannot yet control.
During the final days:
- keep the chosen piece stable unless there is a compelling reason to change it;
- decide what the music is communicating;
- address mistakes that interrupt the flow or character of the performance;
- practise beginning calmly without several false starts;
- record some complete takes rather than repeatedly stopping at every imperfection;
- allow time for the child to rest between recordings.
A performance can become less natural when it is recorded too many times. The objective is not to manufacture an apparently flawless child. It is to capture a convincing musical performance.
Recording and upload checks
Before submitting the video:
- confirm that it contains one piece on one instrument or voice;
- check that the complete recording lasts no longer than three minutes;
- position the camera securely;
- ensure that the child and instrument can be seen clearly;
- reduce avoidable background noise;
- listen to the entire recording before choosing it;
- check that the selected file plays on another device;
- follow the College’s upload instructions;
- submit it well before the 4pm deadline;
- retain the original file and submission confirmation.
Leaving the upload until the final minutes creates a completely unnecessary technological hostage situation. Record early, choose calmly and give the internet no opportunity to develop a personality.
Preparing for the listening test
The St Edward’s College listening assessment lasts approximately 30 minutes, contains multiple-choice questions and is marked out of 50.
The College describes questions involving recognition and interpretation of differences in pitch, rhythm and melody. It does not publish practice materials specific to its assessment.
SE22 Piano School does not claim to reproduce the exact test candidates will hear. Our role is to help children become more confident and systematic listeners, recognise the areas causing difficulty and understand how to respond independently.
During the final ten days, children should prioritise:
- accurate listening rather than hurried guessing;
- recognising whether musical material remains the same or changes;
- following rhythmic and melodic patterns attentively;
- sustaining concentration across a complete listening activity;
- recovering calmly after an uncertain answer;
- working without constant reassurance from an adult.
Short, purposeful sessions are usually more useful than lengthy daily tests completed when the child is tired.
Our article on musical exposure rather than last-minute cramming explains why strong listening develops through attention and musical experience, not simply through repeating question formats.
What can an individual lesson achieve now?
Ten days is not enough time to rebuild a child’s entire musical foundation. It is enough time to identify avoidable problems and make intelligent decisions about the remaining preparation.
During an individual session, we can listen to the child’s performance, assess their response to listening activities and determine which areas deserve attention.
This prevents families from spending the final week repeatedly practising material the child can already manage while overlooking the specific task that continues to cause confusion.
Families can book a focused one-to-one St Edward’s preparation lesson on Zoom.
You can also read more about our individual Music Aptitude Test tutoring.
How parents can help during the final days
A parent’s most useful role is to provide structure without turning the assessment into a permanent household emergency.
Children benefit when adults:
- establish a predictable but manageable practice time;
- praise specific improvements rather than applying general pressure;
- avoid repeatedly discussing competition or the number of available places;
- help with the technical aspects of recording and uploading;
- preserve ordinary meals, sleep and routines;
- keep the day before the test comparatively light.
A child who feels secure is better able to listen, think and recover from uncertainty.
After the Music Aptitude Test
St Edward’s College expects to email results on Friday 9 October 2026.
The Specialist Music Place application does not replace the ordinary Year 7 application. Parents must still apply through their home local authority and name St Edward’s College according to the relevant admissions requirements.
Families should continue to consult the official St Edward’s College admissions page and the school’s 2027 Admissions Policy.
For individual support with the listening test or performance video before 14 September, book a one-to-one Music Aptitude Test lesson on Zoom.
