The SW Herts Consortium will hold its first-round Music Aptitude Test for September 2027 entry on Monday 7 September 2026.
The Consortium has now closed registration, and registered candidates have fewer than three weeks before the assessment. Therefore, families should check the Consortium Parent Portal regularly for test information, results and, where applicable, second-round appointments.
SE22 Piano School offers specialist preparation for both stages of the SW Herts music assessment. Families can book an individual Music Aptitude Test lesson with Mirna on Zoom.
SW Herts Consortium schools
The South West Herts Schools Consortium currently includes seven partially selective schools:
- Croxley Danes School
- Parmiter’s School
- Queens’ School
- Rickmansworth School
- St Clement Danes School
- Watford Grammar School for Boys
- Watford Grammar School for Girls
Croxley Danes participates in the music test only. In addition, the other schools use Consortium tests for further admissions criteria.
Each candidate takes the Consortium music test once. However, the test venue does not influence which Consortium schools the family may later name on their secondary-school application.
Families must still submit their secondary-school application through their home local authority. In other words, registering for or sitting the Consortium test does not count as an application for a school place.
The official SW Herts Consortium schools page confirms the current participating schools.
Confirmed dates for 2027 entry
- Monday 7 September 2026: first-round Music Aptitude Test
- Thursday 17 September 2026: first-round scores available from approximately midday
- Monday 21–Friday 25 September 2026: second-round music assessments
- Thursday 15 October 2026: final scores available from approximately midday
- Saturday 31 October 2026: secondary-school application deadline
Parents should check the official SW Herts Consortium calendar and their Parent Portal for current administrative information.
SW Herts first-round Music Aptitude Test
The first round contains 60 listening questions and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Consortium schools normally hold the test after school and divide it into four sections:
- Pitch — 20 questions
- Melody — 10 questions
- Rhythm — 10 questions
- Texture — 20 questions
Candidates compare sounds, melodies, rhythmic patterns and chords before selecting their answers. Although the test does not require music theory qualifications, its format may feel unusual. The Consortium does not age-standardise the scores.
A child may sing or play an instrument capably but still need help interpreting the questions and listening under pressure. For example, several possible answers may initially sound convincing. As a result, confidence and familiarity with the question format can make an important difference.
We explain this further in our guide to helping children respond confidently in the Music Aptitude Test.
During an individual lesson, we assess the child in front of us rather than make assumptions based on grades or previous musical experience. You can meet Mirna, our Deputy Head Teacher and Music Scholarship Specialist, on the SE22 Piano School tutors page.
What happens in the second round?
The Consortium invites a limited number of candidates to the second stage. Each candidate performs one self-chosen instrumental or vocal piece lasting no longer than three minutes.
The examiners award marks in three areas:
- Accuracy — up to 15 marks
- Musicality — up to 15 marks
- Musical communication — up to 15 marks
Together, these categories give a maximum score of 45. However, the examiners do not judge the technical difficulty of the piece itself. They also do not ask candidates about examination grades, qualifications or previous musical experience.
The Consortium does not allow families to bring their own accompanist. Instead, Consortium staff can provide accompaniment when the candidate supplies suitable sheet music. Parents should consult the official guidance for full information about keyboards, backing tracks, instruments and other equipment.
The Consortium releases first-round scores on Thursday 17 September and begins the second-round assessments on Monday 21 September. Consequently, successful candidates may have only a few days between receiving their invitation and performing.
Children should therefore prepare their proposed performance piece before the first-round results arrive. Our article on summer Music Aptitude Test and scholarship preparation explains why the remaining weeks offer valuable preparation time for both listening and performance.
The official SW Herts Music Aptitude Test guidance provides the current assessment and equipment requirements.
One-to-one SW Herts Music Aptitude Test preparation
SE22 Piano School provides live one-to-one Music Aptitude Test and music scholarship preparation on Zoom for families throughout the UK.
We tailor each lesson to the individual child and the published requirements of their chosen schools. Depending on the child’s needs, a session can assess current listening responses, identify the most important areas to prioritise or review the proposed second-round performance.
We cannot determine what a child needs without hearing and working with them. Therefore, one focused assessment may suit one candidate, while another may need further support.
To arrange an individual assessment or focused preparation before the September test, book a one-to-one Music Aptitude Test lesson with Mirna on Zoom. Remaining August appointments are limited.
