Transfer Test AQE 2015-2016 *NEW THREAD*

Flashfriend

I don't think the scores are higher this year as I have heard of quite a few surprisingly low scores. It is so hard to tell what the cut off will be that I would definitely put one grammar school as 1st choice.

Cherryscone

Northern Ireland Transfer Test
14,575
Total number of entrants to both GL and AQE examinations
7,772 pupils sat the AQE exam
6,803 pupils sat the GL Assessment

However, the 2015/2016 academic year is the seventh year the unregulated tests have been run and the number of children taking them has increased.
There were a total of 14,575 entrants to the tests this year, although some children will have sat both tests.
A total of 7,772 pupils sat this year's AQE exam - the exam body's highest number of entrants since the unofficial tests began - and an increase from 7290 in 2014/15.
The number sitting this year's GL Assessment decreased from 7061 in 2014/15 to 6803, but this was due to Ballymena Academy switching from GL to the AQE exam. BBCNI

From what I am hearing from our local school a lot off scores were in the late 80s and Girls scored high in the 100s

MiaMam

A lot of DDs friends scored very highly but I've heard some quite low scores too. I plan on asking the principal next week what scores were like across the board compared to other years. DD wants to go to a school that's not in our area so no criteria will apply to her, she'll be accepted solely on her mark. 111 should be enough but when I hear things like record numbers of applicants higher scores this year, it's making me slightly concerned!

rolo1_2

Dont worry about the high number of AQE entrants this year - this is mainly due to Ballymena Academy switching from GL to AQE

MiaMam

Thanks Rolo. I wasn't aware of that!

k4s_2

That's good to know about that school switching from gl to aqe rolo1....

We were a bit laid back about the whole thing and told her not to worry or stress and she only needs 100 or more....really hope we didn't misjudge!! We did do a couple of practice tests at home, a pack from easons and the belfast telegraph ones to give us an idea so were happy to stay laid back based on her scores of those. We wanted it to be a true reflection of her as we hear of so many leaving BRA at the end of third year as they can't stay afloat having been pushed to get in and like I said in my previous post, we really are happy with the quality of our local secondary school....just don't want her to be disappointed as she has only wanted to go to BRA since p.5 for some reason
I know of a child not getting into methody last year with 103 and they have a sibling attending so you always have that niggling panic I suppose ..... All the waiting for the result and back to porridge now for acceptance letters :eek:

Rainbowmac

northdown23 wrote: »

Looking for some input from you lovely guys on here. I am getting the impression the scores are really high this year. Is anyone else getting this impression ? Is there a way of finding out the statistics ? We are hoping for Grammar but with a score in the 80's I am wondering if the cut off for most Grammar schools will be high. Really appreciate any feedback at all. Thank you

We had 88 here I'm also still hopeful for grammar what was your score

Rainbowmac

Just wondering should I phone the schools tomorrow and ask what the chances are with a gl c2 or his Aqe 88 or should I just look at last year figures and apply anyway
I'm thinking for bus passes too to get a free pass you need to be refused by your nearest school but ds score is lower than said grammar schools intake for last
Few years do I still
Try it as a choice

fishing_mad

MiaMam wrote: »

A lot of DDs friends scored very highly but I've heard some quite low scores too. I plan on asking the principal next week what scores were like across the board compared to other years. DD wants to go to a school that's not in our area so no criteria will apply to her, she'll be accepted solely on her mark. 111 should be enough but when I hear things like record numbers of applicants higher scores this year, it's making me slightly concerned!

Hi MiaMam,
We are in the same boat as you. My son is also applying to a school not in our area and therefore he will be accepted upon examination results only. I am hoping that an A in GL and 110 in the AQE will suffice (school accepts both) - I really have no idea.
Cheers

k4s_2

My sister missed out on a bus pass by 3 metres!!!! They take it from the bus stop and not the house, kind of silly like. I actually wasn't aware that you have to be turned down by the closest to qualify for one, that's really good to know. At one point my dd was considering victoria college, but with BRA being closer she would have had to have been turned down by it then...is that correct? She has decided upon BRA in the end for definite but we probably would have found out the hard way re the bus pass had she gone with Victoria college!!!

Regarding the marks in the 80's, Asolutely still apply!!!!! Every year people with marks in the 80's don't bother then find out they would have gotten in and kick themselves. A score in the 80's is a good score!! Remember, unlike the 11+, the average of 100 is from the kids that sit the test only, not all of n.i, so kids that were deemed able, making it a good score :j