William Ellis School

THE headteacher at one of London’s best-known boys’ schools has promised to review the entrance exams for its coveted music places after it emerged parents are buying help for the test online.

Sam White, head at William Ellis School, said he had been unaware there was “a market” for resources which helped with the musical aptitude test, an opportunity for families to gain a place at the school beyond the normal geographical catchment area.

The New Journal this week alerted him to websites selling “specimen aural tests” claimed to be similar to those used by the school in Highgate Road, Dartmouth Park, and priced at less than £20.

One retailer specifically namechecks William Ellis in its marketing blurb. Another offers a year-long membership for “ear training resources” for £70.

Mr White said: “We’ll have to review what we do. If it is becoming prevalent, you almost feel like telling all parents, here is how they can prepare, and make everyone aware.”

William Ellis selects 10 per cent of its places based on the tests, which see prospective pupils answer around 60 questions on pitch, melody and rhythm. The test aims to find students with natural musicality rather than those who have learned to play the violin or piano from a young age.

Mr White said that there were “flaws in every method” and warned that it was impossible to stop parents from buying online kits.

“I had no idea there was even a market in it. We, of course, have done our music assessments already so we have carried it out for this year. We use that test because it is compliant with the schools admission code, so I don’t know what schools could do to stop it,” he said.

William Ellis has traditionally been one of Camden’s most sought-after schools due to a proud record of academic achievement which sees many students go on to study at Oxbridge. Former alumni include the writers Toby Young and David Aaronovitch, while former health secretary Patricia Hewitt became embroiled in a double standards row after she overlooked schools closer to her Camden Town home to send her son there.

“Apparently you can buy these tests for £15. Small price to pay for a place at William Ellis,” said a reader concerned by the use of the tests who contacted the New Journal.

The debate, meanwhile, rages over whether selection by musical ability or aptitude is a fair system for schools to use at all.

Fortismere School, in Haringey, a similarly popular secondary, abandoned its music places in 2013 following criticism that the process was elitist, and reduced the catchment area amongst the local community.

But Mr White said there are no plans to do the same in Highgate.

He added: “As a school, but especially as a boys’ school, we want to promote music, creativity and performing arts.”