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Monk’s Walk School is a popular and heavily over-subscribed school with 236 places in Years 7-10 and 226 places in Year 11 (as of Autumn 2024).
We manage our own admissions for all students apart from Year 6 into Year 7. If you wish for your son or daughter to join us at Monk's Walk please complete the In Year Admissions form. This includes in year applications for Year 7. Once we have received your completed In Year Admissions form you will receive an email confirmation of this within 72 hours. Please check your junk email if you have not received this.
Year 6 into 7 admissions are controlled by the Local Authority. Students apply for transfer during Year 6 and are allocated places according to Hertfordshire County Council protocols. For full details please follow the Herts County Council hyperlink below for the schools admissions process.
Herts County Council Admissions
School Admissions Appeals: Information for appeals can be obtained from Herts Direct Appeals pages. Herts Direct also publish an Appeals Timetable for parents.
Admissions Form
New in Year Admissions 2024/25
Admission Arrangements
2023/2024
As a result of consultation, we can now provide the agreed admissions arrangements for 2024/2025.
As a result of consultation, we can now provide the agreed admissions arrangements for 2025/2026.
Admissions 2026/2027 - Draft - Consultation in progress
Consultation
Monk's Walk School Musical Aptitude Tests (MAT) for Admission into Year 7
Our Musical Aptitude Tests (MAT) do not require a child to have any knowledge of music theory, have received formal music training or have accomplished a certain grade level. Please do not send in any supporting material, certificates of aptitude/ability as we are unable to take these into consideration.
The musical aptitude test dates take place in the summer term of Year 5. Publication of results are provided before the secondary school application deadline of 31st October 2025. Applicants under this criterion must complete and return the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to the school by 23rd May 2025. A link to the supplementary form can be found below.
Secondary Transfer Supplementary Information Form For Musical Aptitude Applicants ONLY
Please read the following points before completing this form:
- All applicants for secondary transfer under criterion 5, proven musical aptitude, are asked to submit this form to the school by 23rd May 2025 by post or email to admin@monkswalk.herts.sch.uk.
- This form can ONLY be used for Musical Aptitude applications.
- Please complete all sections of this Form
After the tests have been completed and following the publication of results, anyone wishing to continue their application for a place at Monk's Walk School on the basis of Musical aptitude must ensure that Monk's Walk School is included on the CAF and submitted to their home authority. Up to 10 percent of the PAN (24 places) will be allocated on the basis of both a written musical aptitude test and a performance musical aptitude test.
The musical aptitude test is in two parts, both parts must be completed in order to be considered for a musical aptitude place. All students who apply under this criterion will be invited to sit a written aptitude test in music, followed by a performance in the chosen instrument (including vocal). The written test does not require any formal knowledge of musical theory.
Musical Aptitude Test 1:
This is a written test, taken with other children, and is approximately 30 minutes in duration. The test is based entirely on aural responses. There are no practice papers for the test.
There are 60 questions of four types: Pitch, Melody, Texture and Rhythm
Pitch
For these questions, candidates listen to two sounds and have to indicate whether the second sound is the same as the first, or whether it is higher or lower. Some of the pitches are less than a semitone apart i.e., very close together.
20 questions.
Melody
For these questions, candidates listen to two tunes consisting of five notes. Candidates have to decide whether the second tune is the same as the first or if one of the notes has been altered. If there is a change, candidates will be expected to identify which note has been altered, by giving the number of the note.
10 questions.
Texture
For these questions, candidates listen to a number of notes, played together at the same time (a chord). Candidates need to decide whether or not each chord has two, three or four notes.
20 questions.
Rhythm
For these questions, candidates listen to two patterns of notes and have to decide whether the second pattern is the same as, or different from, the first and where any difference occurs. Each rhythm will be four beats (or pulses) in length.
10 questions.
Musical Aptitude Test 2:
In addition to the written aptitude test, candidates will be required to complete a musical performance aptitude test. Each child is allocated a five minute slot, in that time they will perform on their preferred instrument/s (voice included) and speak to the panel. There is a totally free choice of piece/s, enabling candidates of all cultures an equal chance to succeed. They may also perform on more than one instrument if they prefer.
We can provide an accompanist if required or you may bring your own. There is also provision to play a backing track (USB/MP3). Please note for vocal performances this should be a backing track only and not have the original artist singing.
Other Information Relating to Both Parts of the Test:
Parents of children who have special educational or medical needs, which may require the school to make particular provision for the tests must provide written evidence of the child’s normal way of working from their current school’s Headteacher.
This evidence must be sent by the deadline date as advised. Parents will be informed in advance of the test date of any appropriate special arrangements that will be made for their child. Every effort will be made to ensure that the tests are accessible and fair to all children.
Children that are medically unfit on the test day (a medical certificate will be required) or have religious reasons for being unable to attend (evidence will be required) will be offered one further date to attend.
- Notification must be within 24 hours of the tests taking place.
- A child may only take the Aptitude Tests for admission to Year 7 once.
Test Results
Parents will be notified of the results of these tests before the Local Authority closing date for the return of Common Application Forms (CAF).
Parents who wish to apply for a place at Monk's Walk School must include it as one of the preferences when making their child’s secondary transfer application via their home local authority. Parents should be aware that the results of the test do not guarantee a place at the school.
