Admissions & Assessment

Entry to STEMpath pathways is based on a KS3 Maths and Science assessment, together with a check that the programme is a good fit for your child.

The assessment helps us make sure students are ready for the pace and depth of their chosen pathway, so they can grow steadily and confidently.

Register for Assessment

Who Can Apply?

  • Students who will be at least Year 9 in September 2026 for direct entry to the GCSE phase (Year 10).
  • Younger students may apply for the KS3 phase (Years 7–9, taught over two years) where appropriate.
  • Students motivated to work steadily and build strong STEM foundations.
  • Students able to commit to attendance, homework and assessment expectations.

Which Assessment Will My Child Take?

The topics in the assessment depend on the pathway you are applying for. All tests are based on the National Curriculum.

GCSE Route

Registration is open now for the next GCSE intake: May 2027.

For students ready to begin GCSEs. Assessment topics are taken mainly from KS3 (Years 7–8).

Maths topics include:

  • Number operations with integers, fractions and decimals
  • Percentages, brackets, indices
  • Area of triangles and rectangles; volume of cuboids
  • Averages, bar charts, pie charts, simple probability
  • Direct proportion, simple equations, coordinates
  • Travel graphs and interpreting distance–time graphs
  • Angle facts, triangle angle sums, basic properties of isosceles and equilateral triangles

Science topics include:

  • Cells, organs and body systems
  • Ecosystems, photosynthesis, respiration
  • States of matter, mixtures, particle model
  • Atoms, periodic table, acids and alkalis
  • Forces, motion, speed, distance–time graphs
  • Basic electricity and magnetism
  • Energy stores and transfers
  • Sound and light waves; simple practical skills

KS3 Route

For students just starting KS3 learning. Assessment topics are based on upper KS2 (Years 5–6).

Maths topics include:

  • Four operations with whole numbers, including rounding to whole numbers and decimals
  • Fractions (including tenths and hundredths) and simple decimals, including calculations involving fractions
  • Percentages, and simple ratio and proportion problems
  • Times tables and related division facts
  • Negative numbers and coordinates on a grid
  • Perimeter, area and angles: properties of simple 2D shapes
  • Simple algebra: missing numbers and basic formulae
  • Reading pictograms, bar charts and simple tables
  • Simple word problems using the four operations

Science

  • Test will be a comprehension based excercise with questions on two science based extracts provded.

How the Assessment Works

The assessment is taken at home under timed conditions. It is designed to be straightforward to administer and clear for families.

Assessment Format

  • Fee: £25 (non-refundable) per student.
  • Once payment is received and confirmed, we agree an assessment date with you.
  • On the agreed date, both Maths and Science papers are emailed at 9:00am.
  • Students have until 12:00pm to complete both tests.
  • Tests should be taken in one sitting where possible, under quiet, timed conditions.
  • Calculators may be used for Science if needed; Maths should be completed without a calculator.

Returning the Tests

  • Each paper must be returned by email by 12:00pm on the same day.
  • Student’s name must be clearly written at the top of each page.
  • Work should be scanned or photographed clearly (no shadows or blur).
  • Each test should be sent as one PDF per paper.
  • If the file is too large, you may send up to three separate emails per test.

Results & Next Steps

We aim to keep the process clear and calm for families, with simple steps from registration through to offer.

Registration Window

KS3 Phase

  • Rolling enrolment — join at any time during the year, no fixed intake date. It's an ideal stage to start or catch up, well before GCSEs begin.

GCSE Phase

  • Registration is open now for the May 2027 intake. Closes once student places are filled, or by April 2027.
  • We take one intake per year for GCSE.
  • Classes are capped at 8 students, so places are limited.
  • Assessment dates are agreed individually with families once payment is received.
  • Assessment fee: £25 (non-refundable).

Results & Offers

  • Assessment results are emailed to families within 5 working days of receiving the completed tests.
  • We will confirm which entry point is most suitable - the KS3 Phase or the GCSE Phase.
  • Where a place is offered, families will receive details of the deposit and termly fee schedule.
  • Places are limited and offers must be accepted, with the deposit paid, by the date specified in the offer email.

How to Register

To register your child for the STEMpath assessment, please email office@stempathacademy.com with the following information:

  • Parent’s full name
  • Student’s full name
  • Student’s date of birth
  • Which entry point you are considering (KS3 Phase or GCSE Phase).
  • Brief statement of the student’s educational history, including:
    • School and/or home education background
    • Current Maths and Science level (for example, “working at Year 7 level”)
    • Any additional educational needs (if applicable)

Example:

“Our daughter has been home educated since Year 4 after attending Oakwood Primary School. She is currently working through KS3 Maths and Science at around Year 7 level and attends online group sessions twice a week. No additional educational needs.”

Once we receive your registration email, we will confirm the assessment fee of £25 (non-refundable), send payment details, and then agree a suitable assessment date with you.

Data Protection Notice
By submitting this information, you consent to STEMpath Academy storing and processing the data you provide for the purpose of managing admissions, assessments and tuition services. Your data will be kept securely, will not be shared with third parties except where legally required or where you authorise exam-related verification, and will be retained only for as long as necessary. You may request access, correction or deletion of your data at any time by contacting us.

Once You're Enrolled

Small cohorts mean we can offer something a large platform can't: a personal relationship with every family. Parents and students can contact our team directly by email or message, and we endeavour to respond within 1 working day. We're with you personally throughout the whole journey, from your child's first lesson to their final exam.