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 the 2-Year GCSE route.
  • Younger students may apply for the 3-Year and 4-Year pathways where appropriate.
  • Minimum age 13 in September 2026 for the GCSE (2-Year) pathway.
  • 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 so families can prepare calmly and clearly.

2-Year GCSE Route

For students ready to begin GCSEs from May 2026. 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

3-Year KS3 & GCSE Route

For students who will benefit from one year of KS3 consolidation before starting GCSE. Assessment topics are drawn from Years 6–7 of the National Curriculum.

Maths topics include:

  • Place value and operations with whole numbers and decimals
  • Fractions, percentages and simple ratios
  • Perimeter and area of rectangles and right-angled triangles
  • Reading and interpreting bar charts and line graphs
  • Simple averages (mean, median, mode)
  • Introduction to simple equations and unknowns
  • Basic coordinates in the first quadrant
  • Right angles, straight lines and simple angle facts

Science topics include:

  • Basic cell structure and simple body systems
  • Food chains, habitats and simple ecosystems
  • Solids, liquids and gases; simple changes of state
  • Simple mixtures and basic separation ideas
  • Everyday forces (pushes, pulls, gravity)

4-Year KS3 & GCSE Route

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

Maths topics include:

  • Confident use of the four operations with whole numbers
  • Fractions (including tenths and hundredths), simple decimals
  • Times tables and related division facts
  • Perimeter of simple shapes and understanding of area
  • 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

  • Registration is open now.
  • Registration closes: Once student places are filled or April 2026.
  • 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 STEMpath pathway is most suitable (2-Year, 3-Year or 4-Year).
  • 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 pathway you are considering (2-Year, 3-Year or 4-Year).
  • 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.