Register for the KS3 Assessment

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 10 JANUARY 2026

To apply for a place on the GCSE STEMpath Programme, families must register for the KS3 prerequisite assessment in Maths and Science.

Below are the topics that may be tested, along with instructions for submitting a registration request.

Who Can Apply?

  • Students who will be at least Year 9 in September 2026.
  • Minimum age 13 in September 2026.
  • Students motivated to aim for strong grades (7–9).
  • Students able to commit to the full programme expectations.

KS3 ASSESSMENT TOPICS

Below is a summary of topics that may appear in the entrance assessment. These are the main National Curriculum outcomes for Year 7 and 8.

Maths

  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of integers, fractions and decimals; the correct use of brackets; simple percentages
  • Indices
  • The area of the triangle, rectangle
  • The volume of the cuboid
  • Elementary statistical ideas, e.g. averages, simple bar charts, pie charts
  • Simple probability
  • Simple direct proportion
  • Simple equations (but NOT simultaneous equations)
  • The meaning and use of co-ordinates
  • Straightforward travel graphs and their interpretation
  • Angle properties of parallel lines, the angle sum of a triangle, angle properties of isosceles and equilateral triangles

Science

  • Cells and organisation of living organisms
  • Structure and function of organ systems
  • Ecosystems and biodiversity
  • Photosynthesis and respiration
  • States of matter and the particle model
  • Separating mixtures
  • Introduction to atoms and the periodic table
  • Acids, alkalis, neutralisation and simple chemical reactions
  • Forces, motion, speed and distance–time graphs
  • Basic electricity (circuits, current, voltage) and magnetism
  • Energy stores, changes and transfers
  • Waves including sound and light
  • Scientific attitudes, practical skills, analysis and evaluation

KS3 Assessment Details

(ASSESSEMENT DATE: 7 FEBRUARY 2026)

The KS3 assessment helps us ensure that students joining the programme have the necessary foundations to begin GCSE content confidently in May 2026.

Maths Test

  • Paper emailed at 8:30am
  • 1 hour duration (9–10am)
  • No calculators allowed
  • Responses must be emailed back by 10:30am as a PDF

Science Test

  • Paper emailed at 10:30am
  • 1 hour duration (11–12pm)
  • Calculators allowed
  • Responses must be emailed back by 12:30pm as a PDF

Submitting Assessment Work

All tests must be returned in a clear, readable format so they can be accurately marked.

Submission Requirements

  • Student’s name must be written clearly at the top of each page.
  • Work must be photographed clearly or scanned.
  • All pages must be submitted in a single PDF per test.
  • If the file is too large, up to three separate PDF emails may be sent.

When Results Are Sent

Assessment scores and outcomes are emailed to families on 28 February 2026. Please note that test papers themselves are not returned.

How to Register

To register for the KS3 Maths and Science assessment, please email office@stempathacademy.com the following information:

  • Parent’s full name
  • Student’s full name
  • Student’s date of birth
  • Brief statement of the student’s educational history, including:
    • Primary school or home education background
    • Current KS3 learning situation
    • 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 using a structured Year 8 curriculum and attends online group sessions twice a week. No additional educational needs.”

Once we receive your registration email, we will review the information and send you payment details for the £25 assessment fee.

Data Protection Notice
By submitting this information, you consent to STEMpath Academy storing and processing the information 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.