Each year the school’s admission policy allows a small number of places to be made available on the basis of musical aptitude. This provision allows boys to study at William Ellis and in particular make full use of the musical opportunities we have to offer. The selection is based on an assessment that takes place in October each year. The assessment is designed to measure musical potential, not current attainment and assesses students in four areas:

• Pitch: the ability to hear the difference between pitches
• Melody: the ability to hear if melodies are the same or different
• Rhythm: the ability to hear if rhythms are the same or different
• Texture: the ability to hear how many notes are in a chord.

The aural test is multiple choice and takes approximately 35 minutes.

For questions regarding Music Places, please direct questions to admin@williamellis.camden.sch.uk.

If you are interested in a music place for your son you are asked to come to the Open Evening on 26th September to discuss further with school staff.  The school has a separate online application form for music places that must be returned to the school (see link below). 

For consideration of a music place in September 2025 your son will need to be available to attend for a Music Aptitude Test on 10th October 2024 from 3.30pm.

Music Place applications for 2025 admission are now open.

Please click here to apply.

Up to 10% of places are offered to boys with an aptitude for music as determined by a music aptitude test. 

Details of examination grades and performing experience will not be taken into account.

Please note that all music place applicants must still complete a secondary transfer application form through their local authority.