About Ashcroft Technology Academy
Ashcroft Technology Academy is a co-educational secondary school in Tooting, London Borough of Wandsworth. It is not a fully selective grammar school but admits up to 24 specialist Technology aptitude places through the Wandsworth Year 6 Test plus a school-specific Technology Assessment. Remaining places are allocated by fair banding using the Wandsworth Test. Registration for the Wandsworth Test via Wandsworth Council.
Ashcroft Technology Academy provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum.
About Admission to Ashcroft Technology Academy
Ashcroft Technology Academy is a co‑educational, non‑selective state academy in Wandsworth (Putney), south‑west London. It is not a grammar school — there is no academic pass mark. Admission to Year 7 is handled through Wandsworth’s coordinated admissions scheme, and you apply on your Local Authority’s Common Application Form.
All Year 7 applicants take the Wandsworth Year 6 Non‑Verbal Reasoning Test, but this is used for fair banding, not selection: each child is placed into one of five ability bands (A–E) based on their score, and places are then offered evenly across the bands so the intake reflects the full ability range. Within bands, places are allocated by the published criteria, with straight‑line distance from home to school as the main tie‑break. The test score decides your child’s band, not whether they are admitted; children with an EHCP naming the school are admitted without sitting it.
In addition, up to 24 Year 7 places are offered for aptitude in technology, through an optional separate aptitude test in IT and Design & Technology. This guide explains how the banding system works, the key dates and how to apply.
Ashcroft Technology Academy Admissions Guide (Year 7 Entry)
How Admission Works (Fair Banding)
Ashcroft uses fair banding to admit a fully comprehensive intake. This is different from grammar‑school selection — there is no qualifying score to “pass”.
- ✓All applicants sit the Wandsworth Year 6 Non‑Verbal Reasoning Test; the score places each child in one of five bands (A–E).
- ✓Places are offered evenly across the five bands, so the intake spans the full ability range.
- ✓Within each band, places follow the published criteria (looked‑after children, then siblings, etc.), with straight‑line distance as the main tie‑break.
- ✓Up to 24 places are reserved for technology aptitude via an optional separate aptitude test.
- ✓Children with an EHCP naming the school are admitted without sitting the test.
Key Dates (Year 7)
| 📌 Register for the Wandsworth Year 6 Test | By early September of Year 6 |
| 📌 Wandsworth Year 6 Test | Mid‑September of Year 6 |
| 📌 Local Authority application (CAF) | By 31 October |
| 📌 National Offer Day | 1 March |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Register for the Wandsworth Test
Register your child on the Wandsworth Council admissions site so they can sit the Year 6 Non‑Verbal Reasoning Test (and, if you wish, the optional technology aptitude test).
Step 2 — Apply through your Local Authority
Name Ashcroft Technology Academy as a preference on your home Local Authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October.
Step 3 — Receive your offer
Offers are issued on National Offer Day (1 March), with places allocated across the bands and by distance.
The Tests
The Wandsworth Year 6 Test is a non‑verbal reasoning assessment used only to set each child’s band. The optional technology aptitude test (IT and Design & Technology) is for families seeking one of the specialist places.
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View GL Assessment practice papers →Ashcroft Technology Academy Admissions — FAQ
Is Ashcroft Technology Academy selective?
No — it is a non‑selective academy. All applicants sit the Wandsworth Year 6 Non‑Verbal Reasoning Test, but it is used only to place children into ability bands (fair banding), not to select on academic ability.
How does admission work?
You apply through Wandsworth’s coordinated scheme. Each child is placed in one of five ability bands from their test score, and places are offered evenly across the bands, then by straight‑line distance from home to school.
Does my child have to pass the test?
No. There is no pass mark — the score only sets your child’s band. Children with an EHCP naming the school are admitted without sitting the test.
What are the technology places?
Up to 24 Year 7 places are offered for aptitude in technology, through an optional separate aptitude test in IT and Design & Technology.
How and when do I apply?
Register your child for the Wandsworth Year 6 Test (deadline in early September), and name Ashcroft on your Local Authority application form by 31 October. Offers are made on 1 March.
How can my child prepare?
The Wandsworth Test is non‑verbal reasoning, so familiarity with NVR question types can help your child feel comfortable — though admission remains non‑selective and band‑based.
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