About Parmiter's School
Parmiter's School is a co-educational, partially selective state secondary school and sixth form in south west Hertfordshire, part of the South West Herts Schools Consortium. Most of its 208 Year 7 places are non-selective (allocated mainly by distance, with priority for siblings and staff children), but it also selects 25% on academic ability and 10% on musical aptitude.
Founded in 1681 (on its Garston site since 1977) and now an academy, Parmiter's School was rated Outstanding by Ofsted (July 2024). It teaches around 1,450 pupils including a large sixth form, and selection — where it applies — is by the SW Herts Consortium academic test (devised by GL Assessment) — two papers in Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning.
About Parmiter's School's Partially Selective Places & the SW Herts Tests
Parmiter's School is partially selective: the large majority of its 208 Year 7 places are allocated non-selectively (mainly by distance, after looked-after children, siblings and staff children), while a minority are offered on aptitude. It admits 25% on academic ability and 10% on musical aptitude.
The academic places use the SW Herts Consortium academic test, devised by GL Assessment: two multiple-choice papers covering Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning (about an hour each). The music places use a musical aptitude test. Scores are age-standardised and there is no fixed pass mark.
For 2027 entry, registration for the consortium test(s) runs from 1 April to 5 June 2026 (no late entries). The academic test is on Saturday 5 September 2026. The music aptitude test is on Monday 7 September 2026 (round one), with a second round later that month. You then name the school on your Hertfordshire Common Application Form by 31 October 2026, with offers on Monday 1 March 2027.
Meeting the standard does not guarantee a place: children are ranked by score and places are offered under the school's oversubscription criteria, which prioritise catchment, siblings and staff children. This page is updated each year with the latest verified criteria and key dates.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Parmiter's School
Parmiter's School Admissions Criteria
Parmiter's School is a co-educational partially selective school in the SW Herts Consortium. Most of its 208 places are non-selective; it also admits 25% on academic ability and 10% on musical aptitude. There is no fixed pass mark — qualifying applicants are ranked under the criteria below.
- ✓Most of the 208 Year 7 places are non-selective (allocated mainly by distance).
- ✓Academic places (25%) use the SW Herts Consortium test — GL Maths and Verbal Reasoning.
- ✓Music places (10%) use the SW Herts Consortium music aptitude test.
- ✓Register for the test(s) between 1 April and 5 June 2026 — no late entries.
- ✓Looked-after children, siblings and staff children receive priority in the criteria.
- ✓Name the school on your Hertfordshire CAF by 31 October 2026.
Parmiter's School Oversubscription Criteria
Aptitude/academic applicants must first take the relevant test. Places are then allocated in the order below (each school's policy sets the precise wording and catchment).
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children
- Academic places (up to 25%): qualifying applicants ranked by standardised score
- Music aptitude places (up to 10%): ranked by music-test score
- Children of staff, and siblings of pupils on roll
- Remaining places by distance from home to school (priority catchment first)
Key Dates & Deadlines — Parmiter's School 2027 Entry
| 📌 Register for the test(s) | 1 April to 5 June 2026 (no late entries) |
| 📌 Academic test | Saturday 5 September 2026 |
| 📌 Music aptitude test | Monday 7 September 2026 (round one) |
| 📌 CAF deadline (Hertfordshire) | 31 October 2026 |
| 📌 National Offer Day | Monday 1 March 2027 |
How to Apply to Parmiter's School
Step 1 — Check catchment and eligibility
Most places go by distance, so check the catchment first. Decide whether to also apply for an aptitude/academic place.
Step 2 — Register for the test(s)
Register for the SW Herts Consortium test(s) between 1 April and 5 June 2026. No late registrations are accepted.
Step 3 — Sit the test(s)
The academic test is on Saturday 5 September 2026. The music aptitude test is on Monday 7 September 2026, with a second round later that month.
Step 4 — Receive results
Standardised results are issued in the autumn term, before the application deadline.
Step 5 — Complete your CAF
Name Parmiter's School on the Common Application Form submitted via Hertfordshire County Council.
Step 6 — Submit by 31 October 2026
Late CAFs are processed after on-time ones.
Step 7 — Receive your offer
Offers are issued on Monday 1 March 2027. You can appeal or join a waiting list if unsuccessful.
What the SW Herts Academic Test Covers (at Parmiter's School)
The SW Herts Consortium academic test (GL Assessment) is two multiple-choice papers of about an hour each, age-standardised, with no fixed pass mark:
- Mathematics: Key Stage 2 arithmetic, number, measurement and problem-solving.
- Verbal Reasoning: comprehension, vocabulary and logical deduction.
- Music aptitude: assessed separately through the consortium aptitude test(s) — musical potential (no instrument required).
SW Herts 11+ Practice Papers for Parmiter's School (Maths & Verbal Reasoning)
Parmiter's School's academic places use the SW Herts Consortium test — GL-style Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. Our 11+ practice papers, with full video explanations, cover both areas and suit preparation for the consortium academic test.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the SW Herts Test (for Parmiter's School)
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor video explanations cover Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning — the two areas of the SW Herts Consortium academic test. Follow these steps to prepare:
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Parmiter's School
As a partially selective school, Parmiter's School’s published results reflect its broad, largely comprehensive intake.
- GCSE / A-Level: strong GCSE outcomes (it is regularly among the most oversubscribed schools in Hertfordshire); confirm the latest figures on the school's website.
- Sixth form: a co-educational sixth form with a broad A-Level offer and strong progression to higher education.
- Inspection: rated Outstanding by Ofsted (July 2024).
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment & Priority for Parmiter's School
Because most of Parmiter's School’s places are allocated by distance, catchment matters a great deal: after looked-after children, siblings and staff children, non-selective places go to the children living nearest the school. Priority-catchment postcodes are set out in the school's policy, and homes near these schools attract a premium.
Academic and music aptitude places are allocated to qualifying applicants by standardised score (with their own priority order), so a strong aptitude/academic result can secure a place from further afield — but most pupils live locally.
Always confirm the current catchment, priority postcodes and cut-off scores in the school's admissions policy.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life at Parmiter's School
Parmiter's School is on High Elms Lane, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 0UU. Founded in 1681 (on its Garston site since 1977) and now an academy, it is a co-educational 11–18 school of around 1,450 pupils including a large sixth form, with a strong reputation for pastoral care and a broad curriculum. Its motto is Nemo Sibi Nascitur.
Beyond the classroom there is a wide programme of sport, music, drama and enrichment. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parmiter's School
How do I apply to Parmiter's School for Year 7, and is it selective?
Parmiter's School is a co-educational, partially selective school in the South West Herts Schools Consortium. Most Year 7 places are non-selective (allocated by distance, with priority for siblings and staff children), but it also admits some pupils on academic ability and aptitude. Apply on your Hertfordshire Common Application Form by 31 October 2026, and register separately for any aptitude test you wish to sit.
What test does Parmiter's School use for its academic places?
The SW Herts Consortium academic test, devised by GL Assessment: two multiple-choice papers covering Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning (about an hour each). Scores are age-standardised and there is no fixed pass mark — qualifying pupils are ranked under the school's criteria.
How does the music aptitude route work?
Children sit the SW Herts Consortium music aptitude test (round one on Monday 7 September 2026, with a second round later that month for high scorers). It tests musical potential rather than existing skill, so no instrument is required. You must register for the test in the consortium window (1 April to 5 June 2026).
Can one consortium test result be used for several SW Herts schools?
Yes. The South West Herts schools use common tests, so a single academic or music aptitude result can support applications to several consortium schools at once — you simply list your preferences on your Hertfordshire Common Application Form. Each school then applies its own catchment and oversubscription criteria.
When do I register for the tests?
Registration for the SW Herts Consortium tests for 2027 entry runs from 1 April to 5 June 2026 (via the consortium and school websites). No late registrations are accepted, so register before the deadline if you want to be considered for an aptitude or academic place.
Does meeting the standard guarantee a place?
No. There is no fixed pass mark; children are ranked by standardised score and places are offered under each school's oversubscription criteria (which prioritise catchment, siblings and staff children). Strong performance helps but does not guarantee an offer at an oversubscribed school.
What are the key dates for 2027 entry?
Register 1 April–5 June 2026; academic test on Saturday 5 September 2026 and music test 7 September 2026; Hertfordshire Common Application Form by 31 October 2026; offers on National Offer Day, Monday 1 March 2027.
What is Parmiter's School's Ofsted rating and intake?
Parmiter's School was rated Outstanding by Ofsted (July 2024). It is a co-educational 11–18 school of around 1,450 pupils including a large sixth form.
Where can I find Parmiter's School's official admissions policy?
The full admissions policy for 2027 entry — including catchment, the aptitude criteria and how places are ranked — is published on the school's website and via Hertfordshire County Council and the SW Herts Consortium (swhertsschools.org.uk). Always confirm the current details there.