How do I know if my child is ready for the selective test?

Look for a child working above grade level who reads widely, enjoys problem-solving, can focus through a timed task, and recovers from mistakes. The most reliable check is a full-length, timed practice test that shows both the score and the gaps.

What if my child isn't ready yet?

Readiness grows with practice. Focus on reading, reasoning and the least familiar skills, keep sessions short and positive, and re-test after a few weeks to track progress by band rather than a single score.

Is it about ability or temperament?

Both. Ability matters, but so does the ability to focus under time pressure and bounce back from a hard question. Temperament often decides how much of a child's ability shows up on test day.

Is my child ready for the selective or OC test? A parent checklist

Updated for 2027 · ~6 min read

It's the question every parent asks, and the honest answer is: readiness is something you can measure — and build. This checklist covers the signs to look for, how to test readiness properly, and what to do if your child isn't quite there yet.

In this guide Signs of readiness The readiness checklist How to actually test readiness What to do if they're not ready yet Common questions

Signs your child may be ready

Readiness isn't only about marks at school. The selective and OC tests reward clear reasoning under time pressure, so temperament matters alongside ability. Encouraging signs:

Working comfortably above grade level and enjoying a challenge
Reads widely and can explain and infer, not just recall
Enjoys puzzles and problem-solving
Can stay focused through a timed task without losing heart
Handles mistakes reasonably well — tries again rather than shutting down

The readiness checklist

Tick these off honestly. It's a guide, not a verdict.

☐ My child reads for pleasure, beyond what school requires
☐ They can concentrate for a 20–30 minute block
☐ They can follow multi-step instructions independently
☐ They're curious about how and why things work
☐ They can cope with a hard question without giving up
☐ They (not just you) are interested in the opportunity
☐ We have enough time before the test for steady, unrushed practice

Mostly ticked? Your child is a strong candidate — the next step is a realistic diagnostic. A few blanks? That's normal, and most are things practice will build.

How to actually test readiness

Opinions and school reports only tell you so much. The most reliable readiness check is a full-length, timed practice test under real conditions — on a computer, one section at a time, with the clock running. It gives you two things a report can't:

A score and band — where your child sits today relative to the standard
The gaps — which section (often Thinking Skills or writing) needs the most work

For what each section involves, see the complete selective guide or the OC test guide.

Get a real readiness check — free

A full-length, timed practice test with an instant score, band estimate and worked solutions.

Take a free test →

What to do if they're not ready yet

Readiness grows — a "not yet" today is often a "yes" in a few months. If the diagnostic shows gaps:

Target the weakest section first. That's where the fastest gains are.
Build the reading habit. Wide reading lifts nearly every part of the test.
Keep practice short, timed and positive. Confidence under the clock is half the battle.
For selective, make writing weekly. Structure and vocabulary improve fast with feedback.
Re-test after a few weeks and watch the band move — that's the real signal of readiness.

Common questions

At what age should we start preparing?

It varies, but steady, unrushed practice over several months beats last-minute cramming. Start early enough that it stays low-pressure.

My child is bright but anxious under time pressure — should we still try?

Yes — timed practice specifically builds that resilience. Familiarity with the format removes much of the anxiety.

How often should we re-test readiness?

Every few weeks. Track the band over time, not single scores — steady upward movement is what you're looking for.