Latymer School Entrance Exam: Transition to Quest Assessments

What the New Format Means & How Progress Academy Is Responding

The Latymer School (Edmonton) has confirmed that its 11+ entrance assessment transition will be administered by Quest Assessments.   

While the exam continues to test core competencies across English, Mathematics, and Writing, the move to Quest introduces specific paper-based structures, Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) multiple-choice answer mechanics, and tailored assessment papers. As always, we have thoroughly analyzed the official familiarisation guidance to ensure our students are fully prepared for this update.   

Below is a clear explanation of what the Quest format entails and how Progress Academy is systematically preparing your child.

What Has Changed with Quest?

The Latymer School 11+ assessment under Quest consists of two non-adaptive written papers sat in a single session with a short break.   

According to the Quest familiarisation guidance, the assessment includes:   

• Multiple-Choice English & Mathematics Papers: Answering on separate, machine-readable OMR answer sheets.   

• Extended Written Paper: A hand-written assessment evaluating creative composition, expression, and language control.   

• Paper-Based Administration: Standardized paper-based testing with strict time management expectations.   

  
  

In practical terms, this requires:

• High accuracy in handling OMR answer sheets to avoid recording mistakes.

• Rapid, flexible application of Key Stage 2 Maths and English concepts.

• Strong creative, descriptive, and extended writing ability under exam conditions.

• Smooth transition mechanics between multiple-choice speed sections and open-response writing tasks.

  
  

What the Quest Format Is Looking For

The Quest assessment for Latymer evaluates children who can:

✔ Demonstrate speed and precision across Key Stage 2 Mathematics

✔ Read critically across texts, identifying key details and inference

✔ Execute clean OMR shading techniques without losing pacing

✔ Write engaging, well-structured prose with strong vocabulary, spelling, and grammar

✔ Maintain focus and stamina across both paper types

Where Progress Academy Already Aligns

Key elements of this testing framework are already built into our teaching approach:

• We teach thorough Key Stage 2 problem-solving to ensure core mathematical confidence.

• We train systematic comprehension techniques for deep inference and vocabulary interpretation.

• We develop structured writing strategies, focusing on paragraphing, planning, and descriptive control.

• We build exam stamina and timed paper techniques gradually.

• We have already trained our students for QUEST format last year.

  
  

Introducing Our Latymer Quest Targeted Programme

To ensure our students are completely confident with Quest's paper layout and answer structures, we are launching an enhanced preparation module specifically designed for Quest-style assessments.

This programme focuses directly on:

• OMR Answer Sheet Techniques: Dedicated practice on managing separate answer grids, correcting mistakes cleanly, and maintaining pacing.

• Quest-Aligned Mathematics & English: Practice with multiple-choice question formats modeled on Quest's style and difficulty level.

• Extended Writing & Vocabulary Enhancement: Intensive practice on stimulus-based writing, descriptive control, sentence variety, and advanced SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar).

• Quest Familiarisation & Mock Examinations: Sitting full-length practice papers under timed conditions to replicate the exact exam environment.

• Strategic Time Management: Teaching pupils how to navigate complex questions calmly and avoid getting stuck on high-friction items.

  
  

Why This Is a Positive Step

Although a provider transition can feel like a significant update, it provides a clear framework for focused preparation.

It means:

• Students who build strong core skills in school perform consistently well.

• Thorough, structured writing continues to be rewarded.

• Systematic practice with OMR layouts removes unnecessary exam-day anxiety.

  
  

Reassurance for Parents

We understand that updates to exam administration can cause concern.

Please be reassured:

• We have fully reviewed the Quest specifications and sample materials.

• Our teaching and practice resources are updated to reflect the Quest layout.

• Your child will be guided step-by-step through OMR management and Quest paper structures.

• As always, our delivery remains balanced, supportive, and focused on building true academic confidence.

  
  

Next Steps

Further details regarding session schedules, mock exam dates, and registration for the Latymer Quest Targeted Programme will be shared with families shortly.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to our team.