Each year the school’s admission policy allows a small number of Year 7 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.

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

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 one of our September or October Open Events to discuss further with school staff.  The school has a separate online application form for music places that must be returned to the school. 

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

Music Place applications for

Year 7 Admission in September 2025 have now closed.

Applications for admission in 2026 will open in September 2025.