Hammersmith Academy
A Fair and Inclusive Approach to Admissions
At Hammersmith Academy, we are proud to welcome students of all abilities.
We believe that every child deserves access to an education that challenges, inspires, and prepares them for real world success — whatever their starting point.
To ensure a balanced and inclusive intake, all applicants for admission are required to sit a Fair Banding Test. This test helps us achieve a comprehensive range of abilities across our year groups, reflecting the diversity and spirit of our community.
What Is Fair Banding?
The Fair Banding process ensures that places are allocated to students from across the full ability range.
- It is not a pass or fail test, and it has no impact on whether your child will receive an offer.
- All applicants — including Looked After Children — are invited to sit the test once Hammersmith Academy is listed as one of their secondary school preferences on their local authority application.
- Each student is placed into one of five ability bands (A–E) based on their test performance, using a national ability profile.
- An equal number of students are admitted from each band, ensuring a fair and representative intake.
Fair Banding Test Dates (for Year 7 Entry in September 2027)
Applicants do not need to register separately for the Fair Banding Test.
You will automatically receive an invitation after listing Hammersmith Academy on your eAdmissions application form.
How places are allocated
The results of the Fair Banding Test are used only to determine band placement, not to rank applicants.
Following the assessment, places are allocated according to the Academy’s published Admissions Criteria, within each band:
- Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
- Children of Academy Staff
- Distance from the Academy
- Siblings of Current Students
Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are admitted first, and then the criteria above are applied within each band until all available places are filled.
Why we use Fair Branding
Fair Banding is an important part of our admissions process because it:
- Ensures a balanced intake across all ability levels.
- Reflects our commitment to inclusion and opportunity for all.
- Supports a learning environment where every student is challenged and supported.
- Promotes fairness and transparency in the allocation of school places.
This approach helps us maintain a vibrant, diverse community — one where all students, regardless of background or ability, can learn together and succeed together.
