1. Who is behind World Class Tests?

2. Which students should I enter for World Class Tests?

3. How much do the tests cost?

4. How do I enter students?

5. I don't teach in the UK. Can my students still take the tests?

6. How will World Class Tests benefit my students?

7. How can I help my students prepare for the tests?

1. World Class Tests are funded by the British government Department for Education and Skills (DfES). A number of agencies work to produce the tests, led by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). GL Assessment has been publishing the tests since October 2003. The Assessment and Evaluation Unit (AEU) at the University of Leeds developed the mathematics tests, and the Mathematics Assessment Resource Service (MARS) at the Universities of Nottingham and Durham developed the problem solving tests.

2. World Class Tests are aimed at students in the top 10 per cent ability range in mathematics and/or problem solving. Your students will need to be able to:

• think creatively and logically;
• use their thinking skills to solve problems and answer questions on subjects that they may not have studied previously;
• work out and respond to unfamiliar information;
• demonstrate clearly how they think through and solve problems.

3. Costs
World Class Tests are sold in packs of 5. The price of a pack of 5 includes the paper test booklet(s) and the on-screen computer test for 5 students, plus the relevant mark scheme.

If you do not use all materials during your test session, the materials can be kept for future World Class Test sessions. The materials should be stored in a secure location.

If students take the test at a centre other than their own school, there may be an additional charge of £4.50 per student to cover administration costs. These are UK prices only. For costs in other countries, please telephone +44 (0) 20 8996 8440 or email information@gl-assessment.co.uk

4. After registering your school or test centre you can enter students for World Class Tests on-line. Click here to find out how to register as a centre and enter your students.

5. Yes, World Class Arena is an international initiative and you can enter students through the website. Click here to find out how. The tests are available in English and Chinese.

6. World Class Tests challenge and extend the abilities of very able students. These students enjoy the high-level stimulation of World Class Tests, and having their achievements recognised can give their self-esteem a valuable boost. If they live and are at school in England, they can also use their test grade to apply for entrance to the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth's talent search.

7. World Class Tests do not depend on a taught curriculum. A student will, however, need to have a higher level of thinking skills in mathematics and problem solving. Students can buy the Student Guide to World Class Tests, a booklet and CD-ROM, which gives extra information on what to expect from the tests. You and your students could also look at the Example questions to get a feel for the kind of questions that the tests involve. Students can also try our online challenge questions on the website.