Wow, they have 9 bands these days? Back in my day (waaaaay back in '89) I remember them taking 3 band 3s from the year above me, then 3 band 1s from my year, from my primary school. There has always been a perception over the place because it was once a grammar school and all that, but relistically, it has always seemed to take a good mix of kids from all over. People tell me I took an exam to get in, and I really really don't remember that. I remember the interview, but not a test. When I went, it was still Haberdashers Aske's Hatchem Boy's School. Officially turned in to Hatchem College when I was about year 10 (which incidently, was also around the time we started being "year 10" instead of 4th years). I personally like the idea that some places are set aside for musical kids. I guess the problem is, that more "middle class" kids will fall in to that category, and primary schools should do more music, so the "working class" kids can have a go. My parents never would have been able to afford lessons for me, but thankfully I got trumpet lessons at St John's (not that that made a difference getting in to Aske's in those days). Still find it weird seeing girls on the train through New X Gate wearing "boys school ties". Doesn't seem right to an old fella (all of 30) like me.