Independent (private) schools run their own admissions, which means there is no single national process. Entry points, assessments and deadlines differ from school to school. This guide explains how independent school entry usually works, what assessments to expect and how scholarships and bursaries fit in.
Typical entry points
- Age 3 to 4 (nursery or Reception). Often assessed informally through play and observation.
- Age 7 (Year 3). Some schools admit at this stage, usually with short written and verbal assessments.
- Age 11 (Year 7). A common entry point, often with tests in English, maths and sometimes reasoning, plus an interview.
- Age 13 (Year 9). Entry to senior schools from prep schools, often through Common Entrance or the senior school's own pre-tests, sometimes taken earlier in Year 6 or 7.
- Sixth form (Year 12). Entry commonly depends on GCSE predictions or results and an interview.
Always check your target school's own policy, because some use different entry points or tests.
What the assessment involves
Expect a combination of:
- Written tests in English and maths, sometimes with reasoning papers.
- Interviews or informal conversations, in which the school looks for curiosity, communication and fit.
- Reports and references from the child's current school.
- Taster days, where children join lessons and activities.
Schools usually aim to see how a child thinks and learns, not only how much they know, so preparation is best focused on confidence and clear thinking.
Registration and deadlines
Many popular independent schools ask families to register early, sometimes years ahead, and pay a registration fee. Deadlines differ by school and entry point, so contact each one. Ask about:
- registration and assessment dates;
- the entry requirements and what the tests cover;
- how decisions and offers are made;
- any deposit that secures a place.
Scholarships and bursaries
These are different things.
- Scholarships reward talent, in areas such as academic ability, music, sport, art or drama. Some carry a fee reduction and some are mainly an honour, and the application and assessment differ by school.
- Bursaries are means-tested help with fees, based on family finances. Schools usually ask for detailed financial information.
Ask each school what is available, how to apply and when. Both can be competitive, and applications often have their own deadlines separate from entry.
Choosing an independent school
Look beyond the brochure. Ask about:
- class sizes, teaching and pastoral care;
- results and, importantly, what happens to pupils of all abilities;
- the school day, transport, wraparound care and holidays;
- fees, extras and how fee increases are handled;
- how the school supports children who find learning harder.
Preparing your child
Keep preparation proportionate. Reading widely, practising mental arithmetic and encouraging your child to explain their thinking out loud will do more good than endless practice papers. If a tutor helps, choose one who builds understanding and confidence. See private tutoring and our primary tutors.
State or independent?
There is no single right answer. The best school is the one where your child will be happy and challenged, and that you can sustain. Compare your options on equal terms, including state schools, which you can read about in how admissions criteria work and selective grammar schools.
How we help
Our consultants research and shortlist schools, coordinate visits and guide applications for state and independent schools alike. See school and nursery placement.