UK Public School Entrance Coaching

At Your Own Teacher we are committed to providing comprehensive, personalised and effective English as a second language tuition for our learners.

Whether you are looking for support with general English language proficiency, hoping to achieve total fluency, working towards a SELT exam for visa, employment or citizenship requirements or have a child who is preparing for entrance examinations for a UK based independent school or UK satellite school, we have you covered.

UK Public School Entrance Coaching

Our academic tutoring programmes are delivered by highly experienced teachers, tailored to individual school curriculums and designed to equip learners with the academic competence of a minimum of one year above expected for UK curriculum age.

Our academic tutoring can also be supplemented with taught and independent study modules focused the areas below, ensuring that children demonstrate the best version of themselves in entrance exams, interview and that they settle into UK school life swiftly.

Meeting and exceeding academic targets

Our academic tuition begins with a pre assessment to identify UK national curriculum standards which are being met, along with any gaps in foundation knowledge or assessment outcomes for the year of entry. We also ask students to couple a ‘Getting to know you’ questionnaire, where they can share their insights and areas of low, medium, high confidence. Our teachers develop a learning plan designed to enhance leaners’ academic capabilities, knowledge and confidence swiftly, to ensure that they can meet rigorous academic standards with motivation and courage. Ongoing assessment and feedback tailored to UK assessment guidelines ensure that students are prepared for the challenges ahead.

Preparation for entrance examinations

Preparation for UK schooling

Our preparation for UK schooling modules assist learners by providing a window into day to day life in the UK school system including National curriculum and lesson structure, understanding learning objectives, developing productive and supportive teacher student relationships, UK culture. Learners are also given the opportunity to understand the type of learner they are, how they can utilise their strengths to succeed in the UK education system.

Developing advanced interview skills

Our developing advanced interview skills content is developed with learners’ destination schools in mind. We teach learners how to make the best impression in their interview and in the future by developing the following skills and traits:

Communicating confidently with adults
Answering questions clearly and using supporting examples
Listening skills
Demonstrating an enquiring mind
Finding common points of interest
Demonstrating transferable skills

Character and confidence building

Our character and confidence building modules are underpinned by an attitude of “I can” and “I will”

Students will gain a strong sense of their personality traits, learning styles and what makes them who they are. Learners will understand what makes them unique and learn how to celebrate this.

Learners will explore their extracurricular interests, what these bring to their character, how these skills can be transferred to scenarios in life and demonstrate a wider knowledge of key players, enthusiasts and influences in their chosen extracurricular areas.

Students will learn how to confidently discuss the literature they have been reading, what they are enjoying and to discuss books they have been influenced by.

Smiling oriental female student in private school uniform

A group of international school children running across a school playing field

An African girl student studying in a school library

A line of private school students in a computer lesson

A black girl student giving a high five in a school library to a fellow student

Top 20 Independent Schools accepting international students

1. Eton College

Entry points:

13+ (Year 9) main entry; 16+ Sixth Form for a small number of boys.

Tests / what is examined:

For 13+: UK applicants take the ISEB Common Pre-Test (English, maths, VR, NVR). Selected boys then sit Eton’s own computer-based assessment (English, maths, reasoning, problem-solving). Overseas candidates complete the same Pre-Test and Eton Assessment.

For 16+: candidates complete subject papers relevant to A-Level choices plus a general paper.

Interview / skills looked for:

Interviews assess intellectual curiosity, character, teachability, contribution to school life, and suitability for boarding. Tutors look for potential, breadth of interest, and personal responsibility, not just exam performance. etoncollege.com

English / EAL:

Eton expects strong English fluency for international applicants; assessed through pre-tests, written work, and interviews. Limited EAL support is available once enrolled but applicants must already be proficient.

“All our boys are also expected to make their own contribution to school life.”

Eton College

2. Winchester College

Entry points:

13+ main entry; 16+ Sixth Form entry (co-educational). org

Tests / what is examined:

13+: ISEB Common Pre-Test followed by Winchester Entrance exam (English, maths, humanities, languages). The school emphasises potential as much as current attainment.

16+: candidates take two subject-specific exams aligned to A-Level or IB expectations. winchestercollege.org

Interview / skills looked for:

Winchester interviews probe independent thinking, academic potential, problem-solving, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Tutors look for students who will benefit from — and contribute to — its “thinking culture,” including character and interests beyond academics. winchestercollege.org

English / EAL:

A very high standard of written and spoken English is required for international applicants. EAL support is limited and students must be able to access a demanding curriculum immediately.

“The admissions process is focused on potential, not just prior attainment.”

Winchester College

3. Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

Entry points:

Entry at most year groups from 11+ to Sixth Form; high intake of international students. org

Tests / what is examined:

Applicants sit English and maths assessments (computer-based or written depending on level). Sixth Form applicants may sit subject tests aligned to A-Level or BTEC pathways. CAT4-style reasoning tests are also used for academic profiling. qe.org

Interview / skills looked for:

Interviews explore the student’s motivation, behaviour, academic goals, adaptability, and readiness for boarding life. QE looks for students who will contribute positively to its “family of schools,” meet behavioural expectations, and show potential for progress. qe.org

English / EAL:

International students must complete English proficiency testing; QE offers strong EAL provision, including dedicated specialist staff and additional timetabled English where required. Students are placed into support levels depending on assessment results.

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

4. Harrow School

Entry points:

13+ (Year 9) and 16+ Sixth Form (main).

Tests / what is examined:

ISEB Common Pre-Test (English, maths, VR, NVR) as Stage 1; shortlisted boys sit the Harrow Test (computerised English & maths, short essay) and may take Common Entrance subjects. For 16+ there are subject tests and seminars.

Interview / skills looked for:

Stage 2 includes a 20-minute interview with a House Master and a group activity; selection is not purely academic — character, contribution to boarding life and potential leadership are considered.

English / EAL:

High level of English fluency required for overseas applicants; measured via pre-tests and Harrow Test; EAL support available once enrolled.

“One who will make the most of the opportunities Harrow offers…bright, enthusiastic, potential to show leadership.”.

Harrow School

5. Westminster School

Entry points:

4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+ (Under/Lower/Upper School structure). Note: international boarding for Sixth Form mainly — international 13+ boarding has residency conditions.

Tests / what is examined:

Lower-school entrance uses set entrance tests; 16+ entry includes subject-specific assessments (e.g., entrance papers with logic/data tasks and essays for some subjects). Exact formats vary by entry point and department.

Interview / skills looked for:

Interviews and written papers used — interview assesses reasoning, argument, subject interest and fit. Westminster emphasises academic rigour and wider contribution.

English / EAL:

International applicants welcomed for Sixth Form; for younger international entrants parents must be UK-resident in many cases (check international policy). EAL assessed as part of admissions.

“The selection is based on the overall performance in the Sixth Form Entrance Exams and interviews.”

Westminster School

6. Wycombe Abbey

Entry points:

11+, 13+, 16+ (girls).

Tests / what is examined:

Assessment day with entrance exams (English, Maths, Humanities, Modern Foreign Language) and practical science where applicable; top cohort invited for scholarship exams. School uses interviews and references as part of selection.

Interview / skills looked for:

Interview + assessments; school seeks well-rounded pupils with intellectual curiosity and co-curricular engagement.

English / EAL:

Overseas applicants are considered; school checks English proficiency and can offer support; SEN adjustments considered in policies.

“We are looking for potential rather than prior attainment and welcome girls…we want bright, motivated, engaged girls.”

Wycombe Abbey

7. Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Entry points:

11+, 13+ (LC3), Sixth Form (16+).

Tests / what is examined:

Published briefing paper outlines LC3 entrance syllabuses and exam formats (English, maths, reasoning, possibly subject papers). Entrance testing in late Nov/Dec for LC3.

Interview / skills looked for:

Shortlisted candidates invited to interviews/assessment days; emphasis on academic aptitude and cultural/extra-curricular contribution.

English / EAL:

International applicants assessed for language ability; EAL support available; specific IELTS equivalents commonly used for older entrants (check prospectus).

“We aim to enable all of you to feel self-confident and fulfilled by the choices you make.”

Cheltenham Ladies' College

8. Rugby School

Entry points:

13+ (Year 9) and 16+ Sixth Form (occasional 14+ places).

Tests / what is examined:

Assessment sessions include entrance exams and written assessments; for 16+ applicants there are subject tests in November of Year 11. Common elements: maths, English and interview.

Interview / skills looked for

Interview component at assessment; schools look for co-curricular engagement, academic potential and personal qualities like teamwork and resilience. (Interview Q examples used by tutors show focus on activities and problem-solving.)

English / EAL:

International applicants supported; standard admissions process accommodates overseas testing and interviews; English competence required for academic entry.

“Success requires a willingness to be scholarly and creative, curious and critical, determined and ambitious.”

Rugby School

9. Tonbridge School

Entry points:

13+ (main Year 9 intake), also 14+ & 16+.

Tests / what is examined:

All applicants sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test (verbal/non-verbal, English, maths); successful candidates invited to an Assessment Afternoon (maths paper, writing paper, short interview). Sample papers are published.

Interview / skills looked for:

Short interview at assessment afternoon; school seeks academic potential, character and extra-curricular contribution. Confidential school reference also requested.

English / EAL:

International applicants welcomed; English competence is required and assessed via ISEB pre-tests and school assessments.

“At Tonbridge, we are looking for bright boys…who can move from asking the right questions to challenging the answers.”

Tonbridge School

10. Charterhouse

Entry points:

11+, 13+, 14+, 16+ (full boarding & international routes).

Tests / what is examined:

Overseas applicants sit Charterhouse’s own entrance tests (including Cambridge English Placement Test for EAL entrants and creative writing pieces); remote testing arranged where needed; 16+ tests & interviews usually in November.

Interview / skills looked for:

Interviews are substantive; the selection criteria stress academic ambition, independence and the capacity to contribute across the School’s wide opportunities. Charterhouse runs detailed support for international families (virtual interviews available).

English / EAL:

Charterhouse runs clear EAL policy — overseas pupils will take English placement tests (CEPT), free writing and may receive targeted EAL support; language competence is verified pre-offer

“We welcome … pupils who demonstrate the potential to become academically ambitious, inspired and independent learners.”

Charterhouse

11. Marlborough College (Co-ed, Boarding)

Entry points:

13+ (Year 9) is a key entry. Also Sixth Form (16+).

Tests / what is examined:

For 13+, candidates sit the ISEB Pre-tests (administered at current school) + do a writing task + participate in group-activities and interview on “Assessment Day.”

Interview / skills looked for:

At Assessment Day, there’s an interview + informal group tasks. Marlborough looks for students who will “broaden their interests beyond the curriculum … contribute to College life.”

English / EAL (International):

Overseas candidates must “have a command of the English language.” Marlborough provides flexible EAL support via their Learning Support Department. They also require a UK guardian for international boarders.

“We look for overseas pupils who … wish to broaden their interests beyond the curriculum and contribute to College life.”

Marlborough College

12. Radley College (Boys, Boarding)

Entry points:

13+ (Year 9) is the main senior entry.

Tests / what is examined:

13+ applicants take the ISEB Common Pre-Test. On shortlisting, there are interviews and reference checks.

Interview / skills looked for:

Radley selects for “kind, talented and ambitious boys … who will thrive in a boarding environment.” For scholarships, there are two interviews (senior leadership + subject) to assess academic strength + broader potential.

English / EAL (International):

Radley’s policy provides for EAL: “pupils for whom English is an additional language may have additional tests to determine their understanding and usage of English.” There is a dedicated support department.

“There is something very rare, and very special, about the Radley community.”

Radley College

13. Wellington College (Co-ed, Boarding)

Entry points:

13+ and 16+ are major entry points.

Tests / what is examined:

At 13+: ISEB Common Pre-Test (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-verbal Reasoning).

On assessment day: “three fun and exciting activities” + interview + collaborative problem-solving.

At 16+: UKiset test is required for international candidates, plus assessment day with subject discussions and Harkness-style dialogue.

Interview / skills looked for:

Their selection criteria state: “academic potential … character, passions, interests … independence, resilience and inclusivity”. At 13+ the interview helps understand personality + engagement; at 16+ they use critical-thinking group discussions (Harkness).

English / EAL (International):

For 13+: they assess English via ISEB Pre-Test.

For 16+: if English not first language, UKiset is required.

EAL support is available (tuition possible, cost to parents

Wellington is a sponsor for student visas, so they handle visa / CAS for international students

“We are looking for boys and girls with real potential to become intellectual, inspired and independent learners.”.

Wellington College

14. Dulwich College (Co-ed / Day & Some Boarding)

Entry points:

11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), 16+ (Sixth Form) for international / day students.

Tests / what is examined:

At 11+ / 13+: English and Maths exam + reasoning test.

At 16+: A-level subject tests + interview + possibly EAL paper.

Interview / skills looked for:

Shortlisted Sixth-Form candidates are interviewed (in-person or online). They also look for “academic potential, curiosity, communication, character and readiness for boarding/day life.” (inferred from policy)

English / EAL (International):

For 16+: there is a specific EAL paper for non-native English speakers.

EAL / English support is available for students who need to build their academic English. (Policy mentions EAL tuition)

“A diverse community of bright, creative, intellectually curious and compassionate boys.”

Dulwich College

15. King’s College Taunton (Co-ed / Boarding)

Entry points:

11+, 13+, 16+ (Sixth Form) (international students accepted)

Tests / what is examined:

While the publicly available information is limited, typical independent school assessments apply: likely reasoning, English and Maths tests; possibly subject-specific tests for Sixth Form.

Interview / skills looked for:

According to admissions messaging, they look for “well-rounded individuals … able to contribute to school life academically, socially and in co-curricular.”

English / EAL (International):

They accept international pupils, and English language competency is assessed; EAL support is likely (as with many UK boarding schools), though explicit IELTS or UKiset scores may not be publicly listed.

“We are a wonderfully ambitious co-educational…We encourage. We are courageous.”

King's College Taunton

16. Repton School (Co-ed, Boarding)

Entry points:

11+, 13+, 16+ (Sixth Form)

Tests / what is examined:

Pre-tests / entrance exams + subject assessments for older pupils; school report and reference considered.

Interview / skills looked for:

Interview is part of the assessment; Repton values “academic potential, resilience, extra-curricular engagement, and character.”

English / EAL (International):

Repton has a dedicated international admissions page that requires demonstrated English ability; EAL support is available for students as needed.

“Every application to Repton is treated individually and we aim to make the process straightforward … to get to know your individual needs.”

Repton College

17. Shrewsbury School (Boarding)

Entry points:

13+ is a common entry point; also 16+.

Tests / what is examined:

Use of reasoning tests (e.g. ISEB-style) and subject-specific entrance papers for shortlisted students.

Interview / skills looked for:

Candidates typically attend an assessment day with interview; school seeks academic curiosity, motivation, good character, and co-curricular potential.

English / EAL (International):

Shrewsbury accepts international boarders; they expect a good level of academic English, and likely carry out an EAL assessment or equivalent for non-native English speakers.

“Together we nurture the whole person in an exceptionally welcoming, caring, inspiring … environment.”

Shrewsbury School

18. Bedford School (Co-ed / Boarding)

Entry points:

11+, 13+, 16+ (Sixth Form)

Tests / what is examined:

Entrance tests in English, Maths, reasoning; assessment day includes examinations + interview.

Interview / skills looked for:

Admission interviews + assessment day to evaluate academic talent, personal character, and extracurricular interests.

English / EAL (International):

International students are accepted; the school expects evidence of English proficiency; EAL support is offered depending on the student’s needs.

“Our mission is to teach boys to think intelligently, act wisely and be fully engaged in a challenging and changing world.”

Bedford School

19. Millfield School (Very International-Friendly, Strong Sports)

Entry points:

11+, 13+, and 16+ (especially for boarding pupils)

Tests / what is examined:

Entrance includes academic testing, but there is also strong weighting on extra-curricular assessment (especially for sport, arts). Tests vary depending on age/cohort.

Interview / skills looked for:

Interview + assessment day; Millfield particularly values talent, resilience, independence, and commitment (especially athletic or creative) as well as academic ability.

English / EAL (International):

Millfield has a large international boarding population. EAL / English support is provided as needed. English proficiency is required for academic success; they assess this during admissions.

“Selection is based upon academic merit…to identify students who can benefit from a well-rounded and balanced education.”

Millfield School

20. Gordonstoun (Scottish Independent, Boarding)

Entry points:

13+ (Year 9), 16+ Sixth Form

Tests / what is examined:

Entrance exams (English, Maths, reasoning), plus interview and possibly group/outdoor assessment reflecting their leadership and outdoor-education ethos.

Interview / skills looked for:

Leadership, independence, self-reliance, adventurous character — in line with Gordonstoun’s well-known character-development and outdoor focus.

English / EAL (International):

As a boarding school with many international students, they expect good English proficiency. EAL / academic English support is available. Guardianship is often required for overseas boarders.

“All young people need the opportunity of proving themselves to themselves and education must provide such opportunities.”

Gordonstoun

Why choose us?

Young girl reading a book to learn English

Because we know that online English tuition should provide academic improvement, but, so much more.

This is why our sessions include:

Confidence-boosting reflections

Transferable scenarios

Time management activities

Communication skills development

Opportunities for community learning

Strategies to reduce assessment anxiety

To support student self-esteem and promote positive mental health.

Our students are taught by teachers who:

Are invested in their academic and personal development

Take time to get to know them

Help students to enhance their school classroom experience

Develop confident and inquisitive learners

Support students between lessons to ensure learning is uninterrupted.

We make learning

Strategic

With our real-life contexts and reflection activities

Accessible

With a personalised learning space and teacher support between sessions

Flexible

With our variety of individual and group tuition options

Engaging

Through a range of tailored, interactive learning methods.

Your Own English & Maths Teacher – MUCH MORE THAN TUITION!

How we work

Step 1

Fill in the contact form to arrange your free consultation and learning assessment.

Step 2

Choose your lesson preference from 1:1, to a small or larger group.

Step 3

Be matched with your perfect English teacher and start learning!

Step 4

Achieve your learning goals!

We work hard to match our students with the perfect tutor but, if after your first lesson, you don't love your tutor, it's free!

Get in touch

We would love to hear from you!

Fill in our contact form to schedule a free consultation and learning assessment.

We cannot wait to hear all about you and to show you how we can help to achieve your learning goals!

UK Public School Entrance Coaching