UK Public School Entrance Coaching

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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