Independent Schools (11-18 years)

Children sitting for September entry will take the 11+ examination in the January of that year. Applications to Schools should be made from September to October of the previous year. We prepare children for these examinations from October to January. see courses.

11+ Examinations:  English (comprehension and creative writing), Maths and Verbal Reasoning are normally required although some schools only require English and Maths. A few schools do test children in Non-verbal Reasoning too. 11+ examinations are held in January of the year of entry. Some schools rely on a current school report, an informal interview or some form of internal assessment.

Interviews:  Most schools conduct formal interviews as part of their selection process.

Open Days/Evenings:  These take place from September to December of the previous academic year and schools should be contacted for details. Many schools will allow private visits by arrangement.

Application dates:  Most school application dates fall between late September and October of the academic year previous to a child's entry. Many schools will not accept a late application, so it is crucial to contact schools as soon as possible for details.

Fees: These range from around £8,000 to over £15,000 p.a. Most school fees however are between £9,000 and £12,000 p.a.

Bursaries: Most schools offer bursary places for children who do well in the examination, but whose family income is too low to afford fees. These are usually means tested and can cover the full school fee. However, they are usually between 20-50% of the annual fee.

Scholarships: These are offered to the highest performing applicants and are designed to attract the very best pupils. They are not dependent upon family income and usually result in a significant discount on fees.

Information about Fees and Payment Methods

Methods of paying school fees

The four main ways in which fees are paid are:

• plans that mature after a number of years
• from capital
• from immediate fee plans
• from income

General Information

The Independent Schools Information Service, publishes a helpful leaflet School Fees which notes a number of companies that specialise in school feel planning and suggests a number of IFAs. - Tel: 020 7630 8793/4

Unit Trusts and Investment Trusts  The following have published leaflets on helping to meet school fees: The Association of Investment Trust companies - Tel: 020 7431 5222 Association of Unit Trusts and Investment Funds - Tel: 020 8207 1361

Immediate fee plans  The Royal Bank of Scotland Education Expenses Plan - Tel: 0131 523 2147 Mason & Mason Ltd - Tel: 01625 529 536

Monthly payment schemes  Holmwoods Termtime Credit - Tel 01372 746 006 Alliance and Leicester plc - Tel: 0131 451 5183