Boarding schools offer more than just an education—they provide a unique experience where students live and learn in a supportive and structured environment. Popular among both UK-based and international students, these schools combine academics, extracurricular activities, and pastoral care to help students develop independence, confidence, and lifelong friendships.
The 11+ entry pathway is designed for students finishing Year 6, allowing them to join a boarding school at the start of Year 7. This is an exciting transition, as it marks the beginning of senior school life. At this stage, students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated support, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities to help them settle in and thrive.
Admissions for 11+ entry usually involve school-specific assessments, interviews, and references from current schools. Some schools may also require students to sit standardised entrance exams. Since places can be competitive, early research and preparation are highly recommended.
If you’re considering boarding school at 11+ entry, check out the list below for schools near London that offer places at this level. Be sure to visit each school’s website for the most up-to-date admissions details, as requirements may change.
| COUNTY | SCHOOL NAME | GENDER | REGISTATION DEADLINE | ENTRY PROCEDURE & DATES | BURSARIES/SCHOLARSHIPS | EXTRA INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedfordshire, Bedford | Bedford School | Boys | December | Activities morning, English, Maths Assessments, Headteacher's report. | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available - art, computer science, drama, music, sport, all-rounder | Strong boarding community with over 80% of students from the UK and 30+ nationalities. Beautiful 40-acre estate with a theatre, observatory, flight simulator and nature reserve available. |
| Berkshire, Ascot | St Mary's Ascot | Girls | Mathematics and a general paper (which could include: graded spelling; non-verbal puzzles; listening skills), Interview (December) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - Academic All rounder, Art, Music, Sports (worth 5% of fees) | Catholic School known for academic excellence and holistic development. Nearly all girls board. | |
| Berkshire, Ascot | St George's Ascot | Girls | Combined Maths and English paper (one hour) as well as an online CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) test consisting of Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning (1 hour). Interview. School Report (November) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available - art, computer science, drama, music, sport, all-rounder | Small class sizes. Great pastoral care. Lots of clubs and activities available including various dance genres, musical instruments and sports. | |
| Berkshire, Ascot | LVS Ascot | Mixed | N/a | No formal tests | Scholarships: academic, arts, sports drama and more (up to 50% awarded off) Bursaries - Means tests available Discounts for certain professions available | Applications accepted all years. |
| Berkshire, Reading | Queen Anne's School | Girls | October | Written paper in English, online MAths, Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning ; Fun workshop. | Scholarships available - academic, art, drama, music sport, interview | Founded in 1894 and has a rich history and has long-standing traditions. Known for academic excellence and clean, modern state-of-the-art facilities. Forward thinking in technology and is a Microsoft Showcase School indicating digital excellence. |
| Berkshire, Reading | Leighton Park | Mixed | November | Maths, English, creative writing, interview (January) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available in academic, art, dance, drama, music, sport- up to 30% off remission of day fees | Quaker school that encourages free-thinking and individuality |
| Berkshire, Thatcham | Downe House School | Girls | Stage One - Assessment Day: One-to-One Interview, Group Interview, Creative/persuasive writing Stage Two -ISEB Common Pre-test in maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning (Autumn ) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - Academic, Creative Arts, Music, Drama, Sport | Downe House was originally established in the home of Charles Darwin. Strong community focus and recognises each girl's unique strengths. Girls have the opportunity to take part in far-reaching Global Student Exchange Programmes across 5 continents. | |
| Bishop Stortford | Bishop’s Stortford College | Mixed | Assessment day - standardised and inhouse tests and activities, Interviews | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - Academic Music, Art, Sport | Strong community spirit, academic excellence | |
| Brighton | Roedean School | Girls | Online tests in English, maths, Reasoning, puzzles, creative comprehension, one-to-one interview, | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - Academic, Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Performing Arts, Sport, All-Rounder | Beautiful 45-acre campus with own farm and has 75 acres of land alongside near Brighton coast. Wide range of co-curricular activities. | |
| Buckinghamshire, High Wycombe | Wycombe Abbey | Girls | June | Stage One - ISEB online pre test in Maths, English, Reasoning Stage Two - Group Interview, Individual Interview, English and Maths written tests | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% Scholarships available in academic, drama, arts, sports (limited financial value and mainly for recognition) | High achieving academic school with a traditional curriculum. Fantastic facilities including a Performing Arts Centre with a theatre and a recital hall, and a stunning purpose built Sports Centre encompassing a 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool, sports hall and dance studio, fitness studio, climbing walls, and four glass backed squash courts. |
| Buckinghamshire, Thornton | Thornton College | Girls | November | As a non-selective school there are no entrance exams, but girls do complete a taster day - assessment and interview | Scholarships available in academic, drama, arts, sports - up to 50% off | Girls are admitted throughout the year, but big intake years are reception, y7, y9, y12. |
| Cambridgeshire, Cambridge | The Leys School | Mixed | November | Reports from current school, Entry tests in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning(January) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% Scholarships available in academic, drama, arts, sports (limited financial value and mainly for recognition) | Small class size with a commitment to pastoral care. Located in a rich cultural city of Cambridge. Wide range of extracurricular activity including a successful swimming program. |
| Cambridgeshire, Huntingdon | Kimboloton | Mixed | English, maths verbal reasoning assessment | Means tested bursaries available up to 100%. Academic scholarship available | Admissions also available 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ | |
| East Sussex, Brighton | Brighton College | Girls | Beginning of October | Written assessments in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning (December) Interview and Activities Day (January) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% Scholarships available - Academic, Art and Photography, Chess, Choral, Dance, Drama, Music, Sport | Strong academic performance, strong values. Global network of schools called Brighton College International. Early leader in teaching science and modern languages. |
| East Sussex, Mayfield | Mayfield Girls | Girls | October | English (1 hour), maths (1 hour), reasoning (30 minute) tests, interview and headmaster's report(November) | Bursaries available. Scholarships available in academic, art, dance, drama, music, sport, riding and creative arts. | Catholic but welcomes girls of all faiths, Admission available in Y9 and Y12. Onsite 25-stable equestrian centre complete with huge menage and cross-country course. Possesses one of the best Ceramic studios available in Europe. |
| Essex, Brentwood | Brentwood | Mixed | November | Interview and headteacher's report (November) Online adaptive maths, English and verbal reasoning test, GL format (November) | Scholarships available in academic, chess, sports, drama, arts, dance Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available | Single -sex lessons from 11-16 |
| Gravesend, Kent | ACS International School Cobham | Mixed | anytime | Our online application process takes a holistic approach, assessing each candidate individually by reviewing previous school records, references, questionnaire answers and standardised test scores. | Bursary - means tested and must also live within the catchment area of the school to ensure they can comfortably travel to school every day. | Extensive sports offered with 70+ dedicated coaches and first-class facilities. |
| Greater London, Kensington and Chelsea | Kensington Park School | Mixed | November | English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning and Interview (November | Academic, music, sport, art, and drama scholarships | 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry |
| Greater London, Kingston | Marymount International School London | Girls | References, school, English and Maths assessments, 1-2-1 interview, group interview (November) | Bursaries available | A Catholic school with Philanthrophy at its core. Follows IB. Traditional yet innovational. | |
| Hampshire, Winchester | St Swithun's | Girls | June in Year 5 | Online ISEB test in Maths, English, Reasoning, School Report (November) Written papers in English and Maths (Autumn) | Bursary- Means tests and up to 100% available Scholarships - Arts, Drama, Music, Sports, Academic | Known for its academic excellence especially in the natural sciences. 100+ recreational activities offered to students including music, theatre and lacrosse. |
| Hertfordshire, Elstree | Aldenham School | Mixed | November | STAGE ONE - online tests in maths, English, non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning, creative comprehension, puzzles and problem solving STAGE TWO - interview and headteacher's report | Bursary - Means tested and up to 100% available | 80 places available at 11+. Unpressured environment, community spirit, flexible boarding. Entry is available at Y7 (11+), Y9 (13+) and Y12 (16+) |
| Hertfordshire, Hertford | Haileybury | Mixed | October | CAT 4 Online Test (spatial, verbal, quantitative, non-verbal) AND written Maths & Creative writing (November) | Bursary - Means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available | Admissions available in y7, y9, 10, y12. 500-acre estate. Offering choice of A levels and IB. Proud of its military heritage. Christian school but welcomes people of all faiths and none. |
| Kent, Canterbury | Kent College Canterbury | Mixed | School report, English, Maths, Non-verbal reasoning (end of January) | Scholarships available in academic, IB, art, design and technology, drama, music, sport. Bursaries - means tested available | Kent College Canterbury takes children from 3 years old up to 11 and boarders can join from 8. Kent College is 90 minutes of Gatwick and Heathrow airport and 60 minutes from London by train. 100 different clubs and activities for kids to participate in. |
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| Kent, Cranbrook | Beneden School | Girls | STAGE ONE - Maths and English tests, one-to-one interview, school report STAGE TWO - ISEB Online test in Maths, English, Reasoning (Autumn term) | Bursary - Means tested and up to 100% available to children who live locally. Scholarships - Academic | Renowned for its pastoral care. Has a strong international reputation. Thriving drama department. | |
| Kent, Goudhurst | Bethany | Mixed | November | CAT4 test and English creative writing, interview and school reference (November) | Scholarships - academic, performing arts, music, sports, creative arts, design and technology (up to 12.5% fee remission) Busaries are available | Has an excellent learning support department. |
| Lancashire, Clevely | Rossall School | Mixed | English Mathematics Non-Verbal Reasoning written tests, Interview, Personal statement | Scholarships are awards based on merit/excellence in the fields of academics, sport, music, art and performing arts/drama. Scholarships are reviewed annually in light of a pupil’s achievement, effort, attitude and behaviour. | Elite football programme with Manchester City School, golf academy, international piano academy, broadway academy of performing arts. Entry available |
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| Oxford, Headington | Headington Rye | Mixed | English and Maths tests, one-to-one Interview (November/December) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available. Scholarships - Academic, Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Sports | Known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, strong links to Oxford university. Strong community feel. | |
| Oxfordshire, Abingdon | Abingdon School | Boys | October | Computerised maths, comprehension and reasoning and written creative writing, School report and headteacher's reference. (January) Interview (January) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - academic and music | First intake of girls will be into the Third Year in 2028. Abingdon offers 150+ over 150 activites for clubs including bell ringing, debating and croquet. Small tutor groups with just 10-12 pupils per member of staff. |
| Surrey, Ashtead | City of London Freemen's School | Mixed | October | Written assessments in English, Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning, one to one interview, school report | Scholarships available - Academics, Sport, Drama, Music, Art and Design and Technology. Bursaries available | The key points of entry are Year 3, Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12. Approximately 70 boarders. Strong co-curricular. 90% of students undertook their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh, and there are 140 cadets in Combined Cadet Force programme, with three platoons of Army and two flights of RAF cadets. |
| Surrey, Caterham | Caterham School | Mixed | November | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre test computerised test in maths, English and reasoning, Informal Interview (November) STAGE TWO - Edge Experience Day including 2 tests Maths and critical thinking, group interview, School reference (January) | Scholarships - Academic, Art and Design, Chess, Dance, Drama, Innovation, Music, Sports | 200 acres of sports fields, woodland, high ropes course and outdoor learning centre. Supportive and high-achieving academic schools. |
| Surrey, Cobham | Reed's School | Boys | October | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre test computerised test in maths, English and reasoning, Informal Interview (Autumn) STAGE TWO - Interview (January) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport | Christian School that provides pastoral care and support. Excellent educational provision that provides children with the tools they need to realise a better future. |
| Surrey, Epsom | Epsom College | Mixed | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre test computerised test in maths, English and reasoning, Informal Interview (Autumn) STAGE TWO - Engagement day consisting of school reference, one-to-one interview (January) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - Academic, Drama, Music, Sport | Known for its target rifle shooting set on a beautiful 72-acre site. Excellent academic results. Excellent sports facilities including swimming pool, squash courts, fitness studio, athletic tracks, climbing walls, netball courts and more. | |
| Surrey, Frensham | Frensham Heights | Mixed | October | STAGE ONE - Individual Interview followed by fun team building activity (November) STAGE TWO- Maths, Spelling, English Reading Comprehension, Creative Writing (January) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available for academia, sport, music, art, dance, drama | Admissions available from the age of 3. Known for child-centred, holistic education where individuality is celebrated! |
| Surrey, Guildford | St Catherine's School | Girls | October | Maths, English, Science and Verbal Reasoning. Headteacher's report and reference. | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - Academic (10% - 20% of fees). | Holistic education and strong community. Inspiring teachers and academic excellence. Wide range of extracurricular activities available including sports, music, drama and debating. |
| Surrey, Woldingham | Woldingham School | Girls | September | 11+ ISEB test, either at current school or at Woldingham, a short creative writing task and interview, reference from current school (November) | Scholarships - Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Performing Arts and Sport. There is a ‘Local Girl’ Scholarship (means tested) for a pupil at a local, maintained primary school. Bursaries- means tested available | The key points of entry are: 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (Sixth Form). Occasional places are available in 12+ (Year 8) and 14+ (Year 10). |
| West Sussex, Haywards Heath | Ardingly College | Mixed | Written papers in English and maths. Cognitive Ability online test. Group activity. Headteacher's reference | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available for academia, sport, music, art, dance, drama | Christian school with small class sizes and diverse community. IB syllabus available with strong academic results. | |
| West Sussex, Horsham | Christ's Hospital | Mixed | STAGE ONE - computer based tests in verbal, quantitative, non-verbal and spatial reasoning (February) STAGE TWO - Residential Assessment including an overnight stay, assessment tasks in Maths and English, head teacher's reference (January) | ursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available for academia, sport, music, art, dance, drama | Diverse school community. 250 acres site hosts twenty-one grass pitches, two floodlit all weather pitches, seven netball courts, fifteen tennis courts, ten cricket squares, a swimming pool, a double sports hall, gymnasium, squash courts, fives courts, fitness suite and a dance studio. Work has begun on a new athletics complex which will open in summer 2025. | |
| West Sussex, Horsham | Farlington School | Mixed | N/a | CAT4 test, interview and headteacher's report | Scholarships available - Academic, Art, Dance, Design & Technology, Drama, Equestrian, Music and Sport. | Most children start school at September but there may be spaces available throughout the year. 33 acres of parkland, 25 minutes drive from Gatwick airport. Strong academic results. Farlington has an equestrian centre and team. |
| West Sussex, Turners Hill | Worth School | Mixed | Online maths, English, reasoning, puzzles, creative comprehension. Creative writing. (March) | Scholarships available - Academic, Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Music or Sport (up to 10% of fees) Bursaries - means tested available | Entry available at 7+ (11+), Y9 (13+), Y12 (16+). Some spaces area available in other years. |