Boarding schools are more than just places to study—they’re vibrant communities where students live and learn together during the school term. Popular among both international and UK-based students, these schools offer a structured yet enriching environment that blends academics, extracurricular activities, and pastoral care. They help students develop independence, lifelong friendships, and a strong foundation for future success.
The 13+ entry pathway is designed for students in Year 6 to Year 8, preparing them to join senior boarding schools at the start of Year 9. This transition gives students time to settle into the boarding school lifestyle, build confidence, and strengthen their academic skills before stepping into their teenage years.
Admissions for 13+ entry typically include Common Entrance exams, school-specific assessments, and interviews. Some schools also offer pre-testing in Year 6 or Year 7, allowing students to secure a place in advance. Since applications can start up to three years before entry, planning ahead is key!
Looking for the right fit? Below is a list of boarding schools near London that offer 13+ entry. Be sure to check each school’s official website for the latest details, as admissions requirements can change.
| COUNTY | SCHOOL NAME | GENDER | YEAR 6 DEFERRED ENTRY | YEAR 8 ENTRY | BURSARIES/SCHOLARSHIPS | EXTRA INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedfordshire, Bedford | Bedford School | Boys | STAGE ONE - ISEB Common Pre-Test (taken anytime between November and May) STAGE TWO - CEM online test in English, Maths and Reasoning, headteacher's report and reference, Interview | CEM online test in English, Maths and Reasoning, headteacher's report and reference, Interview | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available - art, computer science, golf, 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 | English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Studies, History or Geography, French or an alternative modern language (Spanish, Italian or German) and Latin, Interview, | 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 | STAGE ONE - 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). (November) STAGE TWO - Interview. School Report | STAGE ONE - Assessments in English, Maths, Science and an online assessment run by CEM consisting in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. (January), STAGE TWO - Interview and each girl is asked to prepare a short two minute talk on a topic of her choice. | 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, Crowthorne | Wellington College | Mixed | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre-Test in maths, English, Reasoning, Headteacher's report. STAGE TWO - group Interview (October/November) | For those who missed the Y6 Deferred entry route, there is a late admissions route. Short personal statement, latest school report, online tests, group Interview | Bursaries - means tested available Scholarships - Academic, Music | 400 acres of beautiful parkland and home to a breathtaking architecture and modern state-of-the-art facilities. Strong academic achievement and reputation. Entrance is available at younger years at Wellington College Prep School. |
| Berkshire, Reading | Queen Anne's School | Girls | Written paper in English, online MAths, Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning , One-to-one interview | Written paper in English, online MAths, Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning , One-to-one interview | Bursaries - means tested available 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, 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. | |
| Berkshire, Windsor | Eton College | Boys | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre-Test in maths, English, Reasoning, Headteacher's report (October/November) Stage TWO - Individual Interview, Online Academic test (January to August depending on a boy's birthday) STAGE THREE - Upon an offer of a conditional place, boys must pass the final test in Year 8, either the King's Scholarship, Common Entrance, or Eton Entrance exams. | Bursaries - means tested available Scholarships - Academic scholarships and Music scholarships | Famous public school that has educated generations of British royalty and foreign aristocracy. Extensive co-curricular activities all set within a beautiful historic campus environment. | |
| Bishop Stortford | Bishop’s Stortford College | Mixed | Assessment day - standardised maths and English, Group 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 | 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 | Stage One - ISEB online pre test in Maths, English, Reasoning, school report and headteacher's reference Stage Two - Group Interview, Individual Interview, English and Maths written tests | Stage One - ISEB online pre test in Maths, English, Reasoning, school report and headteacher's reference Stage Two - group interview, individual interview, written tests in English, Mathematics, Humanities, and a Modern Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese), along with a practical Science assessment | 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. Registration deadline is the 1st June. |
| Cambridgeshire, Cambridge | The Leys School | Mixed | 1st November | Reports from current school, Written entry tests in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning (January) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% Scholarships available in academic, drama, arts, sports, STEM, choral | 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. |
| East Sussex, Brighton | Brighton College | Girls | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre-test in maths, English, Reasoning STAGE TWO - interviews, written assessments in English and Maths | Contact the 13+ Coordinater for spaces at Year 8 entry. | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% Scholarships - Academic, Art and Photography, Chess, Choral, Dance, Drama, Music, Sport | Innovative lessons including Entrepreneurship, Presentation Skills and Mandarin. Strong academic achievement with global reputation. |
| East Sussex, Mayfield | Mayfield School | Girls | Written tests in maths, English, reasoning, school report, reference from Headteacher (November) | Bursary - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available - Academic, Drama, Music, Riding, Creative Arts, | Catholic girls school with equestrian available and a riding scholarship! Boasting top tier ceramics facilites for keen artists. | |
| Greater London. Barnet | Mill Hill School | Mixed | Deadline for 13+ applications – Wednesday 6 November 2024 STAGE ONE – 1. Computer based test in Maths, English, NVR, VR provided by Quest (formerly Atom). The Maths, NVR and VR are adaptive. The English section is non-adaptive (1 hour 10 minutes) 2. Creative writing (15 minutes) (Saturday 16 November 2024) STAGE TWO: 1. Group interview 2. Co-curricular or Teamwork Activity* 3. Review of Reference | Deadline for 13+ applications – Wednesday 20 November 2024 STAGE ONE – 1. Computer based test in Maths, English, NVR, VR provided by ATOM Learning. The Maths, NVR and VR are adaptive. The English section is non-adaptive. (1 hour 10 minutes) 2. Creative writing (15 minutes) (Saturday 30 November 2024) STAGE TWO -Interview and reference (Late January 2025) | Scholarships available for Art, Drama, Design Technology, Music and Sport. Means-tested bursaries are available as well as harship-award bursaries. | Just 30 minutes away from Central London with a vast 120 acres available including an indoor swimming pool, sports fields, theatre with 250 seat and much more... Y6, Y9, Y10 and Y12 entry available. |
| Greater London, Croydon | Whitgift School | Boys | Written tests in English, Maths, Science, Interview (November) | Bursary - Means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships - Drama, Music, Sport, Academic | Expansive parkland grounds featuring animals like peacocks and flamingos. Strong academic excellence with diverse curriculum options and a vibrant co-curricular program. | |
| Greater London, Southwark | Dulwich College | Boys | Deadline is September STAGE ONE: Online tests in maths, English, Reasoning, problem solving, written creative writing test STAGE TWO - Interview, reference from the Headteacher, 60 places available | Deadline is September STAGE ONE - written maths and English tests, online reasoning test, interview, school report | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% Scholarships available - Academic, Art, Sports, Music | Strong academics and offers a well-rounded curriculum. Strong history of philanthropy. One of UK's oldest public schools. 70 acres of grounds and well-connected in London. |
| Greater London, Richmond Upon Thames | St Paul's School | Boys | STAGE ONE: ISEB online pre-test in Maths, English, Reasoning and school report (October/November) STAGE TWO: written assessments in English and Maths and interview (early January) | Bursary - Means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available: Academic, Sports and Music | Extensive on-campus facilities, offering vast array of co-curricular activities including a large riverside location on the Thmas allowing for boating. Strong academic reputation and is one of the world's 150 best private schools. | |
| Greater London, Westminster | Westminster School | Mixed | STAGE ONE: ISEB tests in Maths, English, Reasoning and school report (October/November) STAGE TWO: Interview and written tests in English and Maths(December/January) | Bursary - Means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available 'The Challenge' consisting of Science, Latin, History, French, Geography, Maths, Music, English, | Academic and high percentage of school leavers go to Oxbridge, Russel Group Universities and top international universities | |
| Hampshire, Winchester | St Swithun's | Girls | Online ISEB test in Maths, English, Reasoning, School Report (Year 7) Written papers in Year 8 | 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. | |
| Hampshire, Winchester | Winchester College | Boys | STAGE ONE - ISEB pre test in maths, English, Reasoning, school report and Headteacher's reference STAGE TWO - Interview (Jan - March) STAGE THREE - Upon offer of a conditional place, boys must pass Maths and English tests, optional tests in Science, | Bursaries - means tested available Scholarships - Academic, Music, Sports | Strong academic results with over 600 years of history. Unique 'Div' System where students engage in discussion with their tutor fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiousity. strong community feeling and | |
| Hertfordshire, Berkhamsted | Berkhamsted School | Mixed | Online school exam in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This will be followed by the Holistic Assessment day. Individual Interview | Bursaries - means tested available Scholarships - Academic, Music, Sports | An all through school available to children from 3. Well rounded curriculum and a leader in using IT skills to enhance learning. Long history and was founded in 1541. | |
| Hertfordshire, Elstree | Aldenham | Mixed | Year 7 Entry is also available with online tests in maths, reasoning, problem solving, creative analysis (ATOM) | STAGE ONE - online tests in maths, English, non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning (CEM style) , seperate science test STAGE TWO - interview and headteacher's report | Bursary - Means tested and up to 100% available | 20-30 places available at 13+. Unpressured environment, community spirit, flexible boarding. Entry is available at Y7 (11+), Y9 (13+) and Y12 (16+) |
| 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 - ISEB Online test in Maths, English, Reasoning (Autumn/Spring term of Year 6) STAGE TWO - maths and English test, one-to-one interview (May) | 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 | Year 7 Entry is also available. Registration deadline - 20th December 2024 CAT4 test and English creative writing, interview and school reference (10th January 2025) | Registration deadline - 20th December 2024 CAT4 test and English creative writing, interview and school reference (10th January 2025) | 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. |
| Kent, Sevenoaks | Sevenoaks | Mixed | STAGE ONE -Reference from current school, ISEB pre-test in English, Maths and Reasoning STAGE TWO - written English, Maths and 40 minute group discussion, teamwork activities STAGE THREE - School report in y8 | STAGE ONE - Reference from current school, ISEB online test in English, Maths, Reasoning (October/November) STAGE TWO - written assessments in English, Maths, 40 minute group discussion, co-curricular taster activity | Scholarships - academic, music, sports, drama, art Bursaries - Means tested and up to 100% available | International community. Follows the IB diploma learning. Established in 1432 and one of the oldest secular schools in England. |
| Kent, Tonbridge | Tonbridge School | Boys | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre test Online maths, English, Reasoning. Headteacher's report STAGE TWO - satisfactory school report in Year 8 OR Year 8 Maths and Writing Assessment and interview | Late applicants will only be considered if there are any spaces | Scholarships - up to 21 academic scholarships and music/sport. Means-tested support for scholarships of up to 100% fee remission or a one off £2000 recognition. | Outstanding academic results with students gaining Oxbridge, Russell Group and top US institution places. Innovative curriculum such as new subjects introduced including mindfulness. |
| Oxfordshire, Abingdon | Abingdon School | Boys | Online tests in maths, comprehension and reasoning, Written creative writing test. Headteacher's reference and school report, Interview (October) | 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. | |
| Oxfordshire, Abingdon | Radley College | Boys | STAGE ONE - ISEB pre test Online maths, English, Reasoning, Headteacher's report (before November) STAGE TWO - written test, one-to-one interview, group interview STAGE THREE - Satisfactory Year 8 tests/Common Entrance exams | Only Scholarships applications available in academic, art, drama, innovation, music and sport in Y8 (September - March) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available in academics, art, drama, innovation, music and sports | 800+ acres of stunning grounds including lake, golf course, woodland and games pitches. Famous for its rowing, having won events at Henley Royal Regatta. Strong academic results. |
| Oxford, Headington | Headington Rye | Mixed | STAGE ONE - ISEB online test in Maths, English, Reasoning STAGE TWO - English and Maths tests (November) | 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. | |
| Surrey, Ashtead | City of London Freemen's School | Mixed | STAGE ONE - Written tests in English, Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning, one-to-one interview, small group activities, report from school (November) | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available. Scholarships - Academics, Sport, Drama, Music, Art and Design and Technology. | Known for its academic excellence with the school offering a range of courses including A-level and Cambridge Pre-U. Specialist professionals and teachers trained to understand neuro-diversity. | |
| Surrey, Cobham | Reed's School | Boys | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre test computerised test in maths, English and reasoning, Informal Interview (Autumn) STAGE TWO - Interview and Group 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, Dorking | Box Hill School | Mixed | Deadline for application - 11th October 2024 Maths test (60 mins), English test (45 mins), interview (Tuesday 21st or Thursday 23rd November 2024) | Deadline for application - 11th October 2024 Maths test (60 mins), English test (45 mins), interview. (Wednesday 27th November 2024 | Scholarships - Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport. Scholarships are available for students entering Years 7, 9, and 12 (Sixth Form) and cover up to 10% of annual school fees. Bursaries - means tested available | Empthasis on good pastoral care and quintessential English boarding school. Entry points include y7, y9 and y12. |
| 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) STAGE THREE - school reports, internal examination results | Late applicants must take English, Maths, Verbal-Reasoning (October) | 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 | STAGE ONE - Individual Interview followed by fun team building activity (Saturday 23rd November 2024) STAGE TWO- Maths, Spelling, English Reading Comprehension, Creative Writing (11th January 2025) | 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! |
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| Surrey, Godalming | Charterhouse School | Mixed | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre Test computerised test in maths, English, reasoning, School Reference STAGE TWO - Interview, Group activity, Written creative writing test | Written assessments | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available for art and textiles, drama, dance, performing arts, design engineering, music and sport, academic | Entry route is available for Year 7 students which is the same tests as Year 6 applicants. |
| Surrey, Guildford | St Catherine's School | Girls | Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning. Headteacher's report and reference. | N/a | Holistic education and strong community. Inspiring teachers and academic excellence. Wide range of extracurricular activities available including sports, music, drama and debating. | |
| Surrey, Caterham | Caterham School | Mixed | 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 (10-50% of fees) | 200 acres of sports fields, woodland, high ropes course and outdoor learning centre. Supportive and high-achieving academic schools. | |
| Surrey, Woldingham | Woldingham | Girls | Deadline for application - 30 September 2024 Y6: 11+ ISEB test, either at current school or at Woldingham, a short creative writing task and interview (4 November 2024) Y8: At Y8 students will complete the assessments again at y8 entry for setting and scholarships | Online ATOM test in English, maths and science, and an interview. | 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, 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, Haywards Heath | Ardingly College | Mixed | Written papers in English and maths and Reasoning. 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 | Farlington School | Mixed | CAT4 test, interview and headteacher's reference | 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. |
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| West Sussex, Turners Hill | Worth School | Mixed | Online maths, English, reasoning, puzzles, creative comprehension. Interview (June) | Online maths, English, reasoning, puzzles, creative comprehension. Interview (Autumn) | 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. 500 acre estate within easy distance of Gatwick. Worth is a musical school and about 40% of students learn a musical instrument or have singing lessons. |
| Wiltshire, Marlborough | Marlborough College | Mixed | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre-test computerised tests, headteacher report (Autumn Term) STAGE TWO - Short writing task, informal group activities, one to one interview (Winter Term) STAGE THREE- Common Entrance exams in Year 8 | STAGE ONE - ISEB Pre-test computerised tests, headteacher report STAGE TWO - Short writing task, informal group activities, one to one interview STAGE THREE- Common Entrance exams in Year 8 | Bursaries - means tested and up to 100% available Scholarships available for academia, sport, music, art, dance, drama, design | Strong academic results and famous for royal alumna. Located on the site of a 4000 year old Neolithic mound, which is the 2nd largest in Europe. |
