Calm Eleven

Independent schools

Applying to independent schools at 11+

Every school does it a little differently. Here's the shape of it, so you always know what comes next.

How independent admissions work

Independent (private) schools set their own admissions. You register directly with each school, usually in the autumn of Year 6, and pay a registration fee. Each school then tests, meets your child, and makes its own offers.

Because every school runs its own process, the hardest part for parents is usually the organisation: different deadlines, different tests and different interview days. Keep them all in one place and it becomes manageable.

The three kinds of test

1

The ISEB Pre-Test

An online, adaptive test of English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, used by many leading schools as a first stage. It is usually sat once, and the result is shared with each school that asks for it.

2

The London 11+ Consortium

One shared online test for a group of London girls' schools. Your daughter sits it once, and each Consortium school on your list sees the result. More on the Consortium.

3

Schools' own papers

Many schools set their own English and maths papers, sometimes with reasoning or creative writing, or use a test from a provider such as Quest or Cambridge Select Insight.

The timeline

My child is in

September 2027 entry

  1. 2025 to summer 2026 · Year 5Visit and shortlistOpen days, a long list, then a shortlist. Note each school’s registration deadline.
  2. Autumn 2026 · Year 6RegisterMost schools close registration in the autumn of Year 6, often in October or early November.
  3. Late November 2026 to January 2027TestsThe ISEB Pre-Test, the London 11+ Consortium test or the school’s own papers.
  4. January 2027InterviewsOften a one-to-one conversation, a group activity or a taster morning.
  5. February 2027OffersOffers arrive, usually with a deadline to accept and pay a deposit.

September 2028 entry

  1. 2026 to summer 2027 · Year 5Visit and shortlistOpen days, a long list, then a shortlist. Note each school’s registration deadline.
  2. Autumn 2027 · Year 6RegisterMost schools close registration in the autumn of Year 6, often in October or early November.
  3. Late November 2027 to January 2028TestsThe ISEB Pre-Test, the London 11+ Consortium test or the school’s own papers.
  4. January 2028InterviewsOften a one-to-one conversation, a group activity or a taster morning.
  5. February 2028OffersOffers arrive, usually with a deadline to accept and pay a deposit.

September 2029 entry

  1. 2027 to summer 2028 · Year 5Visit and shortlistOpen days, a long list, then a shortlist. Note each school’s registration deadline.
  2. Autumn 2028 · Year 6RegisterMost schools close registration in the autumn of Year 6, often in October or early November.
  3. Late November 2028 to January 2029TestsThe ISEB Pre-Test, the London 11+ Consortium test or the school’s own papers.
  4. January 2029InterviewsOften a one-to-one conversation, a group activity or a taster morning.
  5. February 2029OffersOffers arrive, usually with a deadline to accept and pay a deposit.

Tests happening now?

If your child is in Year 6, independent tests run from late November into January, with interviews in January. The Exam & Interview Kit has the 4-week countdown, 60 interview questions and plans for each day, and the Test Day Calm Kit covers the final fortnight.

Dates vary from school to school. Always check each school's own admissions page. Our London page has the details for over 50 schools.

Cover of Independent School Exam & Interview Kit

For independent school families

Independent School Exam & Interview Kit

Tests, interviews, deadlines and offers for independent school entry at 11+, all in one calm plan.

  • The three kinds of test explained: the ISEB Pre-Test, the London 11+ Consortium and schools' own papers
  • A shortlist tracker for every school you're applying to
  • ISEB Pre-Test guidance, plus English and maths preparation
  • A 4-week countdown to the tests
  • 60 interview practice questions in six categories

£14 · instant PDF download · price includes VAT

Buy now · £14See everything inside