Senior School Entry (11+ & 13+)
Senior School consists of:
Lower School
- Year 7 (11-12)
- Year 8 (age 12-13)
- Year 9 or ‘Shell’ – (age 13-14)
Senior School
- Year 9 or ‘Shell’ – (age 13-14)
- Year 10 or ‘Remove’ – (age 14-15)
- Fifth Form – (age 15-16)
Admission into the Senior School is normally at age 11 into Year 7, 13 into Year 9 or age 16 into the Lower Sixth Form. Students may also gain entry into Year 10, the Fifth Form and occasionally the Upper Sixth if suitable and when places are available. Entry is subject to an interview, school reports and reference from their present school. In addition, all applicants are required to sit an entrance assessment.
Year 7 (11+)
Our Admission process for Year 7 entry includes attending the 11+ Lower School Experience where they will have an interview with the Head of College, and attending the Aspire to Ardingly Assessment Day. The day will include academic assessments, classroom time with their peers and teambuilding exercises.
11+ Entry into Year 7 Assessment Dates for 2024 Entry
| 11+ Scholarship Dates for 2024 | Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Aspire to Ardingly Assessment Day | Saturday 18th November 2023 | Friday 20th October 2023 |
| Art Scholarship | Monday 15th January 2024 | Friday 24th November 2023 |
| Drama Scholarship | Monday 15th January 2024 | Friday 24th November 2023 |
| Sport Scholarship | Tuesday 16th January 2024 | Friday 24th November 2023 |
| Music Scholarship | Tuesday 16th January 2024 | Friday 24th November 2023 |
| Academic Scholarship | Wednesday 17th Jan 2024 | Friday 24th November 2023 |
| Dance Scholarship | Friday 19th January 2024 | Friday 24th November 2023 |
Year 9 (13+)
Our Admissions process for Year 9 entry comprises an academic pre-test, a meeting with the Head of Senior School (or a member of the Senior Academic team), school report and a school reference. Candidates attending a Prep School are required to sit the ISEB online Common Pre-test in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non Verbal Reasoning. The test is taken at their Prep School. Those who are not studying at a Prep School either in the UK or abroad are to sit an entrance assessment in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non Verbal Reasoning.
13+ Entry 2024 and 2025
If you are interested in 2024 and 2025 entry, please contact the Registrar regarding late place availability.
13+ Entry to Year 9 2026
The application process for 13+ entry in September 2026 is in Year 6.Parents are required to visit the College and register in Year 5 or early in Year 6. Registered candidates are then asked to sit the ISEB online Pre-Test at their Prep School in the Michaelmas term of Year 6.
| We request your first visit to be at an Open Morning in Year 5 or early Year 6 | Oct, March and May |
| At registration, two most recent school reports are requested. Any specific learning or other requirements that your child has must be submitted at this time | Prior to individual visit |
| Individual visit includes Headmaster meeting, Admissions meeting and tour with a senior member of staff | Wednesday and Friday mornings during term time |
| ISEB online test pre-selection | Oct 2023 - Dec 2023 |
| References requested from the Head of current school. Pre-selection decision made. | December 2023 - January 2024 |
| Ardingly Engagement Day - selected candidates only, based on ISEB online pre-test, school reports and references. | 3rd February 2024 |
| Decision letters sent | March 2024 |
Students who are not in the Prep school system and/or who are applying outside these dates will be asked to register and sit the ISEB pre-test prior to an individual visit to the College to meet the Headmaster and/or senior staff. These applicants will also be required to attend our Ardingly Assessment and Activity Day.
Year 10 and 11
Admission into Year 10 or the Fifth Form is via written assessments in English, Mathematics and Science. We also require two school reports and reference from the student’s previous school.
Our Registry team are always happy to answer any questions you may have and arrange for you to visit. They can be contacted on 01444 893320. Alternatively, please use the form below to register for an Open Morning or arrange a personal visit.
The following dates are guidelines only and are subject to change.