Epsom College entrance guide
Recently awarded ‘Independent School of the Year’, and known for its excellent academic results, Epsom College educates around 1100 pupils aged between 11 and 18. Co-educational, Epsom offers both boarding and day places with a six-day week model for both, meaning day pupils are just as involved in school life as boarders. Around 20% of pupils come from overseas and are full boarders; children can also board on a weekly basis or, if living more locally, travel in each day. Located 15 miles from Central London, Epsom College is well served by public transport, and the school also runs minibuses to and from the local area. There are three standard entry points at 11+, 13+ and 16+, with occasional places also available if there is space in the year group. Below you can find further information on admission to this popular school and meet our tutors who have experience helping children and their families seeking a place there.
Open Days and Events at Epsom College
Epsom College holds three Open Mornings on Saturdays every year, one per term. These are bookable on the school website and can sell out quickly. Alternatively, College Tours are available, which are aimed at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. These take place during the week and are limited to 15 families. The main difference between the Open Morning and the College Tour is that the former includes a talk from the Head and a ‘departmental showcase’, whereas the latter does not, as lessons will be happening at the time of the tour. Children are welcome to both events. For those families unable to visit the college in person, a virtual tour is available on the website.
11+ Entry to Epsom College
Following registration, all pupils who wish to gain entry to Epsom College at 11+ are interviewed in the Autumn Term of Year 6. The interview is likely to be short and informal. All applicants are then invited to sit entrance assessments in the Spring Term. These have four components: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Creative Writing and Maths. Both the Reasoning and the Maths papers are standardized and administered by GL Assessment, so practice papers are widely available; these are very similar to many other 11+ tests. The English paper is set by the English department at Epsom; a sample paper is available on the college website. Once both stages are complete and a reference has been received from the child’s current school, offers are sent out; all children holding offers are then invited to attend a day at the school with their families before deciding whether or not to accept their place.
13+ Entry to Epsom College
13+ entry to Epsom College is secured two years in advance, with prospective pupils having interviews in the Autumn Term of Year 6, and completing entrance assessments in the Spring Term. These assessments have four components: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Creative Writing and Maths. Both the Reasoning and the Maths papers are standardised and administered by GL Assessment, so practice papers are widely available; these are very similar to many other tests at the same level. The English paper is set by the English department at Epsom; a sample paper is available on the college website. Once both stages are complete and a reference has been received from the child’s current school, offers for deferred entry to Year 9 are sent out; all children holding offers are then invited to attend a day at the school with their families before deciding whether or not to accept their place. Late entry when a child is in Year 8 is also possible if places are available in Year 9 at that time; entrance assessments are taken in the Autumn Term of Year 8 and consist of English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning papers; sample papers for Maths and English are available on the school website. Recently this option has been unavailable due to the year group being full.
16+ Entry to Epsom College
There are around 20 places available for 16+ entry to Epsom College. Prospective pupils must apply in the Autumn Term of Year 11, submitting a personal statement alongside the application form and their most recent school report. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview the same term. Those successful at interview are offered conditional places pending the outcome of their GCSE results, which are confirmed once these become available in late August.
Scholarships and Bursaries at Epsom College
Academic scholarships are awarded at 11+ without the need to sit further exams and purely on the basis of the entrance assessments. Music, Drama and Sports scholarships are also offered at 11+, and these are assessed in Year 6 following the entrance assessments and interview, and before places are confirmed. At 13+, Academic, Music, Drama and Sports scholarships are available, and these are assessed in Year 8 for those holding deferred entry places. Candidates for Academic Scholarships at 13+ must sit a range of exam papers including at least one language paper. At 16+, Academic, Music , Drama and Sports scholarships are available; candidates for Academic Scholarships must sit papers in two subjects. All scholarships at Epsom College carry a small financial award.
Bursaries are available at Epsom College for those families who would otherwise be unable to afford the education offered by the school. A detailed guide is available on the website. Around 75 bursaries are offered every year.
