Reed’s School Entrance Guide

Prospective pupils and their families are encouraged to visit Reed’s School before applying. The open day programme includes a tour of the school, a chance to meet key staff and pupils and a talk from the Head. Open days and events are bookable on the website, and virtual visit is also available.

In recent years Reed’s School has moved to using the ISEB common pre- test for their assessment process. This process applies for children wishing to enter Reed’s School at both 11+ and 13+. If a child is applying for 13+ (Year 9) entry then the place will be deferred and will also be dependent on success at Common Entrance (Reed’s requires over 60% as an average). It is not possible to accept a place at 11+ and then subsequently defer it. 

The ISEB pre-test consists of one set of exams usually sat at your child's current prep school in the Autumn Term of Year 6 (State school applicants can also find an ISEB test venue at which to complete their tests). It assesses English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal reasoning. The results of the ISEB Common pre-test will be sent to Reed’s School for their consideration. There is no further school specific exam after the ISEB Pre-Test. This is beneficial for pupils sitting for more than one institution that also uses the ISEB selection exam, as it will reduce any unwanted examination stresses for the pupil as they will only need to sit one set of tests.

Following the ISEB pre-test, Reeds hold online interviews for every applicant that applies. The interview will cover general questions, hypothetical scenarios and critical thinking skills. An offer of a school place will be given based on the results of the ISEB common pre-test, performance at interview and with consideration of the reference from your child's current school. Offers are posted in the Spring Term. 

At 16+, Reed’s School accepts both boys and girls. There is an entrance examination in the Autumn Term of Year 11 which tests prospective pupils in two subjects (ideally those they are planning to study at A-Level) and also includes an exam in Critical Thinking. 16+ applicants will also have a face to face interview and be required to hold a strong set of predicted grades at GCSE. Offers are posted by the end of the Autumn Term. 

Scholarships are available at Reed’s School at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Academic Scholarships at 11+ and 16+ are awarded following the entrance assessment process and there is no separate application. At 13+, academic scholarship candidates may sit the ISEB Common Academic Scholarship papers in the Summer Term if Year 8. If they attend a school at which this is not offered they can sit Reed’s Academic Scholarship paper at around the same time. For all Academic Scholarship awards, there is also an interview with the Head. 

11+ scholarships are also available at Reed’s School in Art, Drama, Music and Sport. At 13+ and 16+, scholarships are offered in Art, Drama, Design and Technology, Music and Sport. These scholarships involve submission of work, an audition/ assessment/ interview process and an expectation of further study of the subject up to A-Level where appropriate. Reed’s School also has a ‘Headmaster’s Award’ at 11+, 13+ and 16+ which is offered to prospective pupils who have performed particularly well in two or more of the scholarship categories. 

Bursaries are available at Reed’s School at 11+, 13+ and 16+. These are termed ‘Foundation Awards’ and are linked to strict criteria which are available on the website. There is a staged process which includes a visit to the school and a home visit to assess circumstances.