The Independent School Glossary

We hope you find the following guide helpful. If you require support with examinations for independent schools, we have a range of options to help. Please get in touch and we will be happy to help.

Boarder

A pupil at a private school who is also a resident. Boarders can return home at the weekends and holidays.

Bursary

Financial assistance awarded based on economic need to help pay tuition fees.

Charitable status

Tax exempt status many UK private schools have as registered charities.

Common Entrance

Entrance exam taken around age 13 prior to applying to independent secondary schools. Successful applicants join the new school in Year 9.

Day pupil

A student who attends a private day school and does not board.

DoS

A Director of Studies in a school with responsibility for academics.

Eleven Plus (11+)

An assessment usually comprising of English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal reasoning which is sat in year 6 for entry to senior schools in Year 7. It’s important to note that Eleven plus refers to both independent school exams and state Grammar School exams. Both are distinct. We have an experienced team of 11 plus tutors who can support both examinations.

Exeat

A leave of absence from boarding school (usually for the weekend, mid term). 

Extras

Additional charges for activities like music, sports, trips and materials. It’s important to note that these costs are not included in a school’s advertised fees (see below).

Fees

The tuition fees charged by a school per term and usually exclude extras. These fees usually increase year on year by about 4-5%. You can get a rough estimate by using our School Fees Calculator.

Gap year

A year off between school and university. Many young people travel, volunteer and/or work during this year. These are optional and not all students take one.

Half term

A short 1 week break in the middle of a school term. Many independent schools run trips during these holidays. These are paid for separately and not included in fees.

Headteacher

The leader of an independent school subject to the supervision of a Board of Governors or Trustees. The Headteacher is responsible for the general day to day running of the school as well as it’s strategic vision.

Honour boards

Lists of top academic achievers that is designed to celebrate success.

House

A boarding house where groups of boarding students live together.

Housemaster/mistress

Teacher in charge of a house and all the students within.

In loco parentis

The legal term for the school having responsibility for the child in the parents’ absence, while at the school.

Lent Term

This is the second term, starting in January and running until mid-March. It may also be called the Spring Term.

Lower/Upper School

Junior and Senior sections of the school. This can be at different ages depending on the school.

Michaelmas

The first academic term of the school year, typically from September to December.

Mufti Day

A non-uniform day often held towards the end of term and intended to raise money for a nominated charity

Oppidan

Usually used by Eton College to refer to pupils who do not board in the school grounds but in the town itself.

Oxbridge

A collective term for Oxford and Cambridge universities and not a specific institution. Many independent schools list which proportion of their sixth formers go on to Oxbridge colleges. A number increasingly also advertise the number of students who go on to Ivy League universities.

Seven Plus (7+)

An examination for entry into Year 3 that is sat by children in the first term of Year 7. Core subjects such as English and Maths are covered alongside an interview. These are competitive examinations that a number of schools increasingly use. We have a team of specialist 7 plus tutors who can provide targeted support across a range of schools.

Summer Term

This is the third and final term of the year, starting in late April/early May and ending in July. It may also be called the Trinity Term at some schools.

Prep

Homework that is to be done outside of contact hours. Many boarding schools have designated ‘Prep’ time for students to complete their homework

Prep school

Independent school for children ages 4-13 to prepare them for secondary education. Most prep schools will help their pupils with preparation for entrance examinations, but usually only for their final year. For example, a prep school will not usually support 7 plus applicants if it goes through to 13 plus.

Public school

In the UK, fee-paying independent schools, sometimes called private schools. This can be confusing to non-UK residents as they are not in fact open to the general public. Non-fee paying, state supervised schools are referred to as “State Schools”.

Remove

A year group in an independent school. Confusingly, the specific year group varies from school to school.

Scholarship

Historically, scholarships were financial assistance awarded based on academic, music or sports skills and merits. Today, most scholarships are prestige awards with only a nominal discount on fees (5-10%). Those looking for more substantial support with fees should apply for Bursaries.

Sixth form

The final 2 years of secondary school from ages 16-18. Students will typically study either A levels or the International Baccalaureate (Diploma Programme) during this time

Summer term

The third and final term of the academic year, typically from April to July.

Term

Periods when school is in session, usually three 10-12 week terms per year.

Thirteen Plus (13 +)

See also, Common Entrance. An examination held in Year 8 for entry into Year 9 at a senior school. Some schools require children to sit a pre-test in year 11 (see 11 plus). Unlike 11 plus, there is usually a broader range of subjects assessed. We have a team of experienced 13 plus tutors who can provide school specific support across a range of subjects.

If you think we have missed a term we’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below!