Admissions to the College

Senior

The management of admissions lies with the Senior Master.

Students admitted at 11+ sit entrance tests in English, Maths and Reasoning, followed by an informal interview. Background information is sought from feeder schools. Most candidates are tested and selected in January, but selection can take place at other times by arrangement with the Senior Master. There is no quota, but a high proportion of the intake comes from the St Columba's Preparatory Department. A limited number of students enter at 13+ (most deferring places at the 11+ stage), some take the Common Entrance papers, and external applicants at 16+ are welcomed by the Head of the Sixth Form. In addition, selected ‘occasional entrants’ can be admitted during the school year. All applicants above 11+ level are tested in English and Maths, and interviewed.

All teachers attend Open Sessions when the College is open to prospective parents (normally in the Michaelmas Term). They may also be involved in setting and marking tests (in Maths, English, Reasoning and for Common Entrance), interviewing candidates, liaison with the St Columba's Preparatory Department, and the induction evening for new parents in July. Many prospective parents visit the College throughout the year. They normally tour the site with a prefect. For further details of the admissions procedure as well as the College admissions policy, please contact the Senior Master.

Scholarships, major and minor, are available at the various points of entry to include 11+, 13+ and 16+. Music awards are also available to promising musicians or singers. Financial Aid is not currently available at the point of entry. However, those parents whose financial situations warrant it may be awarded financial assistance.

Preparatory Department

Admission to the Preparatory Department is by entrance testing. Candidates for admission are invited to attend on a Saturday in January when they and their parents will be welcomed to the College.

Candidates are also able to be assessed for entry to the prep dept. during the course of the academic year, subject to places being available in particular year groups.