About AKS Lytham (AKS)
AKS Lytham (AKS) is an independent co-educational school in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, with a strong academic and sporting tradition. Entry uses the CEM 11+ entrance assessment. GCSE 9-7: 48.2%, A-Level A*-B: 66.2%. The school offers academic scholarships and means-tested financial assistance.
AKS Lytham (AKS) offers an outstanding education with excellent academic standards, small class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. GCSE 9–7: 48.2%.
About AKS Lytham’s 11+ Entrance Assessment
AKS Lytham (AKS) is a co‑educational independent (fee‑paying) school for ages 3–18 on the Fylde Coast in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. Entry is by the school’s own entrance assessment and you apply directly to the school — there is no local‑authority Common Application Form and no National Offers Day.
For 11+ (Year 7) entry, candidates sit an online assessment: AKS uses the CEM Select platform, which tests verbal, non‑verbal and numerical ability through a series of short, age‑standardised online modules — usually in January of the year of entry, alongside a taster day. CEM Select is used here as the school’s own assessment tool, not as a regional grammar‑school test.
Following a successful assessment, a place is offered and reserved with a deposit. Many pupils progress from the school’s own prep, with others joining from local primary schools; Sixth Form entry is also open to external applicants following the October open day.
This guide covers how the assessment works, the key steps and dates, results, school life and how to prepare. Always confirm the latest format and dates on the school’s official admissions pages before registering.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for AKS Lytham (AKS)
AKS Lytham (AKS) Admissions Criteria
AKS Lytham (AKS) is an independent co-educational school in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, with a strong academic and sporting tradition. Entry uses the CEM 11+ entrance assessment. GCSE 9-7: 48.2%, A-Level A*-B: 66.2%. The school offers academic scholarships and means-tested financial assistance.
- ✓Register with AKS Lytham via the school's admissions office or website.
- ✓A reference is requested from the child's current school ahead of the assessment.
- ✓Sit the CEM 11+ entrance examination at the school: two written papers — English/Comprehension and Mathematics/Reasoning.
- ✓All questions are multiple-choice. Papers cover English Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- ✓Attend an interview or informal assessment day at the school.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — selection is based on the overall entrance assessment and interview.
- ✓Offers typically made within 1–2 weeks of the assessment.
- ✓Academic, Music, Sport and other Scholarships may be available.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries available for eligible families — contact the school's bursar.
- ✓Open Days held each term — book via the school website.
AKS Lytham (AKS) Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, AKS Lytham (AKS) ranks applicants by performance in the CEM-style entrance assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in AKS Lytham (AKS)'s entrance assessment (CEM-style)
- Children with siblings currently attending the school
- Children of former pupils (alumni connections)
- Children with strong references from current primary head
- Children of staff members (where applicable)
- Distance from school / catchment priority (some independents)
- Children ranked by performance in the assessment up to AKS Lytham (AKS)'s places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — AKS Lytham (AKS) 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | Varies by school (typically open Sept/Oct of Year 5) |
| 📌 Registration closes | Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies) |
| 📌 CEM-style 11+ Entrance Test | January of Year 6 (Independent school entrance exam, CEM-style format) |
| 📌 Test results released | February of Year 6 |
| 📌 Offers issued by school | February-March (varies by school) |
How to Apply to AKS Lytham (AKS) Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at AKS Lytham (AKS)
Visit during Year 5 to meet staff, tour the school and assess fit. Independent school open days are usually in Sept-Nov.
Step 2 — Register your child with AKS Lytham (AKS)
Complete the registration form on the school's website. Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies). A registration fee usually applies.
Step 3 — Sit the school's entrance assessment
AKS Lytham (AKS)'s entrance exam (CEM-style format) is typically held in January of Year 6. Covers English, Mathematics, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus interview.
Step 4 — Provide school references
Your child's current Head Teacher will be asked to submit a confidential reference. Strong references are particularly important for independent schools.
Step 5 — Attend an interview
Most independent schools interview shortlisted candidates. Interviews assess motivation, character and academic potential.
Step 6 — Receive your offer
Offers issued by AKS Lytham (AKS) in February-March (varies by school). Compare with offers from any other independent schools applied to.
Step 7 — Accept your place and pay deposit
Accept your offer in writing and pay the acceptance deposit (typically £500-£2,000, deducted from first-term fees) by the school's deadline.
CEM Subjects Tested at AKS Lytham (AKS)
CEM Practice Papers for AKS Lytham (AKS)
AKS Lytham (AKS) uses the CEM 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the AKS Lytham (AKS) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at AKS Lytham (GCSE & A‑Level Results)
AKS Lytham is an academically ambitious co‑educational independent school, with a distinctive “Learning to Learn” programme and a strong co‑curricular offer alongside academic study.
| 📈 GCSE — grades 9–7 / A*–A | around 51% (5‑year average) |
| 🎓 A‑Level — A*–B | around 60% |
| 🎓 A‑Level — A*/A | over a third |
Sixth‑formers progress to a wide range of universities and pathways. (Figures are multi‑year averages reported for the school and vary year to year; some pupils move to local sixth‑form colleges after GCSE.)
Catchment Area for AKS Lytham (AKS)
AKS Lytham is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across the Fylde Coast, Blackpool and Preston and beyond, and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school occupies a 35-acre coastal site on Clifton Drive South in Lytham St Annes, welcoming families from across the Fylde and the wider area.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
AKS Lytham was formed in 2012 from the merger of King Edward VII & Queen Mary School and Arnold School, and is a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) and the international Round Square group, with a strong emphasis on character education.
Small classes and a positive, supportive ethos sit alongside a wide co-curriculum of sport, music, drama and clubs, with a Forest Schools programme in the Prep School. For the full list of activities, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about AKS Lytham (AKS)
How do I apply to AKS Lytham (AKS) for Year 7?
Applications to AKS Lytham (AKS) are made directly to the school. Register on the school's website (registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies)), pay the registration fee, sit the entrance exam, and attend an interview if shortlisted.
Does AKS Lytham (AKS) use the CEM 11+ test?
AKS Lytham (AKS) historically used the CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) 11+ entrance test. Since CEM 11+ was retired in 2022, many schools have transitioned to GL Assessment or developed bespoke entrance tests. Practice papers in the CEM-style format remain valuable preparation as the topic areas (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) are still tested in most formats.
What's the difference between CEM and GL Assessment?
Both test similar subjects (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) but differ in style: CEM was designed to be less coachable with broader vocabulary and varied question types per paper; GL Assessment has more structured, predictable papers per subject area. Many former CEM schools now use GL Assessment after CEM 11+ was retired in 2022.
How many Year 7 places does AKS Lytham (AKS) have?
AKS Lytham (AKS) admits a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school allocates places on assessment performance, with a waiting list fairly.
When is the 11+ test for AKS Lytham (AKS)?
For 2026 entry, AKS Lytham (AKS)'s 11+ entrance assessment is held in January of Year 6 (Independent school entrance exam, CEM-style format). Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for AKS Lytham (AKS)?
AKS Lytham (AKS) sets its own qualifying mark each year based on the standardised score distribution of applicants. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) according to performance in the entrance assessment.
Is AKS Lytham (AKS) a state school or fee-paying?
AKS Lytham (AKS) is an independent fee-paying school. Registration fees, entrance exam fees, and tuition fees apply. Bursaries and scholarships are typically available for academically able pupils from lower-income families — check the school's website for details.
How can my child prepare for the AKS Lytham (AKS) 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete CEM-style 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question, and downloadable resources covering English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the test for best results.
Where can I find AKS Lytham (AKS)'s official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for AKS Lytham (AKS) 2026 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date admissions criteria, current test format, qualifying mark, supplementary forms, and any school-specific application requirements.