About Aldwickbury School
Aldwickbury School is a boys independent day school in Hertfordshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Aldwickbury School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Aldwickbury School
Aldwickbury School Admissions Criteria
Aldwickbury School is a boys independent day school in Hertfordshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Aldwickbury School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Aldwickbury School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Aldwickbury School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Aldwickbury School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Aldwickbury School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Aldwickbury School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Aldwickbury School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Aldwickbury School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Aldwickbury School
Step 1 — Visit Aldwickbury School at an Open Event
Visit Aldwickbury School at an Open Event or arrange a private tour
Step 2 — Contact the Admissions Team to check availability in your
Contact the Admissions Team to check availability in your child's year group
Step 3 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 4 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 5 — From Year 3 entry, Aldwickbury has an academically
From Year 3 entry, Aldwickbury has an academically selective admissions policy
Step 6 — Your child attends Aldwickbury for an assessment day
Your child attends Aldwickbury for an assessment day
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Aldwickbury School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Aldwickbury School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Aldwickbury is a preparatory school — pupils typically progress to senior independent schools at 11+ (St Albans 40%, Bedford School 10%, Haileybury 10%, etc).
Outcome announced: Prep school exit at age 11 to senior independent schools
Additional notes: Aldwickbury School is a standalone preparatory school in Harpenden, Hertfordshire (not tied to any one senior school). Historically a boys' school, the Pre-Prep opened to girls in September 2025, with full co-education expected by 2031. Nursery for ages 3-4 opens September 2026. Church of England, open to all faiths and none. Three classes per year, average class size 14. Boarding from Year 5 (10% board, weekly/flexi). Fees £6,260-£8,340/term (2025/26, incl. VAT and lunches).
Independent Practice Papers for Aldwickbury School
Aldwickbury School uses School's own bespoke 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 Aldwickbury School 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.
Where Aldwickbury Pupils Go Next (Senior‑School Destinations)
Aldwickbury is a preparatory school, so pupils take their next step at 11+ or 13+ rather than sitting GCSEs or A‑Levels here. Academically selective from Year 3, it was named the UK’s Independent Boys’ School of the Year in 2024.
- ✓Over the last five years, leavers have gone on to 23 different senior schools — local and further afield, day and boarding.
- ✓13 scholarships were won in the most recent year, across academic, drama, sport and music.
- ✓As a standalone prep (not tied to one senior school), pupils are prepared for 11+ and 13+ entry and guided to the school that best suits them.
- ✓Subject‑specialist teaching is supported by a swimming pool, a Sports Hall and a dedicated STEM Hub across a 20‑acre site.
Catchment Area for Aldwickbury School
Aldwickbury School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Harpenden, St Albans and the surrounding Hertfordshire area, with entry by assessment from Year 3 rather than where a family lives.
The school sits in 20 acres on the outskirts of Harpenden; it is mainly a day school, with flexi and weekly boarding offered from Year 5.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1948, Aldwickbury School is an independent prep day school (ages 4–13, with a nursery from 2026) on a 20-acre site in Harpenden. Historically a boys’ school and named the UK’s Independent Boys’ School of the Year in 2024, it began admitting girls to its Pre-Prep in September 2025 and aims to be fully co-educational by 2031. A Church of England school welcoming all faiths, it is known for a kind, supportive ethos and an extended school day.
Its longer day supports a rich co-curricular programme — including chess, robotics, climbing, music, LAMDA and triathlon — alongside a strong sporting calendar. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aldwickbury School
How do I get into Aldwickbury School?
To gain entry to Aldwickbury School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does Aldwickbury School use?
Aldwickbury School sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at Aldwickbury School?
Aldwickbury School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Aldwickbury School?
Yes. Aldwickbury School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Aldwickbury School?
Most independent schools including Aldwickbury School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Aldwickbury School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Aldwickbury School. No registration required.
When is the Aldwickbury School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Aldwickbury School is See school website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Aldwickbury School 11+ results announced?
At Aldwickbury School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.