About Arnold Lodge School (ALS)
Arnold Lodge School (ALS) is a co-educational independent day school in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. 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.
Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS)
Arnold Lodge School (ALS) Admissions Criteria
Arnold Lodge School (ALS) is a co-educational independent day school in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS). 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS)'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 their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at Arnold Lodge School (ALS).
- ✓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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS)
Step 1 — Visit Arnold Lodge School at an Open Event
Visit Arnold Lodge School at an Open Event or arrange a personal tour
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The pupil must be recommended by their current Headteacher
The pupil must be recommended by their current Headteacher
Step 5 — Following registration, the school requests a reference
Following registration, the school requests a reference from the pupil's current school
Step 6 — Your child attends Arnold Lodge
Your child attends Arnold Lodge for the entrance assessment
Step 7 — Scholarship assessment (if applying
Scholarship assessment (if applying) takes place in the academic year before joining
Step 8 — Parents are typically notified of a decision within 2-3
Parents are typically notified of a decision within 2-3 weeks of assessment
Independent Subjects Tested at Arnold Lodge School (ALS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Arnold Lodge School (ALS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. A very limited number of bursaries may be available where a pupil does not meet scholarship requirements.
Outcome announced: Scholarships awarded for the duration of the pupil's time at Arnold Lodge, subject to annual monitoring and review at key stages (Year 9-10, Year 11-12)
Additional notes: Arnold Lodge School (founded 1864) is a co-educational independent day school in Leamington Spa for pupils aged 4-18. Strong GCSE results and holistic education approach. The Head reserves the right to withdraw a scholarship if behaviour, commitment or progress are not maintained.
Independent Practice Papers for Arnold Lodge School (ALS)
Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Arnold Lodge is a smaller, all-through school that prioritises individual progress and breadth of opportunity over raw league-table position, and was rated ‘Excellent’ by the ISI.
- GCSE: solid results across a broad curriculum, with personalised support in small classes.
- Sixth form: a small Sixth Form (established 2013) offering A-Levels and BTECs.
- Progression: pupils progress to a range of universities and careers.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Arnold Lodge School
Arnold Lodge School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Leamington Spa, Warwick and the surrounding Warwickshire area, with entry by assessment (at Reception, Year 3, Year 7 and the Sixth Form) rather than where a family lives.
The school occupies a mix of Victorian and modern buildings on Kenilworth Road in central Royal Leamington Spa, with good transport links across the region.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1864 and named after Dr Thomas Arnold of Rugby School, Arnold Lodge School is a co-educational independent day school (ages 4–18) in central Royal Leamington Spa. Co-educational since 1977, it added GCSE years in 2008 and a Sixth Form in 2013, and with the motto ‘Respice Finem’ (look to the end) it places pupil happiness and confidence at the heart of its ethos, with strong pastoral care in small classes.
There is a broad co-curricular programme spanning sport (netball, football, cricket and athletics), the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, performing arts and STEM clubs. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arnold Lodge School
How do I get into Arnold Lodge School (ALS)?
To gain entry to Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS) use?
Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS)?
Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS)?
Yes. Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS)?
Most independent schools including Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS)?
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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS). No registration required.
When is the Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 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 Arnold Lodge School (ALS) 11+ results announced?
At Arnold Lodge School (ALS), 11+ assessment results are Within 2-3 weeks of assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.