About Badminton School
Badminton School is a girls independent day school in Bristol. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Badminton 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. Ranked #241 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 90%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Badminton School
Badminton School Admissions Criteria
Badminton School is a girls independent day school in Bristol. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, 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 Badminton 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 Badminton 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 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Badminton School and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓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 her interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether her child has been offered a place at Badminton 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 Badminton School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Badminton 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 Badminton School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Badminton 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 Badminton School
Step 1 — Request a prospectus and visit Badminton School
Request a prospectus and visit Badminton School — Open Events held in October, March and May
Step 2 — Book a place online or arrange an individual visit
Book a place online or arrange an individual visit with the Admissions Team
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 — Submit registration by Wednesday 10 December 2025
Submit registration by Wednesday 10 December 2025 (for September 2026 entry)
Step 6 — The school requests a reference from your daughter's
The school requests a reference from your daughter's current school
Step 7 — Your daughter sits the 11+ entrance examination in
Your daughter sits the 11+ entrance examination in January at Badminton
Step 8 — Attend an interview with a senior member of staff
Attend an interview with a senior member of staff — first-round outcomes communicated at the beginning of February
Independent Subjects Tested at Badminton School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Badminton School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, STEM, Sports and All-Rounder Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Badminton School is an independent day and boarding school for girls in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol (founded 1858). Junior and senior school — just over 300 girls in senior school, 60% boarders. Class sizes maximum 18. International school from the start — takes its name from Badminton House in Clifton where first based. Entry to Year 7 is always oversubscribed.
Independent Practice Papers for Badminton School
Badminton School uses ISEB Common Pre-Test 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 Badminton 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.
Academic Performance at Badminton School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Badminton is one of the country’s leading academic girls’ schools, with a nationally outstanding record — particularly at A-Level — and a holistic ethos that values curiosity over exam-factory intensity.
- GCSE: a high proportion of strong grades (around 63% at 9–7 in a recent year).
- A-Level: outstanding results (around 81% at A*–B), with many girls taking four A-Levels plus the EPQ.
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities in the UK and abroad.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Badminton School
Badminton School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to day and boarding families from across Bristol, the South West and overseas (around a quarter of pupils are international), with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on a campus in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, and offers boarding from Year 5; entry points include Years 5, 6, 7, 9 and the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1858 by Miriam Badock, Badminton School is an independent day and boarding school for girls (ages 3–18) in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, with the motto ‘Pro Omnibus Quisque, Pro Deo Omnes’ (each for all, and all for God). A smaller school with a strong international tradition (alumnae include Iris Murdoch and Indira Gandhi), it is known for excellent pastoral care and values of curiosity, aspiration, courage and courtesy.
Music is a particular strength — most girls learn an instrument and the school stages numerous concerts and six drama productions a year — alongside dance, sport and a wide co-curricular programme. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Badminton School
How do I get into Badminton School?
To gain entry to Badminton 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.
Does Badminton School use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. Badminton School uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its 11+ admissions process. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive assessment commissioned by ISEB and developed by GL Assessment, used by over 90 leading UK independent senior schools. It covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. Results are age-standardised and shared with all senior schools the candidate has registered with.
What is the 11+ exam at Badminton School?
Badminton 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 Badminton School?
Yes. Badminton 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 Badminton School?
Most independent schools including Badminton 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 Badminton 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 Badminton School. No registration required.
When is the Badminton School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Badminton School is Wednesday 10 December 2025 (for September 2026 entry). The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Badminton School 11+ results announced?
At Badminton School, 11+ assessment results are Beginning of February (first-round outcomes). The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.