About Bishop's Stortford College
Bishop's Stortford College is a boys independent day school in Hertfordshire. 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.
Bishop's Stortford College 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 #138 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 77.6%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Bishop's Stortford College
Bishop's Stortford College Admissions Criteria
Bishop's Stortford College is a boys independent day school in Hertfordshire. 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 Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College. 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 Bishop's Stortford College 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 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 Bishop's Stortford College.
- ✓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 Bishop's Stortford College. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College
Step 1 — Visit Bishop's Stortford College via an Open Day
Visit Bishop's Stortford College via an Open Day, Boarding Open Evening (e.g. Tuesday 16 June from 5-9pm) or individual visit
Step 2 — Tour the 130-acre campus and meet boarding
Tour the 130-acre campus and meet boarding and admissions staff
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 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 6 — Your child sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Bishop's
Your child sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Bishop's Stortford College
Step 7 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 8 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated — on acceptance, pay the deposit (accommodation, laundry, EAL, lunches, stationery and textbooks all included in fees)
Independent Subjects Tested at Bishop's Stortford College
Scholarships & Bursaries at Bishop's Stortford College
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available. Fees-in-advance scheme with guaranteed credit available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced following assessment
Additional notes: Bishop's Stortford College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Hertfordshire (founded 1868, celebrated 150th anniversary in 2018). 130-acre campus on the edge of Bishop's Stortford. Accommodation, laundry, EAL, lunches and textbooks are included in the fees. External examination fees are added per term.
Independent Practice Papers for Bishop's Stortford College
Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Bishop’s Stortford College is a leading, academically selective all-through school with a first-rate and rising academic record across GCSE and A-Level.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum, with GCSE preparation from Year 9.
- A-Level: a wide Sixth Form offer of around 24 subjects.
- Progression: high rates of progression to leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Bishop's Stortford College
Bishop’s Stortford College is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Day places mainly go to families from across Hertfordshire and Essex, while its boarding houses attract full, weekly and international boarders; entry is academically selective rather than based on where a family lives.
The school sits on a 130-acre campus on the edge of Bishop’s Stortford, between London and Cambridge, with six main entry points from Pre-Prep to the Sixth Form (boarding from age 7).
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1868 by a group of East Anglian Nonconformists, Bishop’s Stortford College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school (ages 4–18) on a 130-acre campus in Hertfordshire, comprising a Pre-Prep, Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form. A Christian, non-denominational foundation with the motto ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ and a member of HMC and IAPS, it describes itself as ‘the modern face of independent education’ — large enough for exceptional breadth, but small enough for each child to be known.
Its highly regarded centres for music, art and drama sit alongside a strong sporting record at regional and national level and a busy House system. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bishop's Stortford College
How do I get into Bishop's Stortford College?
To gain entry to Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College?
Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College?
Yes. Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College?
Most independent schools including Bishop's Stortford College 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 Bishop's Stortford College?
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 Bishop's Stortford College. No registration required.
When is the Bishop's Stortford College 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Bishop's Stortford College is See school website for current admissions cycle dates (2026 and 2027 entry). The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Bishop's Stortford College 11+ results announced?
At Bishop's Stortford College, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.