About Box Hill School
Box Hill School is a co-educational independent day school in Surrey & Sussex. 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.
Box Hill 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 Box Hill School
Box Hill School Admissions Criteria
Box Hill School is a co-educational independent day school in Surrey & Sussex. 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 Box Hill 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 Box Hill 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 Box Hill School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. 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 Box Hill 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 Box Hill School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Box Hill 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 Box Hill School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Box Hill 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 Box Hill School
Step 1 — Visit Box Hill School in Mickleham, Surrey
Visit Box Hill School in Mickleham, Surrey — 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 school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child sits the entrance assessment at Box Hill
Your child sits the entrance assessment at Box Hill
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
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 Box Hill School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Box Hill School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Box Hill School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Mickleham, Surrey (founded 1959). Round Square member school.
Independent Practice Papers for Box Hill School
Box Hill 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 Box Hill 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 Box Hill School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Box Hill (now RGS Surrey Hills) is non-selective, and its results are impressive given that — small classes and close monitoring help pupils achieve well at GCSE, A-Level and IB.
- GCSE: a strong record from a non-selective intake (in 2019 around 81% of grades at 9–4, with about a fifth at 9–7).
- A-Level / IB: strong results, with a choice of A-Levels or the IB Diploma at sixth form.
- Progression: pupils progress to a range of universities worldwide.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Box Hill School
Box Hill School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a non-selective day and boarding school (day, weekly and full boarding), it draws day families from across the Dorking and wider Surrey area and boarders from the UK and over thirty countries, with all-ability entry rather than selection by where a family lives.
The school sits in countryside at Mickleham near Dorking (about 30 miles from London); entry is at 11+, 13+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1959 by Roy McComish, Box Hill School is a non-selective co-educational independent day and boarding school (ages 11–18) set in countryside at Mickleham near Dorking, Surrey, and a founding member of the Round Square group — so its ethos follows Kurt Hahn’s IDEALS (internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service), with expeditions and overseas service at its heart. A small, friendly and notably international school (around a third of pupils from overseas), it is known for excellent pastoral care and a strong family atmosphere. Since 2025 it has been part of the Reigate Grammar School Group and now operates as RGS Surrey Hills.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, with an emphasis on adventure, expeditions, service, sport and the arts. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Box Hill School
How do I get into Box Hill School?
To gain entry to Box Hill 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 Box Hill School use?
Box Hill School sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. 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 Box Hill School?
Box Hill 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 Box Hill School?
Yes. Box Hill 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 Box Hill School?
Most independent schools including Box Hill 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 Box Hill 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 Box Hill School. No registration required.
When is the Box Hill School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Box Hill 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 Box Hill School 11+ results announced?
At Box Hill School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.