About Chesham Prep School
Chesham Prep School is a boys independent day school in Buckinghamshire. 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.
Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School
Chesham Prep School Admissions Criteria
Chesham Prep School is a boys independent day school in Buckinghamshire. 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 Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School
Step 1 — Visit Chesham Preparatory School or attend an Open Event
Visit Chesham Preparatory School or attend an Open Event — bookings can be made via the Admissions Team
Step 2 — Complete and sign the registration form
Complete and sign the registration form — must arrive at the school prior to the examinations
Step 3 — Pay the £100 registration fee at the time of registration
Pay the £100 registration fee at the time of registration
Step 4 — Your child is invited to attend an Assessment Day at
Your child is invited to attend an Assessment Day at Chesham Prep
Step 5 — Sit the 11+ entrance examination covering English (comprehension
Sit the 11+ entrance examination covering English (comprehension, writing, inference, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation) and Mathematics (problem-solving, numerical reasoning)
Step 6 — Assessment includes an interview as part of the process
Assessment includes an interview as part of the process
Step 7 — The school requests a strong current-school report
The school requests a strong current-school report and any reports or information from educational psychologists or other relevant bodies
Step 8 — On acceptance of an offer, pay the deposit
On acceptance of an offer, pay the deposit (refunded during your child's last term at the school)
Independent Subjects Tested at Chesham Prep School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Chesham Prep School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Chesham Prep School does not offer scholarships or bursaries at 11+. The school is a preparatory school for pupils aged 3-11 in the Buckinghamshire countryside.
Outcome announced: Not applicable
Additional notes: Chesham Preparatory School is a co-educational independent prep school in Buckinghamshire (founded 1938) serving children aged 3-11. The 11+ assessment process prepares pupils for entry to senior independent or grammar schools at age 11.
Independent Practice Papers for Chesham Prep School
Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Preparatory School (Progression to Senior Schools)
Chesham Prep is a preparatory school, so pupils take their next step at 11+ rather than sitting GCSEs or A-Levels here. It is academically selective from Year 3 and has a strong record of preparing children for a wide range of senior schools.
- At 11+: pupils progress to leading Buckinghamshire grammar schools (such as Chesham, Dr Challoner’s and Aylesbury) and to independent schools (Berkhamsted is popular).
- Curriculum: small classes (averaging around 18) and inspiring teaching, with strong results at 11+.
- Setting: a semi-rural campus next to a working farm, with wide green spaces.
Leaver destinations vary from year to year, so always confirm the latest information on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Chesham Preparatory School
Chesham Preparatory School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a standalone prep (not tied to any single senior school), it admits children from across Chesham and the surrounding Buckinghamshire area, with selective entry from Year 3 rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on a semi-rural site at Orchard Leigh outside Chesham, with wraparound care for working families.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1938, Chesham Preparatory School is a co-educational independent prep day school (ages 3–11) on a semi-rural site next to a working farm outside Chesham, Buckinghamshire. A standalone prep known for being friendly and family-orientated at the heart of its local community, it combines small classes with a nurturing ethos in which children ‘aim high, work hard and achieve great things’.
There is a wide co-curricular programme spanning sport, music, drama and outdoor adventure across its green-space setting. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chesham Preparatory School
How do I get into Chesham Prep School?
To gain entry to Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School use?
Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School?
Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School?
Yes. Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School?
Most independent schools including Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep 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 Chesham Prep School. No registration required.
When is the Chesham Prep School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Chesham Prep School is Prior to the examinations (typically late autumn term Year 6). The registration fee is £100. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Chesham Prep School 11+ results announced?
At Chesham Prep School, 11+ assessment results are After Assessment Day. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.
What is the acceptance deposit at Chesham Prep School?
The acceptance deposit at Chesham Prep School is Refundable during child's last term at the school. This is payable on acceptance of a place.