About Chigwell School
Chigwell School is a co-educational independent day school in Essex. 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.
Chigwell 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 #282 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 68.2%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Chigwell School
Chigwell School Admissions Criteria
Chigwell School is a co-educational independent day school in Essex. 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 Chigwell 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 Chigwell 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 Chigwell 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 Chigwell 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 Chigwell School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Chigwell 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 Chigwell School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Chigwell 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 Chigwell School
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at Chigwell School (held in September
Attend an Open Day at Chigwell School (held in September) or book a working-day tour via email
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form — closing date 5:00pm on Monday 1 December 2025 (for September 2026 entry)
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of registration
Pay the registration fee at the time of registration
Step 4 — Indicate any interest in scholarships or bursaries
Indicate any interest in scholarships or bursaries on the registration form
Step 5 — Attend a candidate meeting
Attend a candidate meeting — held on Saturday 15 November and Saturday 29 November 2025, with final few in early January
Step 6 — Sit the 11+ entrance examination on Saturday 10 January 2026
Sit the 11+ entrance examination on Saturday 10 January 2026 (online assessment)
Step 7 — Results of the 11+ entrance examination emailed
Results of the 11+ entrance examination emailed and posted on Thursday 19 February 2026
Step 8 — Acceptances must be received by 10:00am on Friday 6 March
Acceptances must be received by 10:00am on Friday 6 March 2026
Independent Subjects Tested at Chigwell School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Chigwell School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Sport Scholarships at 11+. Music scholarship candidates should have ABRSM Grade 4 (first instrument) and Grade 2 (second instrument/singing). Means-tested bursaries via Bursary Assessment Associates (BAA) at Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+).
Outcome announced: Academic scholarship interview/assessment: Wed 21 or Thu 22 January 2026. Music auditions: week beginning Mon 12 Jan 2026. Sports scholarship: initial Tue 2 Dec 2025, final Tue 27 Jan 2026.
Additional notes: Chigwell School is a co-educational private school in northeast London (founded 1629) for pupils aged 4-18, set on a 100-acre Green Belt site surrounded by Epping Forest. Bursary application forms sent to registered candidates by end of November 2025.
Independent Practice Papers for Chigwell School
Chigwell 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 Chigwell 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 Chigwell School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Chigwell is an academically selective all-through school with a strong record at GCSE and A-Level, combining academic ambition with a broad, balanced education.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: pupils take three or four A-Levels from a wide range in a dedicated Sixth Form Centre.
- 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 Chigwell School
Chigwell School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a mainly day school (with boarding offered at Sixth Form, largely for international pupils), places are open to families from across north-east London and Essex, with entry by selective assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on a 100-acre Green Belt site between Epping and Hainault Forests, about ten miles from the City of London, with entry at 4+, 7+, 11+ and the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1629 by Samuel Harsnett, Chigwell School is a co-educational independent day and (Sixth Form) boarding school (ages 4–18) on a 100-acre Green Belt campus in Essex, with the motto ‘Aut viam inveniam aut faciam’ (find a way, or make a way). An Anglican foundation that welcomes pupils of all faiths and fully co-educational since 1997, it is known as a nurturing, close-knit community with strong pastoral care and ISI-rated ‘excellent’ boarding.
Its facilities support a broad co-curricular programme — including a Drama Centre, a Music School and Choir, strong hockey and a sports centre with a 25-metre pool. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chigwell School
How do I get into Chigwell School?
To gain entry to Chigwell 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 Chigwell School use?
Chigwell 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 Chigwell School?
Chigwell 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 Chigwell School?
Yes. Chigwell 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 Chigwell School?
Most independent schools including Chigwell 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 Chigwell 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 Chigwell School. No registration required.
When is the Chigwell School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Chigwell School is Monday 1 December 2025 at 5:00pm (for September 2026 entry). The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Chigwell School 11+ results announced?
At Chigwell School, 11+ assessment results are Thursday 19 February 2026 (emailed and posted). The deadline to accept a place is Friday 6 March 2026 by 10:00am.