About Emanuel School
Emanuel School is a co-educational independent day school for boys and girls aged 10–18 on the edge of Wandsworth Common in south-west London, founded in 1594 by Lady Anne Dacre and on its current site since 1883. It educates around 1,000 pupils (roughly half girls, half boys). As an independent school it charges fees — around £7,500 a term (about £22,500 a year; confirm the current figure).
Entry to Year 7 (around 96 places) is by the school's own entrance exam in late November — English (1 hour: comprehension and creative writing), Mathematics (1 hour) and Verbal Reasoning (30 minutes) — followed by classroom-based group activities and a one-to-one interview. Entry is also offered at 10+.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Emanuel School
Emanuel School Admissions Criteria
Emanuel School is a co-educational independent day school in Wandsworth, SW London. 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 Emanuel 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 Emanuel 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 Emanuel 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 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 Emanuel 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 Emanuel School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Emanuel 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 Emanuel School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Emanuel 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 Emanuel School
Step 1 — Visit Emanuel School on its 12-acre Battersea campus near
Visit Emanuel School on its 12-acre Battersea campus near Clapham Junction — book an Open Event or personal tour
Step 2 — Emanuel registration opens late April year before entry
Emanuel registration opens late April year before entry, closes 17 October 2025 (for 2026 entry)
Step 3 — Complete the online registration form on Emanuel's
Complete the online registration form on Emanuel's admissions portal
Step 4 — Pay the £185 + 20% VAT registration fee
Pay the £185 + 20% VAT registration fee
Step 5 — Submit a copy of your child's end of Year 5 school report
Submit a copy of your child's end of Year 5 school report and a reference from your child's current Headteacher
Step 6 — Your child sits the 11+ entrance exam on 28 November 2025
Your child sits the 11+ entrance exam on 28 November 2025 (for 2026 applicants) — English (1 hour: comprehension + creative writing), Mathematics (45 mins), Verbal Reasoning (30 mins)
Step 7 — All exams are on paper
All exams are on paper
Step 8 — Following assessment
Following assessment, offers are communicated. 96 Year 7 places (plus 48 places at 10+/Hill form)
Subjects Tested at Emanuel School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Emanuel School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Emanuel School is a co-educational independent day school in Battersea, southwest London (founded 1594 by Lady Anne Dacre and Queen Elizabeth I). 1,081+ pupils ages 10-18, near-equal balance of boys and girls. Consistently ranked among top 50 independent schools. Part of United Westminster Schools' Foundation. Annual fees £7,687/term.
Academic Performance at Emanuel School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Emanuel is an academically selective school whose results have risen strongly in recent years, placing it among the top independent schools nationally.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: excellent results (the average grade was an A in 2025), with most pupils gaining places at their first-choice universities.
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Emanuel School
As an independent school, Emanuel has no catchment area; pupils travel in from across south-west London. Places are awarded on the entrance exam, group activities and interview.
Emanuel offers academic and other scholarships plus means-tested bursaries; check the school's admissions pages for current details and how to apply.
Independent Practice Papers for Emanuel School
Emanuel 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 Emanuel 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.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1594 through a bequest by Lady Anne Sackville (Dacre) and granted a royal charter by Elizabeth I, Emanuel School is a Church of England co-educational independent day school (ages 10–18) on a 12-acre site beside Wandsworth Common in Battersea, south-west London, with the motto ‘Pour Bien Desirer’ (the noble aim). Fully co-educational since 1995 and now a near-equal community of around 1,100 boys and girls, it is known for a warm, ambitious ethos, strong pastoral care and a genuine commitment to widening access through fee assistance.
Co-curricular strengths are notable — especially sport (including a long-established Boat Club), music and drama — alongside a wide range of clubs and activities. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Emanuel School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Emanuel at 11+?
Register online directly with the school (registration opens in late April of Year 5 and closes in mid-October; a registration fee of £185 + VAT applies). Your child sits the entrance exam in late November, with a group activity and interview in January.
What is on the Emanuel 11+ exam?
The school's own papers — English (1 hour, comprehension and creative writing), Mathematics (1 hour) and Verbal Reasoning (30 minutes) — plus classroom-based group activities and a one-to-one interview.
Is Emanuel selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective co-educational independent day school, so it charges fees (around £7,500 a term, about £22,500 a year; confirm the current figure).
Is Emanuel co-educational?
Yes — Emanuel educates girls and boys (roughly half and half) aged 10–18.
How many Year 7 places are there?
Around 96, with about 45 more joining at 10+ (into the ‘Hill’ form, Year 6).
When is the entrance exam?
In late November of Year 6 (27 November 2026 for September 2027 entry), with interviews and group activities in January 2027 and offers in February.
Does Emanuel have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits pupils from any area; it is well connected near Clapham Junction.
Does the exam include non-verbal reasoning?
No — Emanuel tests English, Maths and verbal reasoning at 11+ (there is no separate non-verbal reasoning paper).
How can my child prepare?
Build confident Year 5/6 English and maths, practise timed verbal reasoning, and develop creative writing. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.