About Epsom College
Epsom College is a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school in Epsom, Surrey, founded in 1855. As an independent school, fees apply. Entry to Year 7 is via the school's own entrance examination.
Epsom College provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 87.1%. A-Level A*–B: 90.6%.
About the Epsom College Entrance Assessment
Epsom College is a co-educational independent boarding and day school in Epsom, Surrey. Entry to Year 7 is by the school’s own entrance assessment, and applications are made directly to the school — not through the Local Authority.
The assessment typically covers English, Mathematics and reasoning, usually with an interview and a school reference. As an independent school, Epsom sets its own assessment and standards; fees apply, with academic, music, sport, art and drama scholarships and means-tested bursaries available.
Registration, assessment dates and open events are published on the school’s own admissions pages each year. Because Epsom College is independent, you apply to and are offered a place by the school directly, on its own timetable.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Epsom College
Epsom College Admissions Criteria
Epsom College is a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school in Epsom, Surrey, founded in 1855. As an independent school, fees apply. Entry to Year 7 is via the school's own entrance examination.
- ✓Register with Epsom College via their admissions office (epsomcollege.org.uk).
- ✓Sit the entrance examination (English, Mathematics and Reasoning).
- ✓Attend an interview.
- ✓Academic and other scholarships available.
- ✓Means-tested bursaries available.
Epsom College Oversubscription Criteria
If applications exceed the 160 Year 7 admission number, the Board of Governors / Trust applies the following criteria in priority order. Final ranking uses the standardised score achieved in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test.
- Looked-after / previously looked-after children (highest priority by law)
- Children who achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test (above the qualifying standard set by Epsom College)
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals Entitlement (FSME)
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
- Children with sibling(s) currently attending the school
- Children of staff (where staff member has worked at the school for 2+ years)
- Children ranked by total standardised score (highest first) up to the published admission number
- Tiebreak: distance from home to school (straight-line measurement) for children with equal scores
Key Dates & Deadlines — Epsom College 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | May 2025 |
| 📌 Registration closes | Mid-July 2025 (varies by school) |
| 📌 GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test | September 2025 (English + Maths + Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) |
| 📌 Test results released | Mid-October 2025 |
| 📌 CAF deadline (apply via Local Authority) | Friday 31 October 2025 |
| 📌 National Offers Day | Monday 2 March 2026 |
How to Apply to Epsom College
Step 1 — Register your child for the GL Assessment 11+ Test
Register through your regional 11+ portal (e.g. Default) when registration opens. Closes Mid-July 2025 (varies by school). There is no fee to sit the GL Assessment test.
Step 2 — Attend an Open Day at Epsom College
Visit during Year 5 or early Year 6 to meet staff and pupils and decide whether to list this school on your CAF.
Step 3 — Sit the GL Assessment Entrance Test
Your child sits the GL Assessment in September 2025. The test typically covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with standardised scores age-adjusted.
Step 4 — Receive your standardised test results
Test results are released to parents in line with the school’s own admissions timetable. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has passed the qualifying mark.
Step 5 — Complete the school’s application form
List Epsom College as one of your preferences on the CAF submitted via your home Local Authority (not the school's LA, unless they are the same). You can usually list 3-6 preferences depending on your LA.
Step 6 — Submit the CAF by the deadline
Submit your CAF by Friday 31 October 2025. Late applications are processed only after all on-time applications have been allocated, dramatically reducing your chance of a place.
Step 7 — Receive your school offer on National Offers Day
Offers are issued via your Local Authority on Monday 2 March 2026. If unsuccessful, you can appeal or join Epsom College's waiting list — managed by the school itself.
GL Assessment Subjects Tested at Epsom College
Practice Papers for Epsom College
Epsom College uses the GL Assessment 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
Academic Performance at Epsom College
Epsom College has a strong academic record at GCSE and A‑Level, with leavers progressing to leading universities. As a selective independent it sets its own standards through its entrance assessment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co‑curricular at Epsom College
- ✓Pastoral: a supportive house system with strong individual care.
- ✓Co‑curricular: a broad programme of sport, music, drama and clubs.
- ✓Boarding/day: see the school for current boarding and day options.
Frequently Asked Questions about Epsom College
Is Epsom College a state or independent school?
Epsom College is a co-educational independent boarding and day school in Surrey - it is fee-paying, not a state grammar.
How do I apply to Epsom College for Year 7?
You apply directly to the school. Entry is by the school's own entrance assessment, an interview and a reference.
Does Epsom College use the GL Assessment 11+?
No. As an independent school it sets its own entrance assessment - it is not part of the state GL 11+ system.
Are there scholarships and bursaries?
Yes - academic, music, sport, art and drama scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available.
How to Prepare for the Epsom 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.