About Hereford Cathedral School
Hereford Cathedral School is a co-educational independent day school in Hereford, Herefordshire. 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.
Hereford Cathedral 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. GCSE 9-7: 40-50%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Hereford Cathedral School
Hereford Cathedral School Admissions Criteria
Hereford Cathedral School is a co-educational independent day school in Hereford, Herefordshire. 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 Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics and 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 Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School
Step 1 — Arrange an individual visit (informal chat with Head + tour
Arrange an individual visit (informal chat with Head + tour) or attend an Open Morning/Afternoon/Evening at Hereford Cathedral School
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's website
Step 3 — Pay the £75 non-returnable registration fee
Pay the £75 non-returnable registration fee
Step 4 — Your child's name is placed on the prospective entry list
Your child's name is placed on the prospective entry list and relevant info sent to you
Step 5 — Submit a confidential reference from your child's current
Submit a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 6 — Your child sits the 11+ entrance examination in January
Your child sits the 11+ entrance examination in January — Mathematics (problem-solving, numerical reasoning), English (comprehension, creative writing), Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
Step 7 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 8 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated — on acceptance, pay the deposit
Independent Subjects Tested at Hereford Cathedral School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Hereford Cathedral School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available. Forces families: Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) reduces boarding fees to ~10% of total. Contact Admissions on 01432 363 583.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Hereford Cathedral School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school next to Hereford Cathedral — among the oldest in England (documented from 1384, over 640 years of educational excellence). Strong music programme with many pupils in the cathedral choir.
Independent Practice Papers for Hereford Cathedral School
Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Hereford Cathedral School achieves excellent results that are consistently the best in Herefordshire and well above national averages.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: excellent results over a sustained period (around 22 traditional A-Level subjects, plus BTEC Sport), well above national averages.
- Progression: pupils progress to leading universities in the UK and beyond.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Hereford Cathedral School
Hereford Cathedral School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school (with some boarding), it draws families from across Hereford and Herefordshire, with selective entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits beside Hereford Cathedral in the city centre; entry runs from the Nursery and Junior School through 11+ and into the Sixth Form, and the school educates the Cathedral choristers.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Among the oldest schools in England — with origins alongside Hereford Cathedral in the late 7th century and the earliest documentary record dating from 1384 — Hereford Cathedral School is a Church of England co-educational independent day school (ages 3–18) in the shadow of the Cathedral, with the motto ‘Floreat Schola Herefordensis’ (may the school of Hereford flourish). Co-educational since 1973 and built around the timeless values of kindness, courage and integrity, it is a happy, inclusive school known for strong pastoral care, small class sizes and the education of the Cathedral choristers.
It has a national reputation for music alongside strong sport and a wide co-curricular programme including a Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, drama and debating. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hereford Cathedral School
How do I get into Hereford Cathedral School?
To gain entry to Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School use?
Hereford Cathedral School sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics and 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 Hereford Cathedral School?
Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School?
Yes. Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School?
Most independent schools including Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral 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 Hereford Cathedral School. No registration required.
When is the Hereford Cathedral School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Hereford Cathedral School is Prior to January entrance examination. The registration fee is £75 non-returnable. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Hereford Cathedral School 11+ results announced?
At Hereford Cathedral School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.