About Hill House School, Doncaster
Hill House School, Doncaster is a co-educational independent day school in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. 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.
Hill House School, Doncaster 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 #511 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 44.5%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Hill House School, Doncaster
Hill House School, Doncaster Admissions Criteria
Hill House School, Doncaster is a co-educational independent day school in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. 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 Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster. 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 Hill House School, Doncaster'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 her interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether her child has been offered a place at Hill House School, Doncaster.
- ✓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 Hill House School, Doncaster. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster
Step 1 — Visit Hill House School at an Open Event
Visit Hill House School at an Open Event or arrange a personal tour
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child sits the entrance assessment at Hill House (DN9 3GG
Your child sits the entrance assessment at Hill House (DN9 3GG, near Robin Hood Airport)
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit
On acceptance, pay the deposit. Monthly payment option available at no extra cost
Independent Subjects Tested at Hill House School, Doncaster
Scholarships & Bursaries at Hill House School, Doncaster
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available. Monthly payment option at no additional cost.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Hill House School is a co-educational independent day school in Auckley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire (DN9 3GG). ~850 pupils ages 3-18. Named 'Independent Secondary School of the Year, North' for 2025 by The Sunday Times. New £1 million sports pavilion (Feb 2023) and New Court Art/Music/Maths Department (Nov 2024). Catchment includes Tickhill, Bawtry, Epworth, Doncaster, Rotherham, Howden, Selby, Pontefract, Retford and Worksop.
Independent Practice Papers for Hill House School, Doncaster
Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Hill House regularly achieves the top GCSE and A-Level results in the Doncaster area, with examination outcomes among the strongest in the country.
- GCSE: a strong record, regularly the best in the district.
- A-Level: strong results, with pupils progressing to a range of universities.
- Progression: pupils progress to a wide range of universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Hill House School, Doncaster
Hill House School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school, places are open to families from across Doncaster and the surrounding South Yorkshire and north Nottinghamshire area, with entry by the school’s own assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits in substantial buildings and grounds at Auckley, with additional sports grounds nearby at Blaxton; entry runs from the Pre-Prep and Junior School through 11+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1912 by Reginald Master as a preparatory school, Hill House School is an HMC co-educational independent day school (ages 3–18) at Auckley near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, with the motto ‘Sapientia et Doctrina’ (wisdom and learning). Fully co-educational since the early 1980s and named Independent School of the Year in 2012, it is known for small classes, a warm family atmosphere and strong pastoral care in which every pupil is known as an individual.
Sport, music and drama are real strengths — with achievements at national level and an annual music and drama festival — alongside a wide co-curricular programme from fencing and chess to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hill House School, Doncaster
How do I get into Hill House School, Doncaster?
To gain entry to Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster use?
Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster?
Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster?
Yes. Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster?
Most independent schools including Hill House School, Doncaster 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 Hill House School, Doncaster?
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 Hill House School, Doncaster. No registration required.
When is the Hill House School, Doncaster 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Hill House School, Doncaster is See school website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Hill House School, Doncaster 11+ results announced?
At Hill House School, Doncaster, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.