About Hurstpierpoint Prep School
Hurstpierpoint Prep School is the preparatory school for Hurstpierpoint College, a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. As an independent school, fees apply.
Hurstpierpoint Prep School provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum.
About the Hurstpierpoint Prep School Entrance Assessment
Hurstpierpoint Prep School is the co-educational preparatory school for Hurstpierpoint College, an independent Woodard school in West Sussex. Entry is by the school’s own age-appropriate assessment and a taster day, with applications made directly to the school — not through the Local Authority.
Most prep pupils progress to Hurstpierpoint College’s senior school. As an independent prep it sets its own assessment and standards; fees apply, with some scholarships and bursaries available.
Registration, assessment dates and open events are published on the school’s own admissions pages each year. Because the school is independent, you apply to and are offered a place by the school directly.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Hurstpierpoint Prep School
Hurstpierpoint Prep School Admissions Criteria
Hurstpierpoint Prep School is the preparatory school for Hurstpierpoint College, a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. As an independent school, fees apply.
- ✓Register with Hurstpierpoint Prep via their admissions office.
- ✓Entry via the school's own assessment.
- ✓Contact the school for current fees and information.
Hurstpierpoint Prep School Oversubscription Criteria
If applications exceed the None 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 Hurstpierpoint Prep School)
- 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 — Hurstpierpoint Prep School 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 Hurstpierpoint Prep School via the Common Application Form
Step 1 — Register your child for the GL Assessment 11+ Test
Register through your regional 11+ portal (e.g. Sussex) 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 Hurstpierpoint Prep School
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 on Mid-October 2025, BEFORE the Common Application Form deadline. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has passed the qualifying mark.
Step 5 — Complete your Common Application Form (CAF)
List Hurstpierpoint Prep School 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 Hurstpierpoint Prep School's waiting list — managed by the school itself.
GL Assessment Subjects Tested at Hurstpierpoint Prep School
Practice Papers for Hurstpierpoint Prep School
Hurstpierpoint Prep School 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 & Progression at Hurstpierpoint Prep
As a prep school, Hurstpierpoint Prep focuses on a broad, well-rounded education; most pupils progress to the senior school at Hurstpierpoint College rather than sitting external 11+ exams.
Pastoral Care & Co‑curricular at Hurstpierpoint Prep
- ✓Pastoral: a nurturing co-educational prep community within the wider College.
- ✓Co‑curricular: sport, music, drama and outdoor learning on the College’s campus.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurstpierpoint Prep School
Is Hurstpierpoint Prep a state or independent school?
It is the co-educational independent preparatory school for Hurstpierpoint College in West Sussex - fee-paying, not a state grammar.
How do I apply for a place?
You apply directly to the school. Entry is by the school's own age-appropriate assessment and a taster day.
Does it use the GL Assessment 11+?
No. As an independent prep it sets its own assessment - it is not part of the state GL 11+ system. Most pupils move up to Hurstpierpoint College.
Are there scholarships and bursaries?
Some scholarships and bursaries are available - contact the school.
How to Prepare for the Hurstpierpoint Prep 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.