About Hymers College
Hymers College is a co-educational independent school in Hull, East Yorkshire. Entry to Year 7 is by a multi-part assessment set by the school (CEM Select online reasoning plus English and Mathematics papers and an interview). GCSE 9-7: 68.2%, A-Level A*-B: 76.2%. The school offers a broad curriculum with strong pastoral support. Academic and other Scholarships available.
Hymers College offers an outstanding education with excellent academic standards, small class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. GCSE 9–7: 68.2%.
About the Hymers College Entrance Assessment
Hymers College is a co-educational independent day school in Hull, East Yorkshire, for pupils aged 3 to 18. Entry to Year 7 is by the school’s own multi-part entrance assessment, and applications are made directly to Hymers College (online, with an application fee).
The 11+ assessment combines a CEM Select online test — covering verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning in around an hour across several short sections — with an English paper (comprehension and creative writing) and a Mathematics paper (problem-solving and arithmetic). Shortlisted candidates also attend an interview and a group activity, and the school requests a reference from the current school.
For 2026 entry, registration typically closes towards the end of November of Year 6 (with the bursary deadline a little earlier), the entrance exam is held in January, and offers are issued shortly afterwards. The school recommends applying early, as places are in demand.
Hymers College is academically selective. Where applications exceed the available places, candidates are ranked on assessment performance under the school’s published admissions criteria. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions information and key dates.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Hymers College
Hymers College Admissions Criteria
Hymers College is a co-educational independent school in Hull, East Yorkshire. Entry to Year 7 is by a multi-part assessment set by the school (CEM Select online reasoning plus English and Mathematics papers and an interview). GCSE 9-7: 68.2%, A-Level A*-B: 76.2%. The school offers a broad curriculum with strong pastoral support. Academic and other Scholarships available.
- ✓Attend an Open Day or arranged visit to Hymers College — check the school website for dates.
- ✓Complete the Registration Form on the school website and pay the registration fee.
- ✓A reference is requested from the child's current school. Based on a satisfactory report, the candidate is invited to sit the assessment.
- ✓Sit the CEM Select online assessment at the school (approximately 60 minutes): three sections covering Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- ✓Attend a short interview with a member of the admissions team, focusing on interests, motivation and personal qualities.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — selection is based on overall performance in the assessment, interview and school reference.
- ✓An offer is usually made within 1–2 weeks of the interview and assessment.
- ✓Academic, Music, Sport, Art and All-Rounder Scholarships may be available — contact the school for details.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries may be available for financially eligible families.
- ✓Confirm the place by completing an Acceptance Form and paying the required deposit.
Hymers College Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, Hymers College ranks applicants by performance in the CEM Select entrance assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in Hymers College's entrance assessment (CEM Select)
- Children with siblings currently attending the school
- Children of former pupils (alumni connections)
- Children with strong references from current primary head
- Children of staff members (where applicable)
- Distance from school / catchment priority (some independents)
- Children ranked by performance in the assessment up to Hymers College's places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — Hymers College 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | Varies by school (typically open Sept/Oct of Year 5) |
| 📌 Registration closes | Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies) |
| 📌 CEM Select 11+ Entrance Test | January of Year 6 (the school's own multi-part assessment) |
| 📌 Test results released | February of Year 6 |
| 📌 Offers issued by school | February-March (varies by school) |
How to Apply to Hymers College Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at Hymers College
Visit during Year 5 to meet staff, tour the school and assess fit. Independent school open days are usually in Sept-Nov.
Step 2 — Register your child with Hymers College
Complete the registration form on the school's website. Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies). A registration fee usually applies.
Step 3 — Sit the school's entrance assessment
Hymers College's entrance exam (CEM Select format) is typically held in January of Year 6. Covers English, Mathematics, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus interview.
Step 4 — Provide school references
Your child's current Head Teacher will be asked to submit a confidential reference. Strong references are particularly important for independent schools.
Step 5 — Attend an interview
Most independent schools interview shortlisted candidates. Interviews assess motivation, character and academic potential.
Step 6 — Receive your offer
Offers issued by Hymers College in February-March (varies by school). Compare with offers from any other independent schools applied to.
Step 7 — Accept your place and pay deposit
Accept your offer in writing and pay the acceptance deposit (typically £500-£2,000, deducted from first-term fees) by the school's deadline.
Subjects Tested at Hymers College
CEM Select Practice Papers for Hymers College
Hymers College uses the CEM Select 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning tests
- 450 video explanations
- 24 hours of video content
- 3 × Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning tests
- 450 video explanations
- 22.5 hours of video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 8.5 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
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- 8.0 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 7.5 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 7.0 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 6.5 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 6.0 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Hymers 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.
Academic Performance at Hymers College (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Hymers College is a leading co-educational independent school in Hull with consistently strong results.
- GCSE: a high proportion of strong GCSE grades across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: among the strongest sixth-form results in the region, offering A-Levels and BTECs.
- Progression: high rates of progression to leading universities, supported by personalised careers guidance.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Hymers College
Hymers College is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on the grounds of Hull’s former Botanical Gardens; pupils travel from across the region on around eight to ten bus routes, with entry by assessment rather than catchment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1893 and co-educational since 1989, Hymers College is an all-through school (ages 3–18) with the motto ‘High Merit, High Reward’ and an ethos of intellectual curiosity, integrity and responsibility to the wider community.
The co-curricular programme spans sport, music, drama, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and cadet activities. For the full list of clubs and societies, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hymers College
How do I apply to Hymers College for Year 7?
Applications to Hymers College are made directly to the school. Register on the school's website (registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies)), pay the registration fee, sit the entrance exam, and attend an interview if shortlisted.
Does Hymers College use the CEM Select test?
Hymers College sets its own multi-part 11+ entrance assessment. This combines a CEM Select online test (covering verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning) with an English paper (comprehension and creative writing) and a Mathematics paper, followed by an interview and a group activity. Applications are made directly to the school, online, with an application fee.
What's the difference between CEM and GL Assessment?
Both test similar subjects (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) but differ in style: CEM was designed to be less coachable with broader vocabulary and varied question types per paper; GL Assessment has more structured, predictable papers per subject area. CEM Select continues to be used by a number of independent schools, including Hymers, as part of their own entrance assessments.
How many Year 7 places does Hymers College have?
Hymers College admits a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly.
When is the 11+ test for Hymers College?
For 2026 entry, Hymers College's 11+ entrance assessment is held in January of Year 6 (the school's own multi-part assessment). Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for Hymers College?
Hymers College sets its own qualifying mark each year based on the standardised score distribution of applicants. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) according to performance in the entrance assessment.
Is Hymers College a state school or fee-paying?
Hymers College is an independent fee-paying school. Registration fees, entrance exam fees, and tuition fees apply. Bursaries and scholarships are typically available for academically able pupils from lower-income families — check the school's website for details.
How can my child prepare for the Hymers College 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a comprehensive 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question, and downloadable resources covering English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the test for best results.
Where can I find Hymers College's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Hymers College 2026 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, current test format, qualifying mark, supplementary forms, and any school-specific application requirements.