About King's Ely Junior School
King's Ely Junior School admits Year 7 pupils through its own entrance assessment. Applicants sit age-standardised, computer-based adaptive tests in Mathematics, English and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), with an interview with the Head of King's Ely Junior, a school report and a short dyslexia screening. Academic scholarships and means-tested bursaries may be available.
King's Ely Junior School offers an outstanding education with excellent academic standards, small class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
About the King's Ely Junior Entrance Assessment
King's Ely Junior School (KEJ, ages 7–13) is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Ely, Cambridgeshire, and part of King's Ely. Entry to Year 7 is by the school's own entrance assessment rather than a consortium test such as GL Assessment or the former CEM 11+. Applications are made directly to King's Ely (registration fee payable).
Applicants sit age-standardised, computer-based adaptive tests in Mathematics, English and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal). Alongside the tests, each child has an interview with the Head of King's Ely Junior, provides a report from their current school, and takes a short dyslexia screening; children may also spend a taster day in school. Because the tests are age-standardised, younger pupils are not disadvantaged.
For 2026 entry, the assessments are held throughout January of Year 6, with offer letters issued once the testing period is over. Places may also be offered at other times of year where space exists within a year group.
King's Ely Junior considers applicants across a range of academic ability and judges whether a child will thrive in its learning environment; where applications exceed available places, the school applies its own admissions criteria. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions information and key dates.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for King's Ely Junior School
King's Ely Junior School Admissions Criteria
King's Ely Junior School admits Year 7 pupils through its own entrance assessment. Applicants sit age-standardised, computer-based adaptive tests in Mathematics, English and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), with an interview with the Head of King's Ely Junior, a school report and a short dyslexia screening. Academic scholarships and means-tested bursaries may be available.
- ✓Register with King's Ely Junior School via the school's admissions office or website.
- ✓A reference is requested from the child's current school ahead of the assessment.
- ✓Sit the school's own entrance assessment — age-standardised computer-based adaptive tests in Mathematics, English and Reasoning, plus a dyslexia screening and an interview with the Head of King's Ely Junior.
- ✓All questions are multiple-choice. Papers cover English Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- ✓Attend an interview or informal assessment day at the school.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — selection is based on the overall entrance assessment and interview.
- ✓Offers typically made within 1–2 weeks of the assessment.
- ✓Academic, Music, Sport and other Scholarships may be available.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries available for eligible families — contact the school's bursar.
- ✓Open Days held each term — book via the school website.
King's Ely Junior School Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, King's Ely Junior School ranks applicants by performance in its own entrance assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in King's Ely Junior School's entrance assessment
- 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 King's Ely Junior School's places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — King's Ely Junior School 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | Varies by school (typically open Sept/Oct of Year 5) |
| 📌 Registration closes | Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies) |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | January of Year 6 (the school's own adaptive assessment) |
| 📌 Test results released | February of Year 6 |
| 📌 Offers issued by school | February-March (varies by school) |
How to Apply to King's Ely Junior School Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at King's Ely Junior School
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 King's Ely Junior School
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
King's Ely Junior School's own entrance assessment is typically held in January of Year 6. It covers Mathematics, English and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), with an interview and a dyslexia screening.
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 King's Ely Junior School 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 Assessed at King's Ely Junior School
CEM Practice Papers for King's Ely Junior School
King's Ely Junior School sets its own entrance assessment. Our practice papers cover the reasoning, English and Maths skills it tests — 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 King's Ely Junior 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 King's Ely Junior School (Progression to Senior School)
King’s Ely Junior is the 7–13 section of King’s Ely; pupils progress to King’s Ely Senior at 13, where GCSEs and A-Levels are taken. King’s Ely achieves strong GCSE and A-Level results and the whole school was awarded the highest grading in its most recent ISI inspection.
For current results and leaver destinations, see the school’s own website.
Catchment Area for King's Ely Junior School
King's Ely Junior School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Ely, Cambridgeshire and the surrounding area, with boarders from further afield, and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school is in the cathedral city of Ely, 15 minutes from Cambridge and about an hour from London by rail, with private school buses across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk; it offers day and boarding, with entry by assessment rather than catchment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Part of King’s Ely — one of the oldest schools in the world, with a history stretching back over 1,000 years — King’s Ely Junior educates pupils aged 7–13 in a Church of England setting (welcoming all faiths) and is the choir school for Ely Cathedral, with a strong musical tradition.
There are wide opportunities in music, drama, sport and the outdoors, with day and boarding pupils fully integrated. For the full list of activities, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about King's Ely Junior School
How do I apply to King's Ely Junior School for Year 7?
Applications to King's Ely Junior School 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 King's Ely Junior School use the CEM 11+ test?
No. King's Ely sets its own entrance assessment — age-standardised, computer-based adaptive tests in Mathematics, English and Reasoning — alongside an interview with the Head of King's Ely Junior, a school report and a dyslexia screening. It does not use the former CEM 11+ or a consortium test.
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. Many former CEM schools now use GL Assessment after CEM 11+ was retired in 2022.
How many Year 7 places does King's Ely Junior School have?
King's Ely Junior School 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 King's Ely Junior School?
For 2026 entry, King's Ely Junior School's 11+ entrance assessment is held in January of Year 6 (the school's own entrance assessment). Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for King's Ely Junior School?
King's Ely Junior School 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 King's Ely Junior School a state school or fee-paying?
King's Ely Junior School 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 King's Ely Junior School 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete CEM-style 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 King's Ely Junior School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for King's Ely Junior School 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.