About King's Hall School
King's Hall School King's Hall School is a co-educational independent preparatory school (ages 2–13) just north of Taunton in Somerset, and the prep school for King's College, Taunton. Entry is by the school's own age-appropriate assessment and a visit rather than a competitive 11+ examination; most pupils move on to King's College at 13. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
King's Hall 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.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for King's Hall School
King's Hall School Admissions Criteria
King's Hall School King's Hall School is a co-educational independent preparatory school (ages 2–13) just north of Taunton in Somerset, and the prep school for King's College, Taunton. Entry is by the school's own age-appropriate assessment and a visit rather than a competitive 11+ examination; most pupils move on to King's College at 13. 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 King's Hall 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 King's Hall 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 — Assessment and visit: As a preparatory school, King's Hall assesses applicants through age-appropriate tasks and a taster visit rather than a competitive 11+ examination. The Head's judgement is based on this assessment together with a report from the child's current school.
- ✓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 his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at King's Hall 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 King's Hall School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
King's Hall 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 King's Hall School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — King's Hall 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 King's Hall School
Step 1 — Visit King's Hall School in Taunton, Somerset
Visit King's Hall School in Taunton, Somerset — arrange a personal tour or attend an Open Event
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 King's Hall
Your child sits the entrance assessment at King's Hall
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 to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at King's Hall School
Scholarships & Bursaries at King's Hall School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: King's Hall School is a co-educational independent day and boarding preparatory school in Taunton, Somerset, for pupils typically aged 3-13. Linked to King's College, Taunton.
Independent Practice Papers for King's Hall School
King's Hall 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 King's Hall 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 Hall School (Progression to Senior Schools)
King’s Hall School is the preparatory school of King’s College, Taunton, educating children up to age 13 before they move on to senior schools — so it does not enter pupils for GCSEs or A-Levels itself.
- Progression: the vast majority of pupils move on to King’s College, Taunton (its partner Woodard senior school) at age 13, with others going to a range of senior schools.
- Beyond: King’s College leavers go on to leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for King's Hall School
King’s Hall School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day and boarding preparatory school, it draws families from across Taunton, Somerset and beyond, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits in a 50-acre estate around Pyrland Hall, just north of Taunton; entry runs from the Nursery (from age 2) through the prep years, with most pupils moving on to King’s College, Taunton at 13.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Housed since 1953 in the Georgian Pyrland Hall on a 50-acre estate just north of Taunton, King’s Hall School is the co-educational day and boarding preparatory school (ages 2–13) of King’s College, Taunton, and a Woodard (Church of England) school with the motto ‘Fortis et Fidelis’ (strong and faithful). Now also known as King’s College Preparatory School, it is known for a warm family atmosphere, traditional values and a rounded, nurturing education in which every child is known and valued.
Its co-curricular programme is broad — making use of facilities including swimming pools, a forest school and a cookery school alongside sport, music and drama. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about King's Hall School
How do I get into King's Hall School?
To gain entry to King's Hall 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.
Does King's Hall School use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
No. King's Hall is a preparatory school (ages 2–13) and admits pupils through its own age-appropriate assessment and a visit, not the ISEB Common Pre-Test. Most pupils progress to King's College, Taunton at 13.
What is the 11+ exam at King's Hall School?
King's Hall 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 King's Hall School?
Yes. King's Hall 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 King's Hall School?
Most independent schools including King's Hall 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 King's Hall 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 King's Hall School. No registration required.
When is the King's Hall School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at King's Hall School 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 King's Hall School 11+ results announced?
At King's Hall School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.