About Long Close School
Long Close School is a co-educational independent day school in Slough, Berkshire. 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.
Long Close 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 Long Close School
Long Close School Admissions Criteria
Long Close School is a co-educational independent day school in Slough, Berkshire. 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 Long Close 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 Long Close 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 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Long Close School'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 their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at Long Close 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 Long Close School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Long Close 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 Long Close School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Long Close 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 Long Close School
Step 1 — Visit Long Close School in Slough, Berkshire
Visit Long Close School in Slough, Berkshire — 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 Long Close
Your child sits the entrance assessment at Long Close
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 Long Close School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Long Close School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Long Close School is a co-educational independent day school in Slough, Berkshire.
Independent Practice Papers for Long Close School
Long Close 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 Long Close 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 Long Close School (GCSE Results)
Long Close is Slough’s only non-selective independent school, achieving strong GCSE results from a broad-ability intake through small classes and individualised support.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum (in 2020, around 86% of pupils achieved grade 6 or above across their GCSE papers).
- Post-16: the school educates pupils to age 16 (Year 11); leavers progress to a range of sixth forms and colleges, and at 11+ many prep pupils also gain places at local grammar schools.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Long Close School
Long Close School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As Slough’s only non-selective co-educational independent school, places are open to families from across Slough and the surrounding area, with all-ability entry rather than selection by where a family lives.
The school is on Upton Court Road in Slough; entry runs from the Nursery (from age 2) and Prep through to GCSE at 16, with many prep pupils also preparing for 11+ entry to local grammar schools.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1940 and part of the Cognita group since 2004, Long Close School is a non-selective, all-through co-educational independent day school (ages 2–16) in Slough — the town’s only non-selective independent and its largest — with the motto ‘Altiora petimus’ (we seek higher things). Built on core values of respect, resilience, ambition and kindness, it offers a family-like atmosphere with small classes, individualised learning and strong pastoral and wellbeing support.
Its enrichment programme spans sport (hockey, football, netball and athletics), music, drama, STEM challenges and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Long Close School
How do I get into Long Close School?
To gain entry to Long Close 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.
What entrance exam does Long Close School use?
Long Close School 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 Long Close School?
Long Close 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 Long Close School?
Yes. Long Close 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 Long Close School?
Most independent schools including Long Close 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 Long Close 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 Long Close School. No registration required.
When is the Long Close School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Long Close 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 Long Close School 11+ results announced?
At Long Close School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.