About Magdalen College School (MCS)
Magdalen College School (MCS) is a boys independent day school in Oxford, Oxfordshire. 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.
Magdalen College School (MCS) 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. Ranked #22 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 80%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Magdalen College School (MCS)
Magdalen College School (MCS) Admissions Criteria
Magdalen College School (MCS) is a boys independent day school in Oxford, Oxfordshire. 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 Magdalen College School (MCS) 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 Magdalen College School (MCS). 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 Magdalen College School (MCS)'s own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. 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 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 Magdalen College School (MCS).
- ✓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 Magdalen College School (MCS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Magdalen College School (MCS) 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 Magdalen College School (MCS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Magdalen College School (MCS) 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 Magdalen College School (MCS)
Step 1 — Visit MCS in central Oxford
Visit MCS in central Oxford — attend a Senior School Open Day in the months prior to application
Step 2 — Tour with current pupil, meet the Master (Helen Pike
Tour with current pupil, meet the Master (Helen Pike) and Heads of Departments — Master's talk includes pupil panel
Step 3 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form — deadline 31 October when pupils are in Year 6
Step 4 — Pay the registration fee: £180 (inc VAT
Pay the registration fee: £180 (inc VAT) for UK applicants / £300 for overseas. Waived for Universal Credit / Free School Meals families
Step 5 — Indicate on registration form if you require bursary information
Indicate on registration form if you require bursary information — bursary deadline is the published November date
Step 6 — Stage 1: All registered candidates invited to MCS for a
Stage 1: All registered candidates invited to MCS for a taster session
Step 7 — Stage 2: Selected candidates sit the 11+ Entrance
Stage 2: Selected candidates sit the 11+ Entrance Examination in January preceding September entry
Step 8 — Offers communicated early February
Offers communicated early February — on acceptance, return forms and pay deposit (currently £750 for UK / £1,500 for overseas)
Independent Subjects Tested at Magdalen College School (MCS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Magdalen College School (MCS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic Scholarships and Exhibitions at 11+ (entry to Senior School). Music, Art, Sport (13+/16+); Drama (16+). All-Rounder Awards. Means-tested bursaries (~1 in 10 pupils receive bursary or scholarship). MCS received £1.2 million+ in donated funds in 2024-25.
Outcome announced: Academic Scholarships and Exhibitions awarded on entry. Music, Art, Sport Scholarships at 13+/16+; Drama Scholarships at 16+. All-Rounder Awards for high academic ability and likely contribution.
Additional notes: Magdalen College School (MCS) is a leading independent day school in central Oxford (founded 1480 by William Waynflete; part of Magdalen College at University of Oxford). Times rank #22. Boys aged 7-18, girls in Sixth Form (co-ed since 2010). Awarded Independent School of the Year 2024 for contribution to social mobility. Only school to win Sunday Times School of the Year twice (2004 and 2008). ~25% of Sixth Formers go to Oxbridge or Ivy League. Notable alumni: Jonathan Bailey, Kenneth G. Wilson (Nobel Prize). Contact: Emma Bolton (11+ Registrar) registrar@mcsoxford.org / 01865 242191.
Academic Results at Magdalen College School (MCS)
Magdalen College School is one of the most academically successful independent schools in the country, with consistently outstanding GCSE and A-Level results.
- Academic outcomes: results are among the strongest of any UK school, with the overwhelming majority of grades at the highest levels.
- Destinations: large numbers of leavers progress to Oxbridge, other Russell Group universities and leading US institutions.
- Recognition: MCS has twice been named Independent School of the Year by a national newspaper.
The school publishes its latest results each summer; confirm current figures on its website.
Catchment Area for Magdalen College School (MCS)
As an independent school, Magdalen College School has no fixed catchment area — places are offered on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
- Where pupils come from: the school draws families from Oxford, across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.
- Transport: an extensive coach network and good rail links serve a wide area around Oxford.
Pastoral Care & Co-curricular Life at Magdalen College School (MCS)
Magdalen College School combines academic challenge with strong pastoral care and a wide co-curricular programme on its riverside site in central Oxford.
- Pastoral care: a form-tutor and house system supports each pupil's wellbeing and progress through the school.
- Co-curricular: a rich programme of music (including a strong choral and instrumental tradition), drama, sport and clubs.
- Structure: the Senior School is for boys aged 7–18, with a co-educational Sixth Form; means-tested bursaries help widen access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magdalen College School a state school?
No. It is an independent (fee-paying) day school; entry is by the school's own assessment rather than the state 11-plus.
What does the entrance exam involve?
Entry to Year 7 is via the school's own January entrance exam — English (including written tasks), Mathematics and reasoning — followed by an interview and a reference from the current school.
Is the school co-educational?
The Senior School admits boys from age 7 to 18; the Sixth Form is co-educational, admitting girls as well as boys at 16+.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — means-tested bursaries and academic and other scholarships are available; details are on the school's website.
Independent Practice Papers for Magdalen College School (MCS)
Magdalen College School (MCS) 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 Magdalen College School (MCS) 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.