About Millfield School
Millfield School is one of the UK's most prestigious co-educational independent boarding and day schools, founded in 1935 by Jack Meyer in Street, Somerset. Year 7 (age 11) entry is to the linked Millfield Prep School in Glastonbury (ages 2–13), which has its largest intake at Year 7 and feeds the senior school in Street (ages 13–18, entered at Year 9); entry is academically selective and uses the CEM Select online assessment — a 60-minute test covering Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The process is managed directly by the school's Admissions team. Day fees for 2026–27 are £13,155 per term; boarding fees are £20,205 per term (both inclusive of VAT).
Millfield School is renowned for its world-class sports facilities, individualised learning and diverse global student body. Small average class sizes of 11 students. 240-acre campus in Somerset with outstanding boarding provision.
About the CEM-style 11+ Test for Millfield School
Millfield School is a co-educational independent school in England that historically used the CEM 11+ entrance test (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, University of Durham) for Year 7 admission. Note that many schools have transitioned to GL Assessment or bespoke entrance tests since CEM 11+ was retired in 2022 — verify the current format on the school's website. Year 7 (11+) entry is to the linked Millfield Prep School in Glastonbury (ages 2–13), and applications are made directly to Millfield School (registration fee payable).
The CEM-style 11+ format traditionally consists of one or two papers covering English (comprehension, cloze passages, vocabulary), Mathematics (numerical reasoning, problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. CEM scores are age-standardised so younger pupils are not disadvantaged. The CEM-style is the established alternative reference format to GL Assessment.
For 2026 entry, the Millfield School entrance exam is held in January of Year 6, with results and offers issued in February-March (varies by school).
Millfield School is academically selective — pupils must achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test to be eligible for a place. If applications exceed the published admission number, the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, key dates and oversubscription rules.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Millfield School
Millfield School Admissions Criteria
Millfield School is one of the UK's most prestigious co-educational independent boarding and day schools, founded in 1935 by Jack Meyer in Street, Somerset. Year 7 (age 11) entry is to the linked Millfield Prep School in Glastonbury (ages 2–13), which has its largest intake at Year 7 and feeds the senior school in Street (ages 13–18, entered at Year 9); entry is academically selective and uses the CEM Select online assessment — a 60-minute test covering Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The process is managed directly by the school's Admissions team. Day fees for 2026–27 are £13,155 per term; boarding fees are £20,205 per term (both inclusive of VAT).
- ✓Attend an Open Day (held in March, May and October each year) to tour the school, meet staff and hear from the Headmaster. Book via millfieldschool.com.
- ✓Complete the Registration Form online at millfieldschool.com and pay the £220 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 (60 minutes, taken at Millfield School): three sections covering Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All questions are online and multiple-choice.
- ✓Attend a 20-minute interview with a member of the admissions team, focusing on extracurricular interests and personal experiences.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — selection is based on the overall academic assessment, interview performance and school reference.
- ✓An offer is usually made within one week of the interview and assessment (two to three weeks for scholarship candidates).
- ✓Confirm the place by completing an Acceptance Form and paying the required deposit.
- ✓Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sports Scholarships available. Year 7 scholarship applications close 1st December 2026. Scholarships offer a 5% (up to 10%) fee reduction.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries available. Applications are assessed confidentially on family financial circumstances.
- ✓Sixth Form and Year 9 are the largest entry points; additional Year 7 places (approx. 40–50) are available each year.
Millfield School Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, Millfield School ranks applicants by performance in the CEM-style entrance assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in Millfield School's entrance assessment (CEM-style)
- 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 Millfield School's places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — Millfield School 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | Varies by school (typically open Sept/Oct of Year 5) |
| 📌 Registration closes | Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies) |
| 📌 CEM-style 11+ Entrance Test | January of Year 6 (Independent school entrance exam, CEM-style format) |
| 📌 Test results released | February of Year 6 |
| 📌 Offers issued by school | February-March (varies by school) |
How to Apply to Millfield School Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at Millfield 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 Millfield 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
Millfield School's entrance exam (CEM-style 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 Millfield 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.
CEM Select Subjects Tested at Millfield School
CEM Select Practice Papers for Millfield School
Millfield School uses the CEM Select 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — 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
- 150 video explanations
- 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 Millfield 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 Millfield School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Millfield is a leading co-educational independent boarding and day school with a broad ability range and tailored teaching.
- GCSE: a broad GCSE curriculum, with teaching set by ability so each pupil is appropriately stretched.
- A-Level: a wide sixth form offering A-Levels and BTECs, with around half the sixth form joining from elsewhere.
- Progression: pupils progress to a wide range of universities and to elite sporting and creative pathways.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Millfield School
Millfield School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across the UK and more than 70 countries (it is a largely boarding community), and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The 240-acre campus is in Street, Somerset (nearest station Castle Cary); Millfield’s main entry points are at 13+ and 16+, while younger pupils — including at Year 7 — join the linked Millfield Prep School, which feeds the senior school. Entry is by assessment rather than catchment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1935 by Jack ‘Boss’ Meyer, Millfield is the UK’s largest co-educational boarding school (around 1,300 pupils, most of them full boarders from over 70 countries) set in 240 acres of Somerset, and was a pioneer of co-education and of support for dyslexia.
It is renowned as a major international sporting centre with outstanding facilities for almost every sport, alongside strong creative arts; a high staff-to-pupil ratio and small classes support every pupil. For the full list of opportunities, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Millfield School
How do I apply to Millfield School for Year 7?
Applications to Millfield 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 Millfield School use the CEM 11+ test?
Millfield School historically used the CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) 11+ entrance test. Since CEM 11+ was retired in 2022, many schools have transitioned to GL Assessment or developed bespoke entrance tests. Practice papers in the CEM-style format remain valuable preparation as the topic areas (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) are still tested in most formats.
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 do pupils join Millfield at Year 7 (11+)?
Year 7 (11+) entry is to the linked Millfield Prep School in Glastonbury, which feeds Millfield School (the senior school) at 13+. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly.
When is the 11+ test for Millfield School?
For 2026 entry, Millfield School's 11+ entrance assessment is held in January of Year 6 (Independent school entrance exam, CEM-style format). Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for Millfield School?
Millfield 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) by competitive assessment.
Is Millfield School a state school or fee-paying?
Millfield 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 Millfield 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 Millfield School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Millfield 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.