About Mount Kelly College
Mount Kelly College is a co-educational independent day school in Tavistock, Devon. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College
Mount Kelly College Admissions Criteria
Mount Kelly College is a co-educational independent day school in Tavistock, Devon. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, 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 Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College. 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 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Mount Kelly College and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓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 Mount Kelly College.
- ✓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 Mount Kelly College. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College
Step 1 — Visit Mount Kelly College in Tavistock, Devon
Visit Mount Kelly College in Tavistock, Devon — 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 Mount Kelly
Your child sits the entrance assessment at Mount Kelly
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 Mount Kelly College
Scholarships & Bursaries at Mount Kelly College
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Mount Kelly College (formerly Kelly College) is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Tavistock, Devon (Mount Kelly Foundation formed June 2014). Church of England affiliation. 585 pupils ages 3-18.
Independent Practice Papers for Mount Kelly College
Mount Kelly College uses ISEB Common Pre-Test 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 Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Mount Kelly has a strong academic record, offering GCSEs, A-Levels and BTECs to suit a range of strengths.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level / BTEC: strong results, with a choice of A-Levels and BTECs in the Sixth Form.
- Progression: pupils progress to a range of universities, and (through its elite swimming programme) some to sporting careers.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Mount Kelly College
Mount Kelly is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day and boarding school (with day, weekly, flexi and full boarding), it draws day families from across the Tavistock, Plymouth and west Devon area and boarders from the UK and overseas, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on a 100-acre site above the River Tavy on the edge of Dartmoor; entry runs from Lower Prep (from age 3/4) through 11+, 13+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Mount Kelly (the page’s ‘Mount Kelly College’ is now known simply as Mount Kelly) is a co-educational independent day and boarding school (ages 3–18) in the English public-school tradition, set in over 100 acres above the River Tavy on the edge of Dartmoor near Tavistock. It was formed in June 2014 by the merger of Kelly College (founded 1877 by Admiral Benedictus Marwood Kelly) and the neighbouring Mount House School, and combines a determined commitment to academic excellence with values of compassion, kindness, integrity and service and exceptional pastoral care.
It is especially renowned for its internationally recognised Performance Swimming programme (with three pools, including a 50m Olympic-legacy pool) alongside a strong all-round sporting, outdoor and cultural offer. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Kelly College
How do I get into Mount Kelly College?
To gain entry to Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. Mount Kelly College uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its 11+ admissions process. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive assessment commissioned by ISEB and developed by GL Assessment, used by over 90 leading UK independent senior schools. It covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. Results are age-standardised and shared with all senior schools the candidate has registered with.
What is the 11+ exam at Mount Kelly College?
Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College?
Yes. Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College?
Most independent schools including Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College?
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 Mount Kelly College. No registration required.
When is the Mount Kelly College 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Mount Kelly College 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 Mount Kelly College 11+ results announced?
At Mount Kelly College, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.