About Salesian College
Salesian College is an independent Roman Catholic day school for boys (with a co-educational sixth form) in Farnborough, Hampshire, founded in 1901 by the Salesians of Don Bosco. As an independent school it charges fees — for 2026/2027, £19,824 a year (£6,614 a term, including VAT). It welcomes boys of all faiths and backgrounds who will support its Catholic ethos.
Entry to Year 7 is by the College's own entrance examination, held at the school in early January of Year 6, together with an informal family interview and a reference from the current school. The assessment is designed to identify potential and aptitude rather than to apply a high competitive pass mark, so it is selective but not highly competitive. For September 2027 entry, families register by 11 November 2026 and the exam is on Tuesday 5 January 2027.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Salesian College
Salesian is an independent fee-paying Catholic school, so you apply directly to the College (not through a Local Authority grammar process). Register your son by 11 November 2026; he then sits the College's own entrance examination at the school on Tuesday 5 January 2027 and the family attends an informal interview. A confidential reference is requested from his current school. The assessment looks for potential and aptitude rather than applying a high pass mark, so it is academically ambitious but not highly competitive. Successful applicants receive an offer before February half term. Fees for 2026/2027 are £19,824 a year (£6,614 a term, including VAT), with a £150 registration fee and a £500 deposit on acceptance.
Catchment Area for Salesian College
As an independent day school, Salesian has no catchment area — families apply directly and boys travel in from across the area.
Because it is independent, admission depends on the entrance assessment and available places rather than where you live; confirm current arrangements and fees with the College's admissions team.
Subjects Tested at Salesian College
Salesian sets its own entrance examination (English and mathematics), taken at the College in early January, alongside an informal family interview and a school reference. The focus is on each boy's potential and aptitude rather than a fixed pass mark.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for Salesian College, Farnborough
Salesian College, Farnborough uses the Independent 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
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- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
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- 4 high-quality practice tests
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- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
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- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
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- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Salesian College, Farnborough 11+ Exam
Salesian’s entrance exam is the College’s own paper in English and mathematics, followed by an interview. Build solid Year 5/6 literacy and numeracy with timed written practice rather than drilling a specific reasoning format. The steps below help.
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.
Salesian College — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Salesian College for Year 7?
Apply directly to the College: register your son by 11 November 2026, after which he sits the entrance examination at the school on Tuesday 5 January 2027 and the family attends an informal interview. There is no Local Authority grammar registration.
What entrance test does Salesian College use?
Its own entrance examination (English and mathematics), set and marked by the College, together with an informal family interview and a reference from your son's current school — not a state-grammar test.
Is Salesian College selective, and is it free?
It is academically selective but not highly competitive — the assessment looks for potential and aptitude. It is an independent school, so fees apply (for 2026/2027, £19,824 a year).
How much are the fees?
For 2026/2027, £19,824 a year (£6,614 a term, including VAT), with a £150 registration and examination fee and a £500 deposit on acceptance. Some fee remission and scholarships may be available.
When does the entrance exam take place?
At the College in early January of Year 6 — for September 2027 entry, Tuesday 5 January 2027.
When will we hear the outcome?
Offer letters are sent before February half term.
Is Salesian College a Catholic school, and must we be Catholic?
Yes, it is a Catholic school in the Salesian tradition, but it welcomes boys of all faiths and none who will support its ethos; faith is not a requirement for entry.
Is the sixth form co-educational?
Yes — the sixth form has been co-educational since 2007, so girls can join at 16.
How can my son prepare for the Salesian entrance exam?
Build solid Year 5 and 6 English and maths, practise timed written work, and prepare for a relaxed conversation at interview. ExamTutor offers independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.