About Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks School is a co-educational independent day school in Kent. 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.
Sevenoaks 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. Ranked #17 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 50%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks School Admissions Criteria
Sevenoaks School is a co-educational independent day school in Kent. 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 Sevenoaks 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 Sevenoaks 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 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Sevenoaks School 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 Sevenoaks 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 Sevenoaks School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Sevenoaks 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 Sevenoaks School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Sevenoaks 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 Sevenoaks School
Step 1 — Visit Sevenoaks School (~100-acre site, ~30 buildings
Visit Sevenoaks School (~100-acre site, ~30 buildings, multiple campuses) — arrange a personal tour or attend an Open Event
Step 2 — Register your child before mid-September 2026
Register your child before mid-September 2026 (for 11+ entry)
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee
Pay the registration fee — £200 (day applicants) / £350 (boarding applicants)
Step 4 — Between July and September 2026
Between July and September 2026, confirm wish to continue and provide school reference
Step 5 — All candidates must sit the ISEB Pre-Test online (or similar)
All candidates must sit the ISEB Pre-Test online (or similar) — followed by Sevenoaks competitive examination in Maths, English, group discussion tasks, and (from 2026) Verbal Reasoning
Step 6 — Top performers invited to assessment day at Sevenoaks in
Top performers invited to assessment day at Sevenoaks in late November — Academic Scholarships awarded thereafter
Step 7 — Indicate interest in Music, Art, Drama
Indicate interest in Music, Art, Drama or Sport scholarships on confirmation forms (assessed October-November)
Step 8 — Confirm acceptance by deposit: £2,000 (day
Confirm acceptance by deposit: £2,000 (day) / £5,000 (boarding) and completion of Form of Acceptance
Independent Subjects Tested at Sevenoaks School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Sevenoaks School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic Scholarships (awarded after assessment day in late November). Specialist Scholarships in Music, Art, Drama and Sport (indicate interest on confirmation forms — no separate application). Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: ~55 scholarships per year across 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry points (not available to internal candidates)
Additional notes: Sevenoaks School is one of the oldest schools in the UK (founded 1432 as a free grammar school and almshouse). Co-educational day and boarding independent school. ~100 acres, ~30 buildings, multiple campuses near Sevenoaks high street, Kent. First major UK school to switch from A-Level to International Baccalaureate (2006). Times rank #17. Highly competitive: ~1,500 applications for 240 places annually across all entry points.
Independent Practice Papers for Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks School 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 Sevenoaks 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.