St Edmund’s School, Canterbury – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
St Edmund’s School, Canterbury was founded in 1749 by the Clergy Orphan Society to educate the sons (and later daughters) of Anglican clergy. Originally based in London, the school relocated in 1855 to its current 60-acre hilltop site just outside Canterbury, overlooking the city and its iconic cathedral.
The school maintains historic links with the Church of England, but today welcomes pupils of all faiths and none. With over 270 years of heritage, the school blends traditional values with a progressive outlook, delivering a well-rounded, values-led education in a beautiful and spacious environment.
👨👩👧👦 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
St Edmund’s is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2–18.
🌟 Total enrolment: ~580–600 pupils
The school is organised into three sections:
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Pre-Prep (Nursery to Year 2)
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Junior School (Years 3–6)
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Senior School (Years 7–13)
Breakdown:
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Senior School (Years 7–13): ~300 pupils
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Junior & Pre-Prep: ~280 pupils
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Boarders: From Year 7+, including UK and international pupils
Class sizes in Year 7 are typically 15–20 pupils, allowing for personalised attention and strong teacher-pupil relationships.
🎓 Academic Reputation
St Edmund’s is known for its balanced, academically rigorous education, with excellent outcomes at GCSE and A-Level and strong university destinations, including Russell Group universities, Oxbridge, and elite arts and drama schools.
📈 Academic Strengths:
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Strong value-added scores, meaning pupils perform significantly above national expectations
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High academic expectations paired with excellent pastoral support
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Broad curriculum including STEM, languages, arts, and humanities
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Innovative and creative teaching ethos
🔢 Recent Exam Results:
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A-Level: Over 50% A–A*, nearly 80% A–B*
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GCSE: Over 40% grades 9–7, ~90% grades 9–4 in core subjects
🏆 Awards & Distinctions
St Edmund’s has earned recognition for excellence across academic and co-curricular areas:
🎭 Performing Arts
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One of the UK’s top schools for drama and music
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All-Steinway School status – reflecting outstanding music facilities
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Links with the Royal Academy of Music and national youth theatre groups
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Professional-standard performances and productions throughout the year
🖼️ Art & Design
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Renowned for creativity and innovation
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Regular exhibitions and pupil success in regional competitions
🏃 Sport
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Strong across a wide range of disciplines including:
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Hockey, cricket, rugby, netball, athletics, swimming
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Individual and team county-level representation
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Excellent coaching and sports facilities
🪖 Leadership & Character Education
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CCF (Combined Cadet Force) and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offered from Senior School
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Emphasis on confidence, teamwork, and service
✅ ISI Inspection Report
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Rated “Excellent” in all categories (latest full ISI report)
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Pupils’ academic and personal development described as “outstanding”
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Teachers praised for their high-quality and caring approach
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🏫 St Edmund’s School, Canterbury – Contact Information
School Name: St Edmund’s School Canterbury
Type: Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School (Ages 3–18)
📍 Address:
St Edmund’s School
St Thomas Hill
Canterbury
Kent
CT2 8HU
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1227 475600
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Instagram: @stedmundsschoolcanterbury
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Facebook: St Edmund’s School Canterbury
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Twitter/X: @StEdmundsSch
📝 Exam Board: School’s own test
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for St. Edmund’s School, Canterbury, in the 11+ Entrance Exam
St. Edmund’s School, Canterbury uses its own 11+ entrance test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam, which assesses English, Mathematics, and Reasoning skills.
Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?
✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the St. Edmund’s School, Canterbury entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.
How to Use ExamTutor for St. Edmund’s School, Canterbury 11+ Exam Preparation
1. Understand the Exam Format
📌 St. Edmund’s School, Canterbury 11+ entrance test typically includes:
- English – Reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar.
- Mathematics – Problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
- Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.
✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.
2. Create a Structured Study Plan
✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management
✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.
5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance
✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.
6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress
✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.
Final Tips for Success
✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at St. Edmund’s School, Canterbury – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.
By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the St. Edmund’s School, Canterbury 11+ Entrance Exam.
📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at St. Edmund’s School, Canterbury! 🚀
St Edmund’s School, Canterbury – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School | Canterbury, Kent | Ages 2–18
Year 7 is a main entry point into the Senior School at St Edmund’s School, Canterbury. Pupils joining at this stage benefit from small class sizes, a broad curriculum, and opportunities in academics, music, sport, drama, and outdoor education.
The school welcomes both internal pupils (from its Junior School) and external applicants from local primary/prep schools and further afield (including international pupils and boarders).
✅ Admissions Criteria for Year 7
Admission to Year 7 is selective and based on:
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Entrance Assessment
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Interview
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Reference from current school
The school seeks pupils who demonstrate academic potential, enthusiasm for learning, and a readiness to participate fully in school life.
📋 1. Entrance Assessment
Applicants sit the entrance assessments in January of Year 6 for entry in September of Year 7.
The exam includes:
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English – Reading comprehension and creative writing
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Mathematics – Based on Key Stage 2 National Curriculum
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Verbal and/or Non-Verbal Reasoning – Assesses logic and thinking skills
These assessments are designed to identify both current attainment and future potential.
👥 2. Interview
All applicants are invited to a friendly, informal interview with a member of the senior staff.
The interview explores:
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The pupil’s interests and hobbies
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Attitude to learning and school life
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Suitability for the school’s values and expectations
📖 3. School Reference
The school requests a confidential reference from the child’s current school, which includes:
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Academic performance
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Behaviour and effort
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Personal and social development
🎓 Scholarships & Bursaries for Year 7 Entry
⭐ Scholarships Available
St Edmund’s offers 11+ scholarships in the following areas:
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Academic
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Music (audition required)
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Art (portfolio submission)
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Drama (audition/performance)
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Sport (trial/assessment)
💡 Scholarship assessments are typically held in January–February following the entrance exam.
🎖 Awards may carry fee remissions of up to 25%, and in some exceptional cases, more.
💰 Means-Tested Bursaries
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Available for families who need financial support
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May cover up to 100% of school fees, depending on circumstances
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Requires completion of a financial assessment form and submission of supporting documents
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Can be awarded in addition to a scholarship
📝 How to Apply for Year 7
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit the School | Attend an Open Morning, book a tour, or taster day 🔗 Visit Us |
| 2. Register | Complete the registration form and pay the £150 fee 🔗 Admissions Page |
| 3. Entrance Exams | Held in January on-site at the school |
| 4. Interview | Conducted around the same time as the entrance assessment |
| 5. Scholarships (Optional) | Separate assessments/auditions in Jan–Feb |
| 6. Offers Made | February |
| 7. Acceptance Deadline | March, deposit required to secure place |



