About St. John's School, Leatherhead
St. John's School, Leatherhead is an independent school using the CEM Select online assessment for Year 7 entry. The 60-minute CEM Select test covers Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Academic scholarships and bursaries may be available — contact the school.
St. John's School, Leatherhead offers an outstanding education with excellent academic standards, small class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. GCSE 9–7: 79.6%.
About the CEM-style 11+ Test for St. John's School, Leatherhead
St. John's School, Leatherhead 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. The school admits approximately a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September, and applications are made directly to St. John's School, Leatherhead (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 St. John's School, Leatherhead entrance exam is held in January of Year 6, with results and offers issued in February-March (varies by school).
St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 (available places), 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 St. John's School, Leatherhead
St. John's School, Leatherhead Admissions Criteria
St. John's School, Leatherhead is an independent school using the CEM Select online assessment for Year 7 entry. The 60-minute CEM Select test covers Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Academic scholarships and bursaries may be available — contact the school.
- ✓Attend an Open Day or arranged visit to St. John's School, Leatherhead — check the school website for dates.
- ✓Complete the Registration Form on the school website and pay the 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 at the school (approximately 60 minutes): three sections covering Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- ✓Attend a short interview with a member of the admissions team, focusing on interests, motivation and personal qualities.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — selection is based on overall performance in the assessment, interview and school reference.
- ✓An offer is usually made within 1–2 weeks of the interview and assessment.
- ✓Academic, Music, Sport, Art and All-Rounder Scholarships may be available — contact the school for details.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries may be available for financially eligible families.
- ✓Confirm the place by completing an Acceptance Form and paying the required deposit.
St. John's School, Leatherhead Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, St. John's School, Leatherhead ranks applicants by performance in the CEM-style entrance assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in St. John's School, Leatherhead'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 St. John's School, Leatherhead's places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 St. John's School, Leatherhead Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at St. John's School, Leatherhead
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 St. John's School, Leatherhead
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
St. John's School, Leatherhead'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 St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 St. John's School, Leatherhead
CEM Select Practice Papers for St. John's School, Leatherhead
St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 St. John's School, Leatherhead (GCSE & A-Level Results)
St John’s has an excellent academic track record, with strong results across a broad curriculum and an emphasis on knowing each pupil well.
- GCSE: a high proportion of strong GCSE grades across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: a strong sixth form, supported by small classes and individual attention.
- Progression: high rates of progression to leading universities, supported by individual guidance.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for St. John's School, Leatherhead
St John's School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Leatherhead, the surrounding Surrey area and beyond, with weekly and flexible boarders from further afield, and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The 50-acre campus is a short walk from Leatherhead town centre and about 45 minutes by train from London; it offers day and flexible boarding, with entry by assessment rather than catchment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1851 to educate the sons of poor clergy and at its present Leatherhead site since 1872, St John’s is a co-educational Church of England day and boarding school (ages 11–18) with the mantra ‘High Hopes, High Standards, High Spirits’. It has been fully co-educational since 2012 and is known for warm pastoral care and a much-loved house system.
Its 50-acre campus combines Victorian architecture with modern facilities including a science centre, sports centre, two chapels and a performing arts centre, supporting a broad programme of sport, music and drama. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about St. John's School, Leatherhead
How do I apply to St. John's School, Leatherhead for Year 7?
Applications to St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 St. John's School, Leatherhead use the CEM 11+ test?
St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 many Year 7 places does St. John's School, Leatherhead have?
St. John's School, Leatherhead admits a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly.
When is the 11+ test for St. John's School, Leatherhead?
For 2026 entry, St. John's School, Leatherhead'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 St. John's School, Leatherhead?
St. John's School, Leatherhead 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) according to performance in the entrance assessment.
Is St. John's School, Leatherhead a state school or fee-paying?
St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 St. John's School, Leatherhead 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 St. John's School, Leatherhead's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for St. John's School, Leatherhead 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.