About The King's School, Gloucester
The King's School, Gloucester is a co-educational independent day school in Gloucestershire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
The King's School, Gloucester 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 The King's School, Gloucester
The King's School, Gloucester Admissions Criteria
The King's School, Gloucester is a co-educational independent day school in Gloucestershire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, 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 The King's School, Gloucester 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 The King's School, Gloucester. 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 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit The King's School, Gloucester's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓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 his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at The King's School, Gloucester.
- ✓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 The King's School, Gloucester. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
The King's School, Gloucester 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 The King's School, Gloucester.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — The King's School, Gloucester 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 The King's School, Gloucester
Step 1 — Attend a whole-school Open Morning (e.g
Attend a whole-school Open Morning (e.g. Friday 6 March 2026 or Saturday 16 May 2026) or arrange a tour via Admissions
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the non-refundable £75 Entrance Assessment
Pay the non-refundable £75 Entrance Assessment Registration Fee upon submission
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 11+ Entrance Assessment at King's
Your child sits the 11+ Entrance Assessment at King's
Step 6 — Co-curricular Scholarship applications: Art, Design
Co-curricular Scholarship applications: Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Music, Performing Arts and Sports
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated — on acceptance, pay the £300 deposit (refundable at end of school career)
Step 8 — Note: Deposit for overseas families
Note: Deposit for overseas families and EYFS reservations is £600 (£300 deducted from first term's fees)
Independent Subjects Tested at The King's School, Gloucester
Scholarships & Bursaries at The King's School, Gloucester
Available scholarships and bursaries: Co-curricular Scholarships in Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Music, Performing Arts and Sports. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Co-curricular Scholarships in Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Music, Performing Arts and Sports
Additional notes: The King's School, Gloucester is an all-through co-educational Church of England independent school for pupils aged 3-18, located near Gloucester Cathedral. A full term's notice in writing is required before withdrawing a pupil or one term's fee charged in lieu. Many Junior School pupils transition to the Senior School at Year 7.
Independent Practice Papers for The King's School, Gloucester
The King's School, Gloucester uses School's own bespoke 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
- 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 The King's School, Gloucester 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 The King's School, Gloucester (GCSE & A-Level Results)
The King’s School achieves strong academic results within a deliberately rounded education, supported by small classes and inspiring teaching.
- GCSE: a strong record (recently placing the school in the top 10% nationally).
- A-Level: strong results, with pupils progressing to a wide range of universities.
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for The King's School, Gloucester
The King’s School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school, places are open to families from across Gloucester and the surrounding Gloucestershire area, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school occupies a stunning campus of historic buildings and gardens in the heart of Gloucester, beside the Cathedral; entry runs from the Little King’s kindergarten and Junior School through 11+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Refounded in 1541 by Henry VIII as one of seven cathedral ‘King’s Schools’ (with monastic origins going back to the 11th century), The King’s School is a co-educational independent day school (ages 3–18) beside Gloucester Cathedral, with a Church of England foundation that welcomes pupils of all faiths and cultures. Co-educational since 1969 and held in high regard locally (Gloucestershire Independent School of the Year in 2020 and 2021), it is a medium-sized school with small classes and outstanding pastoral care, with the Cathedral at the heart of its identity.
It has a celebrated musical tradition — educating the Choristers of Gloucester Cathedral — alongside a wide programme of sport, creative and performing arts, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about The King's School, Gloucester
How do I get into The King's School, Gloucester?
To gain entry to The King's School, Gloucester 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.
What entrance exam does The King's School, Gloucester use?
The King's School, Gloucester sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at The King's School, Gloucester?
The King's School, Gloucester 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 The King's School, Gloucester?
Yes. The King's School, Gloucester 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 The King's School, Gloucester?
Most independent schools including The King's School, Gloucester 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 The King's School, Gloucester?
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 The King's School, Gloucester. No registration required.
When is the The King's School, Gloucester 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at The King's School, Gloucester is Register early — before relevant assessment dates (Sept 2026 entry assessments held in current year). The registration fee is £75 non-refundable Entrance Assessment Registration Fee. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are The King's School, Gloucester 11+ results announced?
At The King's School, Gloucester, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.
What is the acceptance deposit at The King's School, Gloucester?
The acceptance deposit at The King's School, Gloucester is £300 (£600 for overseas/EYFS, £300 deducted from first term). This is payable on acceptance of a place.