About Warwick School
Warwick School is one of England's oldest independent boys' schools, founded in 914 AD, in Warwick. Ranked #156 nationally (Times). Entry to Year 7 uses the CEM 11+ assessment. GCSE 9-7: 76.7%, A-Level A*-B: 81.3%. Academic, Music and Sports Scholarships available. Means-tested Bursaries available.
Warwick School offers an outstanding education with excellent academic standards, small class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. GCSE 9–7: 76.7%.
About the CEM-style 11+ Test for Warwick School
Warwick School is a boys 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 Warwick School (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 Warwick School entrance exam is held in January of Year 6, with results and offers issued in February-March (varies by school).
Warwick School 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 Warwick School
Warwick School Admissions Criteria
Warwick School is one of England's oldest independent boys' schools, founded in 914 AD, in Warwick. Ranked #156 nationally (Times). Entry to Year 7 uses the CEM 11+ assessment. GCSE 9-7: 76.7%, A-Level A*-B: 81.3%. Academic, Music and Sports Scholarships available. Means-tested Bursaries available.
- ✓Register with Warwick School via the school's admissions office or website.
- ✓A reference is requested from the child's current school ahead of the assessment.
- ✓Sit the CEM 11+ entrance examination at the school: two written papers — English/Comprehension and Mathematics/Reasoning.
- ✓All questions are multiple-choice. Papers cover English Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- ✓Attend an interview or informal assessment day at the school.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — selection is based on the overall entrance assessment and interview.
- ✓Offers typically made within 1–2 weeks of the assessment.
- ✓Academic, Music, Sport and other Scholarships may be available.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries available for eligible families — contact the school's bursar.
- ✓Open Days held each term — book via the school website.
Warwick School Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, Warwick School ranks applicants by performance in the CEM-style entrance assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in Warwick School'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 Warwick School's places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — Warwick School 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 Warwick School Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at Warwick School
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 Warwick School
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
Warwick School'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 Warwick School 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 Subjects Tested at Warwick School
CEM Practice Papers for Warwick School
Warwick School uses the CEM 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 Warwick 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.
Academic Performance at Warwick School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Warwick School is a leading independent school for boys with strong results across the school.
- GCSE: a high proportion of strong GCSE grades (around 94% at A*–B and 78% at A*–A recently).
- A-Level: strong A-Level results across 27 subjects in a co-educational Sixth Form.
- 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 Warwick School
Warwick School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Warwick, Leamington, Coventry and the wider Warwickshire area, and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on a 50-acre campus on the River Avon in the county town of Warwick; it is mainly a day school (with boarding from age 13) and entry is by assessment rather than catchment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
One of the oldest schools in England, with origins traced to 914 and a refoundation in 1545, Warwick School is an independent day and boarding school for boys (ages 7–18, with a co-educational Sixth Form) and part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation. It has a Christian ethos and a strong sense of community.
Its 50-acre riverside campus supports a broad programme of sport, music and drama, including the £7.5 million Warwick Hall. For the full list of activities, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Warwick School
How do I apply to Warwick School for Year 7?
Applications to Warwick School 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 Warwick School use the CEM 11+ test?
Warwick School 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 Warwick School have?
Warwick School 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 Warwick School?
For 2026 entry, Warwick School'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 Warwick School?
Warwick School 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 Warwick School a state school or fee-paying?
Warwick School 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 Warwick School 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 Warwick School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Warwick School 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.