About Whitgift School
Whitgift School is an independent day school for boys aged 10–18 in Haling Park, South Croydon, part of the John Whitgift Foundation and founded in 1596 by John Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury. Set in a 45-acre parkland site, it has around 1,300 pupils (mostly day, with some boarding) and an outstanding record in academic work, music and sport. As an independent school it charges fees — around £25,000 a year for day pupils (confirm the current figure with the school).
Entry is at 10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. The 11+ assessment is the school's own — written and computer-based (largely multiple-choice) sections covering English, Mathematics and reasoning (including critical-thinking skills) — followed by an interview with a senior member of staff and a reference from the current school.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Whitgift School
Whitgift School Admissions Criteria
Whitgift School is a boys independent day school in South Croydon. 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 Whitgift 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 Whitgift 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 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Whitgift School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics and 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 Whitgift 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 Whitgift School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Whitgift 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 Whitgift School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Whitgift 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 Whitgift School
Step 1 — Visit Whitgift School in South Croydon
Visit Whitgift School in South Croydon — arrange a personal tour or attend an Open Event
Step 2 — Applications for September 2027 entry open in July 2026
Applications for September 2027 entry open in July 2026 — use the online application form
Step 3 — Read the Application Guidance before starting the application
Read the Application Guidance before starting the application (admissions@whitgift.co.uk)
Step 4 — Complete and upload Whitgift Scholarship Forms
Complete and upload Whitgift Scholarship Forms if applying for non-academic scholarships (Drama, Music, Sport) — max 3 areas
Step 5 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 6 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your son's current school
Step 7 — Your son sits the Entrance Examinations
Your son sits the Entrance Examinations — multiple-choice computer-based sections including Critical Thinking Skills
Step 8 — Students considered for offer invited to interview
Students considered for offer invited to interview with Senior Member of staff, followed by parent meeting
Subjects Tested at Whitgift School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Whitgift School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic Scholarships (automatic via entrance exam), Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships (must complete Whitgift Scholarship Form). John Whitgift Foundation Bursary programme provides fee assistance.
Outcome announced: All entrance examination candidates considered for Academic Scholarship (no separate application). Up to 3 non-academic scholarships per applicant.
Additional notes: Whitgift School is a prestigious independent day school for boys (with some boarding) in South Croydon, founded 1596 by Archbishop John Whitgift. Times rank #62. Member of the Whitgift Foundation (alongside Trinity School and The Old Palace School). Famous past papers not released — sample papers available on school website (no sample papers for Critical Thinking Skills).
Catchment Area for Whitgift School
As an independent school, Whitgift has no catchment area; boys travel in from across south London, Surrey and beyond, helped by an extensive school bus service. Places are awarded on the entrance exam and interview.
Whitgift offers a very generous bursary programme through the John Whitgift Foundation, plus academic, drama, music and sport scholarships; all entrance-exam candidates are considered for an academic scholarship automatically.
Independent Practice Papers for Whitgift School
Whitgift School 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 Whitgift 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.
Whitgift School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Whitgift at 11+?
Apply online directly with the school; applications for September 2027 entry open in July 2026, and an entrance-exam fee is payable on application. Candidates sit the entrance exam and successful ones are invited to interview.
What is on the Whitgift 11+ exam?
The school's own assessment — written and computer-based (largely multiple-choice) sections in English, Mathematics and reasoning (including critical-thinking skills) — plus an interview and a school reference.
Is Whitgift selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective independent day school for boys, so it charges fees (around £25,000 a year for day pupils; confirm the current figure with the school).
When do applications open for 2027 entry?
Applications for entry in September 2027 open in July 2026; check the school site for the exact exam and interview dates.
Does Whitgift have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits boys from any area; an extensive school bus service covers south London and Surrey.
Are scholarships and bursaries available?
Yes — all entrance-exam candidates are automatically considered for an academic scholarship; Drama, Music and Sport scholarships are available on separate application, alongside very generous John Whitgift Foundation bursaries.
Is Whitgift a boarding school?
It is mainly a day school but offers some boarding and flexi-boarding places; most pupils are day boys.
What entry points does Whitgift have?
10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+; 11+ is one of the main entry points.
How can my son prepare?
Build confident Year 5/6 English and maths and practise timed verbal, non-verbal and critical-thinking questions. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.