About Woodbridge School
Woodbridge School is a co-educational independent day school in Suffolk. 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.
Woodbridge School 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. Ranked #628 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 26%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Woodbridge School
Woodbridge School Admissions Criteria
Woodbridge School is a co-educational independent day school in Suffolk. 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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge School'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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge School
Step 1 — Visit Woodbridge School in Suffolk
Visit Woodbridge School in Suffolk — arrange a personal tour or attend an Open Event
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
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 entrance assessment at Woodbridge
Your child sits the entrance assessment at Woodbridge
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Woodbridge School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Woodbridge School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Woodbridge School is an all-through co-educational Church of England independent day and boarding school in Woodbridge, Suffolk (founded 1577). Times rank #628.
Independent Practice Papers for Woodbridge School
Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Woodbridge School is a co-educational independent school with a strong all-round record, rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the ISI.
- GCSE: in 2025, around 60% of entries were graded 9–7.
- A-Level: in 2025, around 52% of entries were graded A*/A (about 73% A*–B).
- Progression: leavers progress to a wide range of leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Woodbridge School
Woodbridge School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a co-educational day and boarding school, places are open to families from across Suffolk and Essex (helped by bus routes and a station a short walk away), and to weekly and full boarders from further afield, with entry by assessment.
It sits in the historic market town of Woodbridge overlooking the River Deben, and runs as an all-through school from Pre-Prep (Queen’s House) and Prep (The Abbey) into the Senior School and Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1577 as part of the Seckford Foundation and co-educational since 1974, Woodbridge School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school (ages 4–18) in Woodbridge, Suffolk, with a Church of England character and the motto ‘Pro Deo Rege Patria’ (for God, king and country). Part of the financially secure Seckford Foundation, it is known for a happy, kind atmosphere and strong pastoral care, with a focus on leadership, ambition and character.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, spanning sport, music, drama, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and many clubs, set on a campus by the River Deben near Sutton Hoo. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Woodbridge School
How do I get into Woodbridge School?
To gain entry to Woodbridge School 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 Woodbridge School use?
Woodbridge School 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 Woodbridge School?
Woodbridge School 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 Woodbridge School?
Yes. Woodbridge School 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 Woodbridge School?
Most independent schools including Woodbridge School 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 Woodbridge School?
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 Woodbridge School. No registration required.
When is the Woodbridge School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Woodbridge School is See school website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Woodbridge School 11+ results announced?
At Woodbridge School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.