Senior School Admissions

Admissions Process

Admission is by assessment during the Autumn Term for entry the following September. Parents who would like their daughters to be considered for a place should complete the online registration form and pay a non-refundable registration fee.

11+ Admissions

We are excited to be moving to the ISEB Common Pre-Tests for 11+ entry in September 2027. All candidates will sit the online ISEB Common Pre-Tests during the first term of Year 6; an age-standardised tests for pupils applying for independent senior schools.

The tests comprise English (40 minutes), Mathematics (40 minutes), Non-Verbal Reasoning (30 minutes) and Verbal Reasoning (25 minutes). Further information about the ISEB Common Pre-Tests can be found here - ISEB Pre-Tests | Test Walkthrough

The ISEB Pre-Tests are usually completed at your child’s current school on a date decided by them in October or November. If current schools are unable to invigilate the tests, candidates will be able to sit them at St Catherine’s during the week commencing 16^th November – the exact date will be confirmed shortly.

All tests must be completed by our deadline of Monday 30^th November 2026 either at current schools or at St Catherine’s.

Prior to sitting the ISEB Common Pre-Tests, candidates are invited to attend our Experience and Interview Day on Saturday 7^th November 2026.

11+ Scholarship Assessments

Scholarship Assessments will be held in November and will be offered in conjunction with entrance assessment results.

12+ and 13+ Admissions

Candidates will sit assessments in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. Following the assessments, candidates will be invited for interview.

Sixth Form Admissions

We welcome a number of new girls - day and boarding - into the Sixth Form each year. Assessment is by examination and interview.  At registration, girls nominate their likely choice of subjects for Sixth Form study and on the Assessment Day will sit three subject specific tests, each of approximately 30 minutes duration, plus an online general test lasting 90 minutes which gives an indication of IQ and academic potential.  Successful candidates are interviewed in person or online by subject teachers and senior staff.  Girls should have a minimum of six GCSEs at Grade 6 and above, including Maths and English.  Grade 7 is preferable in subjects chosen for A Level study.

A confidential report from the girl’s previous Headteacher will always be requested and used as part of the selection procedure.  The report requests information about each girl’s academic performance and potential, any specific learning difficulties, how best to manage any disability, and curricular and extra-curricular interests. 

Applicants with a disability will be assessed on their academic performance as outlined above.  Parents of applicants with a disability should make this clear on the application form so that the School can make every reasonable effort to adapt its admissions procedures to accommodate the applicant on the Assessment Day.  Any parent of an applicant who has a disability is also asked to let the School know so that proper access can be arranged for pre-admission school visits/information mailings, and subsequently for school events, should the applicant be successful in the entrance tests.

Main points of entry are: 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) and Sixth Form. Places occasionally arise outside these year groups. 

Senior School Admission Dates for September 2027 entry

11+ Entry

• 11+ Registration Closing Date – Friday 30^th October 2026
• 11+ Experience and Interview Day for external applicants – Saturday 7^th November 2026
• 11+ ISEB Assessments – w/c 16^th November 2026
• 11+ Music Scholarship Auditions – tbc

13+ Entry

• 13+ Registration Closing Date – Friday 25^th September 2026
• 13+ Entrance Exam Day – Monday 12^th October 2026

Sixth Form Entry

• Sixth Form Open Evening – Friday 25^th September 2026
• Sixth Form Registration Closing Date - Friday 9^th October 2026
• Sixth Form Entrance Exams – Friday 6^th November 2026

Open Mornings

• Dates tbc

• To learn more about boarding at St Catherine’s, please contact the Registrar for further information.

• Applicants will be considered as candidates for admission to the school once the Registration Form (online form above) has been completed and returned, along with the non-refundable registration fee, currently £180 (£300 for overseas students).
• An Acceptance Deposit of £1,000( Day Pupil), £2,000 (Boarder in the UK), a term’s fees (for overseas’ boarders) is payable when parents return the Acceptance Form to the School. It is refunded (less any outstanding charges) when the pupil leaves, or is credited if a full term’s fee in lieu of notice is paid.
• For further details, please contact the relevant Registrar.