How to Join Us

Entrance Examination Procedures

Junior Department Entrance Procedures

Foundation Unit

Girls may join the Foundation class immediately after their third birthday. The assessment morning is preceded by a familiarisation morning when a parent accompanies the child.  The assessment usually lasts from 9.00 – 11.30 a.m.

Girls may join the Reception class at 4+. The assessment is organised by the Early Years Coordinator which usually lasts from 9.00 – 11.30 a.m.

Year 1 - Year 5

Pupils wishing to enter Years 1 to 5 are tested in English and Mathematics and are assessed using NFER standardised assessments. For girls in Years 1 to 3 inclusive the assessments last for a morning, whilst those for entry into Years 4 and 5 last for a whole day.

Senior School Entrance Examinations                     Contact Us To Register

Entry to Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10

Closing date for applications - Thursday 6 January 2011

Saturday 15 January 2011,  8.45 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 

The Entrance Examination for Years 6-10 consists of papers in English, Mathematics and a Reasoning Test. 

The English Examination will consist of a reading task and a piece of extended writing. The reading consists of analysing a passage and answering questions on it to show an imaginative response to the content and a grasp of the information it contains. The extended writing task tests the candidate’s ability to organise ideas and to write appropriately.  Proficiency in spelling, paragraphing and punctuation will be expected. The examination lasts for one hour.

The Reasoning Test lasts for one hour 15 minutes, and consists of 3 separate sections. Questions will be of a verbal, numerical and perceptual nature.

Results

Results are published at the end of January. The Bishop Williams Scholarships for outstanding ability are awarded to girls who are between 11 and 12 years old on the 1 September 2011 (i.e. Entry to Year 7 applicants). Scholarships are awarded to any student - either existing Year 6 students or external candidates - on the basis of performance in the Entry to Year 7 examination papers in English and Mathematics sat on Entrance Eaxmination Day in January.

       Download Application forms for Junior or Senior entry

Bursaries are available from Year 3 onwards.  Academic Scholarships are awarded at Year 7 entry, and Music Scholarships are available at all levels. Sixth Form bursaries are awarded for entry into Year 12  (see below).

Fees, scholarships and bursaries

The fees are currently:

There is a 5% reduction on fees for a second daughter and a 10% reduction for the third and subsequent daughters.  Discounts do not apply to scholarship and bursary holders. Lunch charges for Junior pupils are included in the basic fee.  Lunch charges for Senior pupils are £2.65 per day.

A full term's notice in writing is required before the removal of a pupil otherwise a term's fee in lieu will be charged.  All payments must be made in full by the first day of term.  Interest will be charged on late payments.

Music Scholarship Examination 

Music Scholarship applicants should be aged between 11 and 18 years on 1 September 2011.  They should have a standard equivalent to Grade 4 Associated Board on at least one instrument, and show an enthusiasm to pursue an active musical life during their time at the school and demonstrate potential. The Music Examination will be held on Saturday 15 January 2011. Applicants must be prepared to perform one piece on their main instrument and one piece on a second instrument if applicable.  For the purpose of the examination, voice can be offered as one instrument.  Aural and sight-reading tests, on the first instrument, will also be given.