For independent secondary schools, families have two main entry points: 11+ (entering Year 7) or 13+ Common Entrance (entering Year 9 from a prep school). Each has trade-offs.
11+ entry to independent senior schools
- Test typically sat in January of Year 6 (state primary children).
- Some schools use the ISEB Pre-Test in November of Year 6.
- Schools that take 11+ entry: Hampton, KCS Wimbledon, City of London Boys', Westminster Under, Habs Boys' & Girls'.
- Child joins Year 7 alongside other 11-year-olds.
13+ Common Entrance
- Test sat in June of Year 8 (prep school children).
- Covers 12 subjects: English, Maths, Science, French, History, Geography, Religion, Latin, plus options.
- Schools that take 13+ entry: Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Rugby, Marlborough, Wycombe Abbey, Cheltenham Ladies'.
- Child joins Year 9.
Which path makes sense
Choose 11+ if:
- Your child is currently in a state primary and you want them in independent senior at 11.
- You have a top-tier child academically and want maximum runway in a strong independent.
- You want to avoid the disruption of changing schools mid-secondary.
Choose 13+ if:
- Your child is already in a prep school with strong 13+ pipeline.
- You're aiming for Eton, Harrow, Winchester, or other 13+-only schools.
- You want extra time for your child to mature before the final school choice.
The middle ground: prep school for Years 7-8
Some families switch from state primary to prep school for Years 7-8 (sometimes called "shell year"), then sit Common Entrance at 13. This works well for academically strong children but is expensive (2 years of prep school fees).
What if you're undecided
Prepare for 11+. If your child gets a good offer at a strong 11+ school, take it. If not, you can still pivot to 13+ Common Entrance.