First Form Entry (11+)

Joining us in the First Form (Year 7) marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As one of our main entry points, it provides pupils with the opportunity to develop their skills, broaden their interests and build confidence. With supportive teaching, strong pastoral care and a vibrant community, pupils soon develop a true sense of belonging.

Registration Process

In order to register your child for a place in our First Form, we would ask that prospective parents complete a two-stage registration process, as listed below. Normally parents would complete the registration process by the start of their child’s Year 6. For our September 2027 entry to First Form, please ensure that you have completed both parts of the registration process before Wednesday 21st October 2026.

  • Firstly, please register your child with the School. If you are looking to join us from an external primary or prep school, please complete the Online Registration Form below, as well as making payment of a non-refundable Registration Fee of £120.00.

Registration Form

 

Entry Requirements

All prospective pupils looking to join our First Form are required to sit the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) Common Pre-Tests during the Michaelmas Term whilst in Year 6. During this term, we will also apply to every applicant’s school for a reference or report on academic and social progress.

The tests can be taken at Sutton Valence School or at your child’s current school if it is registered as an Invigilation Centre (place where tests will be administered). To sit the tests here, your child must be registered with both Sutton Valence School and the ISEB (as per the above two-stage registration process) and Sutton Valence Senior School must be selected as the Invigilation Centre.

Please refer to the following guidance on the ISEB Pre-Test process. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office. Information for families, including some useful resources, can also be found on the ISEB website.

Confirmation of a Place

For our September 2027 entry to First Form (Year 7), we will contact families with the outcome of the application by Friday 18th December 2026. Acceptance of the offer will be required by March 2027.

What are the ISEB Common Pre-Tests?

When will my child sit the ISEB Common Pre-Tests?

Can our child take the tests abroad?

Are the tests accessible for my child who has special educational needs?

When and how do I register with ISEB?

How should my child prepare for the examination?

Scholarships

The School offers a range of scholarships to pupils joining our First Form. As listed below, each scholarship has its own criteria and method of assessment. Scholarships are assessed during the Michaelmas Term of Year 6. To apply for a scholarship, please complete our Scholarship Application Form below.

Scholarship Application Form

For detailed information about our scholarship programme, including specific requirements for each of the respective disciplines, please see our Scholarship guide below. For more general answers, please refer to the following information, as well as a table outlining the application deadlines and assessment dates for 2027 First Form entry.

See our Scholarship Guide

FAQs

How do I apply?

Do I need to speak with my child’s current Headteacher?

Can my child apply for more than one scholarship?

Can my child apply for an Academic Scholarship?

Is there a fee to apply for a scholarship?

How much funding will I receive if awarded a scholarship?

How long will the scholarship last?

Scholarship Dates for First Form 2026 Entry

DisciplineApplication DeadlineAssessment Date
Academic ScholarshipN/AFriday 4th or Saturday 5th December 2026
Art ScholarshipWednesday 21st October 2026Monday 9th November 2026
Design and Technology ScholarshipWednesday 21st October 2026Wednesday 11th November 2026
Drama ScholarshipWednesday 21st October 2026Saturday 14th November 2026
Music ScholarshipWednesday 21st October 2026Saturday 14th November 2026
Sport ScholarshipWednesday 22nd October 2026Friday 13th November 2026

Where Next?

Open Mornings

Scholarships

Fees