Abingdon School

We know that the application process for senior school varies quite widely and we welcome you contacting us at any time in your son’s primary school career to ask questions about Abingdon’s procedures. However, in order to assist, we have listed below the chief aspects of the First Year entry procedure as well as the key dates for First Year entry in 2013.

Application

First Year boys are usually aged 11 on 1 September of their year of entry. First Year entry is intended for boys who would normally transfer from their primary school (or equivalent) on completion of Year 6 (UK national curriculum). For this entry point, we recommend that prospective pupils are registered before November in the academic year prior to joining.

Entrance test procedure

The offer of a place in the First Year is made on the basis of a candidate's performance in the entrance test, a confidential report from his current school and an interview. Details of the arrangements for the entry test are sent to the parents of all registered candidates in the previous November (or on registration for those registering later than this). The School does not send out copies of past examination papers, but does send sample questions.

The tests

Candidates sit an entrance test in late January with papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning. These papers are designed to be appropriate for candidates from primary schools and to test potential rather than attainment. There are two English papers. The first tests pupils’ reading skills by asking them to respond to how effects are created by writers in both a poem and a short prose extract. The second paper asks for a brief composition, and assesses pupils’ writing skills. The mathematics paper contains questions on such topics as fractions, decimals, averages, percentages, areas of rectangles and currency; metric units will be used throughout and calculators are not allowed. Candidates are not required to wear school uniform. Lunch and snacks are provided.

Interviews

Candidates are selected for interview at the School following the written papers. The interview is a friendly affair, providing the School with an opportunity to assess a candidate’s personality and interests outside the classroom. On such an occasion it is quite in order for candidates to bring something with them, such as an object of interest or an example of their work, to provide talking points. Under certain circumstances some candidates may be asked to attend a second interview.

Awards

A number of academically related awards together with music exhibitions are offered at this entry point.

Financial assistance

Bursaries are available and can be up to 100% of the fees. All bursaries are means-tested.

Results

Offers of places are usually sent out about three weeks after the written examination. Parents will be asked to give a firm acceptance of the place and to pay a deposit which will be credited to the parents’ final account when their son leaves the School.

Induction

Successful candidates are invited to the School for two induction days, one in June and the second in September.

Visits

We welcome visits at any time during the admissions procedure. Should you wish to discuss the entry procedures further before visiting us, please contact the Registrar’s office at admissions@abingdon.org.uk or telephone +44 1235 849041.

Key dates for First Year entry to Abingdon in September 2013

Jane Jørgensen, Registrar