Abingdon School

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

Application

Third Year boys are usually aged 13 on 1 September in the year of entry. For Third Year entry, it is helpful if boys are registered with us by May in the academic year in which they are eleven (Year 6 in the UK National curriculum).

Overseas admissions to Third Year

Parents of overseas boys seeking admission to the Third Year should refer to the overseas admissions page.

Boarding entry

Both weekly and full boarding places are available from age 13.

Procedure

There are three main methods of entry to the Third Year, listed below. Prior to sitting one of these sets of examinations boys should take a pre-test about two years (UK national curriculum Year 7) prior to joining the school. A conditional offer of a place in the Third Year following the pre-test is made on the basis of a candidate’s performance in the pre-test, a confidential report from his current school and an interview. Places are then confirmed following a satisfactory performance in one of the following examinations (taken in Year 8 of the UK national curriculum).

• Common Entrance: this examination, which is set externally by the Independent Schools' Examinations Board, is taken by boys attending independent prep schools in the June preceding the September of entry.
• 13+ examination: Abingdon’s own examination which is taken in the spring immediately preceding the September of entry by those attending maintained schools, some UK independent schools and schools overseas.
• Academic scholarship: this examination is taken in early March preceding the September of entry. If you have any queries about scholarship entry please contact the Registrar.

The pre-test process

Candidates sit the pre-test in late October of Year 7 (UK national curriculum year group) with papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning. Details of the arrangements are sent to the parents of all registered candidates in the previous May (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.
These papers are designed 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.

Results

Following the interview, successful candidates will be offered a place, subject only to a satisfactory result in Common Entrance, the academic scholarship or the 13+ transfer 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. We expect candidates to reach the required standard in their qualifying examination (as detailed above) but if this is not the case, the deposit will be returned.

Late applications

The School will view sympathetically later applications from parents, such as those who move into the area after the pre-test period, provided that places are still available.

13+ examination

This examination consists of papers in English (reading comprehension and an essay), mathematics and reasoning. Candidates will also be expected to prepare for interviews in their modern language or languages, the sciences as well as a general interview. In addition we will ask his current school to supply a confidential report.

Scholarships and exhibitions

A number of scholarships and 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.

Induction

In late June, following the Common Entrance examination, the confirmed Third Year entrants are invited to the School for an induction day.

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 Third Year entry to Abingdon in September 2012

Key dates for Third Year entry to Abingdon in September 2013

Key dates for Third Year entry to Abingdon in September 2014

Jane Jørgensen, Registrar