Caterham School 11+ Entry Guide
Caterham School is an independent school with entry at 11+ into Year 7. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- A co-educational independent school in Caterham, Surrey.
- Day places; a part-week boarding option at 11+ (full and weekly boarding from 13+).
Who can apply
- Children in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016), registered by the school's deadline.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Registration deadline: Monday 2 November 2026
- ISEB pre-test: November or December 2026 (or at Caterham on 14 November)
- Interviews: mid to late November 2026
- EDGE Experience Day: Saturday 9 January 2027
- Offers: Friday 12 February 2027
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
ISEB Common Pre-Test
Online: English, Maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Interview
An informal interview in November.
EDGE Experience Day
The school's own Maths paper, an EDGE paper (writing, critical thinking and an innovation task) and group activities.
How offers are made
Caterham makes its own offers in February and says it takes a whole-child view of every applicant.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic scholarships are considered automatically.
- Music, Art, Drama, Chess, Dance, Innovation and Sport scholarships.
- Bursaries up to 100%.
How to help your child prepare
- ISEB pre-test. It is online, multiple choice and adaptive (questions get harder or easier). Practise short, timed questions on screen in English, Maths and both kinds of reasoning.
- Written English and Maths. The school sets its own papers. Cover all of Key Stage 2 by the end of Year 5, go further on problem solving, and practise showing maths working clearly.
- Interview. Help your child talk about their interests, the books they read and how they solved a problem. There is no need to learn answers by heart.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: The school publishes an 11+ Maths syllabus with specimen questions.
Common questions from parents
Does Caterham shortlist after the pre-test?
The school says it does not screen out applicants at that stage.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: Caterham School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.