Eltham College 11+ Entry Guide
Eltham College 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 day school in Mottingham, south-east London (fully co-ed since 2024-25).
- About 120 Year 7 places; about half come up from the Junior School.
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: 4pm, Monday 9 November 2026
- Assessment: 5 and 6 January 2027
- Offers: Friday 12 February 2027 (accept by 3 March)
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Assessment
The school's own written English and Maths papers, plus an online verbal and non-verbal reasoning test.
Interview
A one-to-one interview with a senior teacher.
How offers are made
Eltham College makes its own offers in February. The current school's reference is requested later.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Every candidate is considered for an Academic scholarship.
- Music, Sport, Drama, Chess and Art scholarships have their own assessments in late January.
- Means-tested bursaries are available.
How to help your child prepare
- 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.
- Online reasoning. Practise verbal and non-verbal reasoning little and often, to time.
- 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 English Reading, English Writing and Maths sample papers.
Common questions from parents
Is Eltham College for girls too?
Yes. It is fully co-educational.
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: Eltham College official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.