Eton College: 13+ Entry and the Year 6 Pre-Test
Eton College is a leading independent school with its main entry at 13+. Its assessment starts in Year 6, so families need to plan in Year 5. 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 boys' boarding school in Windsor, Berkshire, for ages 13 to 18.
- Entry at 13+ and 16+. There is no 11+ entry.
Who can apply
- Children registered by the school's deadline, which falls in Year 5 or early Year 6. Late registrations are not usually accepted.
- 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 (the Year 6 timetable)
- Register by: 31 August at the end of Year 5
- ISEB pre-test: autumn term of Year 6 (head teacher's report due 31 October)
- Interview and online test at Eton: January to May of Year 6
- Offers: February to July of Year 6, by birthday group
The assessments
Year 6: ISEB Common Pre-Test
Online, about 2½ hours: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and Maths.
Year 6: at Eton
An individual interview and an online test of academic ability.
Year 8
A conditional place is confirmed through the King's Scholarship, Common Entrance or Eton Entrance exams.
How offers are made
Conditional offers are made during Year 6, by birthday group. A boarding house is chosen in Year 7.
Scholarships and bursaries
- King's Scholarships (academic, Year 8), the Rokos Scholarship for boys from state primary schools, and Music Awards.
- Means-tested bursaries from 5% 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.
- Plan early. The Year 6 pre-test decides most offers, so prepare steadily in Year 5 and the start of Year 6.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: See the ISEB guidance for families.
Common questions from parents
Is it too late in Year 6?
Usually yes. Registration closes at the end of Year 5. After that, only scholarships or Sixth Form entry are possible.
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: Eton College official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.