Sevenoaks School 11+ Entry Guide
Sevenoaks 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 Sevenoaks, Kent.
- Day only at 11+ (boarding starts at 13+ and 16+).
- About 80 Year 7 places.
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: 21 September 2026 (now closed; 21 September of Year 6 each year)
- Stage 1: ISEB online pre-test by 27 November 2026 (Kent Test or other grammar scores may be accepted instead)
- Stage 2 assessment day: 5 January 2027
- Offers: by email on 12 February 2027
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Stage 1
The ISEB Common Pre-Test (online, English, Maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning), taken by 27 November. The school also looks at the school reference and a co-curricular form from parents.
Stage 2
An assessment day at Sevenoaks: the school's own written English and Maths papers, and a 40-minute group discussion led by staff.
How offers are made
Offers are emailed in mid-February. A reserve list is used in early March.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic scholarships come from the entrance exams and group discussion.
- Music scholarships have their own application and January auditions.
- Means-tested bursaries are available.
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.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: The school publishes past Year 7 English and Maths papers.
Common questions from parents
Do I need the ISEB pre-test?
The school prefers it, but it may accept Kent Test or other grammar school scores instead. Check with the school.
Is boarding possible at 11?
No. Year 7 is day only; boarding starts at 13+.
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: Sevenoaks School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.