- Complete an Application Form by the first Friday in November
- Assessments in January of Year 6
- Offers are made in early February
- Secure a Year 9 place two years before entry
Entry at Year 9 (13+)
Applicants to The Leys are able to secure their places up to two years in advance, with options for testing beginning during their Year 6 (in the UK system).
Usually the process begins with a visit to one of our Open Mornings, Small Group Visits or a private visit, where you will be able to gain a sense of what is on offer at the School. The information below should act as a guide to the process of applying for a place, and further information can be provided by our admissions team.
Testing Options
Apply in Year 6
Apply in Year 7
- Complete an Application Form by the first Friday in November
- Assessments in January of Year 7
- Offers are made in early February
- Secure a Year 9 place one year before entry
Apply in Year 8
- Complete an Application Form by the first Friday in November
- Assessments in January of Year 8
- Offers are made in early February
- Secure a Year 9 place for the forthcoming September
General Timeline
- Applicants must first complete our Application Form
- In the October of the year of assessment we begin to request reports from current schools ahead of the January assessments
- In early January entry tests take place at The Leys
- In mid-January Scholarship assessments take place
- In early February offers are made
- The first Monday in March is the deadline for acceptance of places
What if my child is not offered a place?
Not being offered a place at one stage does not prevent a pupil from being considered again in the future. We would encourage families to stay in touch with our Admissions team, who will be happy to discuss individual circumstances and any future options.
Scholarships
Academic, Music, Sport and other scholarship assessments take place in January of the year of entry (during candidates Year 8), regardless of when a place was secured through pre-testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Year 9 remain a main entry point?
Yes. Year 9 will remain a principal entry point to the Upper School for pupils applying from outside the Foundation, as well as the normal point of progression for pupils moving from the Middle School to the Upper School.
Where will Year 9 pupils be based?
From September 2028, Years 9 to 13 will form the Upper School and will be based on the current site of The Leys.
How will external applicants apply for Year 9?
External applicants will normally complete an application form and may apply up to two years before entry. Applicants may be assessed through pre-testing in Year 6 or through later testing in Years 7 or 8, depending on when they apply.
What is the timetable for Year 9 applicants?
The usual process is:
- School reports are requested in the October/November before assessments
- Entry assessments take place in January
- Scholarship assessments take place in January of Year 8
- Offers are normally made in early February
- The acceptance deadline is normally the first Monday in March
Will entry into Year 10 be possible?
Entry into Year 10 may be possible where places are available. Any exceptional Year 10 entry will be considered through the usual admissions process.
What happens to pupils who pre-test in Year 6 or Year 7?
Candidates have the option to secure a Year 9 place up to two years before entry. Candidates are able to take age-appropriate assessments at The Leys in the January of their Year 6 or Year 7. Scholarship candidates will still undertake their scholarship assessments in January of Year 8, regardless of when their place at the School was secured.
The anticipated pre-testing sequence is:
- January 2027 or January 2028 for September 2029 entry
- January 2028 or January 2029 for September 2030 entry
- January 2029 or January 2030 for September 2031 entry
- January 2030 or January 2030 for September 2032 entry
Can a pupil be considered again after an unsuccessful assessment?
Yes. Not receiving an offer at one stage does not prevent a pupil from being considered again later. Families should remain in contact with the Admissions team to discuss the appropriate route and availability of places.