Admissions information 2024/25

Admissions Information 2024/25

2 Applying to Haileybury at 11+

4. Applying to Haileybury at 13+

6. Applying to Haileybury at 14+ and 15+

8. Applying to Haileybury at 16+

. Financial matters

11. Boarding life

2. Transport

A very warm welcome to Haileybury Admissions. We hope you will find the information contained within this booklet helpful as you embark upon your admissions journey.

Our Admissions Department is committed to supporting and guiding you and your child through their application to Haileybury and please find enclosed details of our admissions procedures for each year group and entry point. Guidance is also provided on applying for a scholarship or bursary.

If you haven’t yet had an opportunity to visit Haileybury, we invite you and your family to come and experience what makes our community such a special place. Simply contact the Admissions team and we would be delighted to arrange a time that is convenient for your family.

Our Open Events are also an ideal way to explore the breadth of activities and opportunities that await your child. During these events, our pupils offer guided tours of our picturesque, historic campus and provide a snapshot of what it means to be a Haileyburian. Heads of Department and senior staff are also available to answer any specific questions you may have.

On behalf of our entire school community, we look forward to welcoming you to Haileybury in the near future.

Applying to Haileybury at 11+

Initial enquiry Please contact our Admissions team to enquire about a place in Year 7.

School Open Mornings take place in the Autumn and Spring terms. We also hold specific 11+ Open Events and offer individual tours throughout the year.

The entrance examinations and scholarship assessments are completed in the Autumn term of Year 6. To be considered for a place at Haileybury, please complete a Registration Form and pay the registration fee. Once your child is registered with us you will receive information about the entrance examinations.

place is normally offered within two weeks of taking the entrance examinations. Acceptance of the place is usually within two weeks after receipt of the offer.

new pupils are invited to a Welcome Day in the Summer term and an Induction Day for all new pupils is held at the start of the Autumn term.

Entrance assessment

Haileybury exam papers

All applicants will be invited to Haileybury to sit papers in mathematics and English which will assess their fundamental understanding of, and skill with, these core subjects. A sample paper for each of these examinations can be found on our website.

CAT4 test

Applicants will also sit an online cognitive abilities test (CAT) which is provided by GL Assessment. This test assesses verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and quantitative and spatial skills.

Applicants cannot prepare for the content of the test which is designed to assess their inherent (rather than taught) aptitude however each section of the CAT4 includes practice examples, which familiarise the pupils with the style and format of the questions before they commence the test.

Interview

During the assessment day, all pupils will be interviewed. The main focus of this interview is to get a better understanding of the applicant as a learner but questions are likely to also explore other interests, achievements, and skills in order to provide a clearer idea of each child as an individual.

Additional information

A school report and a confidential reference from the applicant’s current school will also be requested. In assessing applications a holistic judgement is made, based on each of the aforementioned aspects of the admissions process.

Scholarships

We welcome applications at 11+ for a range of scholarships which are awarded by the Master to recognise excellence, ability, outstanding achievement and promise.

Successful applicants gain enormously from the additional opportunities and enrichment programmes available. Scholarships are awarded on merit and will normally be held for the duration of a pupil’s career at Haileybury, subject to the pupil continuing to meet the standards expected of scholars.

At 11+ entry, Haileybury offers Academic, Music, and Sport Scholarships.

Academic Scholarships

An Academic Scholarship will be awarded to applicants who are outstanding in their performance, both in our entrance examinations and interview. No application is required.

Music Scholarships

Music Scholarships are awarded to gifted musicians after they have attended an audition and interview with the Director of Music. Applicants will normally offer two instruments, one of which may be voice, and a standard of Grade 3 or 4 in the main instrument is expected. Applicants may also submit and perform their own compositions. Music Scholars are expected to contribute to the musical life of Haileybury and take up leadership responsibilities, directing groups and encouraging music-making throughout the School.

Sport Scholarships

Attitude, athletic ability and raw talent are our key factors in selecting a Sports Scholar at this age. Sports Scholarships are awarded to applicants of an outstanding ability in one or often more, of our core sports; namely hockey, rugby, football, netball, cricket, lacrosse and swimming. The assessment day will typically include fitness training, sports training sessions and an interview.

Bursaries

The Governors of Haileybury are committed to providing financial aid, in the form of bursaries, to any child with academic potential who would benefit from accessing the opportunities Haileybury has to offer but who would otherwise not have the means to attend. Parents or guardians should complete the bursary application forms which are reviewed by a third party (Bursary Administration Limited). The deadline for applications is 1 October in the year prior to entry.

Overseas applicants

Overseas applicants follow the same entrance procedure as UK applicants. Please contact Admissions for more information.

Applying to Haileybury at 13+

contact our Admissions team to enquire about a place in Year 9.

To be considered for a place at Haileybury, please complete a Registration Form and pay the registration fee. Once your child is registered with us you will receive information about the entrance examinations.

The entrance examinations and scholarship assessments are completed in the Spring term of Year 6 or Year 7.

A place is normally offered within two weeks of taking the entrance examinations. Acceptance of the place is usually within two weeks after receipt of the offer.

All new pupils are invited to Experience Days. There is also a Welcome Day in the Summer term and an Induction Day for all new pupils is held at the start of the Autumn term.

Early 13+

Haileybury offers an earlier entrance route (Early 13+), which takes place in the February of an applicant’s Year 6; two and a half years before their proposed date of entry.

Main 13+

The main entrance examinations (Main 13+) are held in the January of an applicant’s Year 7; 20 months prior to the proposed date of entry. Offers made after the Early and Main examinations are for a confirmed and unconditional place in Year 9. Please note that unsuccessful Early 13+ applicants can reapply through the Main 13+ route when they are in Year 7.

Following the Main 13+ assessments, Haileybury will continue to accept registrations and assess applicants for as long as places remain available. Whether applying via the Early 13+ or the Main 13+ route, the admissions process is identical.

Entrance assessment

Haileybury exam papers

All applicants will be invited to Haileybury to sit papers in mathematics and English which will assess their fundamental understanding of, and skill with, these core subjects. A sample paper for each of these examinations can be found on our website.

CAT4 test

Applicants will also sit an online cognitive abilities test (CAT) which is provided by GL Assessment. This test assesses verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and quantitative and spatial skills. Applicants cannot prepare for the content of the test which is designed to assess their inherent (rather than taught) aptitude however each

section of CAT4 includes practice examples, which familiarise the pupils with the style and format of the questions before they commence the test.

Interview

During the assessment day, all pupils will be interviewed. The main focus of this interview is to get a better understanding of the applicant as a learner but questions are likely to also explore other interests, achievements and skills in order to provide a clearer idea about each child as an individual.

Additional information

A school report and a confidential reference from the applicant’s current school will also be requested. In assessing applications a holistic judgement is made, based on each of the aforementioned aspects of the admissions process. Please note that it is not possible for an applicant to be considered for both Lower School 1 (Year 7) and Removes (Year 9, Early 13+) simultaneously.

Scholarships

We welcome applications at 13+ for a range of scholarships which are awarded by the Master to recognise excellence, ability, outstanding achievement and promise. Successful applicants gain enormously from the additional opportunities and enrichment programmes available. Scholarships are awarded on merit and a scholarship will normally be held for the duration of a pupil’s career at Haileybury, subject to the pupil continuing to meet the standards expected of scholars. All scholarships are reviewed annually.

At 13+ Haileybury offers Academic, Drama, Music, Sport, Art and Design Technology Scholarships.

Applicants can apply for a maximum of three scholarships.

To apply for a scholarship

Applicants must have gained a place at Haileybury before they can apply for a scholarship. Scholarship application forms will be sent to all confirmed applicants in the Autumn term prior to entry. Scholarship assessments take place in the Spring term prior to entry.

Academic Scholarships

All applicants initially undergo the 13+ entrance examinations. Those who perform especially strongly in these assessments will then be invited back to Haileybury to take part in a scholarship assessment day. Assessment during the day consists of two written papers (in mathematics and English) and then a series of more practical and interactive assessments (specifically in the areas of science, linguistics and humanities). In addition, applicants will have an interview, during which they will be asked to deliver a short verbal presentation on a subject of their choice.

Art and Design Technology Scholarships

Applicants are expected to offer evidence of outstanding achievement by bringing examples of work and sketchbooks. Applicants will undergo a practical assessment and an interview with the Head of Art (Art Scholarship applicants) or Head of Design Technology (Design Technology Scholarship applicants).

Drama Scholarships

Applicants are expected to offer evidence of outstanding theatrical ability. Applicants should be prepared to perform two contrasting audition pieces and also provide a song to assess musical

theatre ability. There will be a solo audition and interview with the Director of Drama as well as a sight reading task and potentially a short group workshop.

Where possible, applicants should also provide evidence of previous drama experience such as school plays, extra-curricular drama lessons, theatre school experience, dance or singing qualifications, LAMDA qualifications or professional experience.

Music Scholarships

Music Scholarships are awarded to gifted musicians following an audition and interview with the Director of Music. Applicants will normally offer two instruments, one of which may be voice, and a standard of Grade 5 or 6 in the main instrument is expected.

Applicants may also submit and perform their own compositions. Music Scholars are expected to contribute to the musical life of Haileybury and take up leadership responsibilities, directing groups and encouraging music-making throughout the School.

Sport Scholarships

Excellence of performance, an immense level of promise and/or potential for leadership in one sport can lead to the award of a scholarship.

Sports Scholarships are awarded to applicants of outstanding ability in one, or often more, of our core sports; namely hockey, netball, cricket, rugby, swimming, football and lacrosse. The assessment day would typically include: fitness training, sports training sessions, and an interview.

Haileybury Scholars are expected to be active and positive contributors to the School’s sporting life throughout the year, setting an impeccable

example on and off the field of play. Every Sports Scholar from 13+ will also be invited to join the Haileybury HPP (High-Performance Programme) and thus have the best possible chance of maximising their potential.

Bursaries

The Governors of Haileybury are committed to providing financial aid, in the form of bursaries, to any child with academic potential who would benefit from accessing the opportunities Haileybury has to offer but who would otherwise not have the means to attend. Parents or guardians should complete the bursary application forms which are reviewed by a third party (Bursary Administration Limited). The deadline for applications is 1 October in the year prior to entry.

Overseas applicants

International applicants may be permitted to sit entrance examinations at offices of the British Council, at the offices of an educational agent in partnership with Haileybury or at a lawyers’ office. Please note that other than in exceptional circumstances, we do not permit our entrance examinations to be taken at the applicant’s current school. All applicants based in the UK are expected to come to Haileybury to sit their papers, this includes international applicants currently at a UK Boarding school.

It is important that all international pupils joining Haileybury are proficient English speakers and writers when they arrive. The School reserves the right to request that international applicants sit the UKiset online test as part of the admissions process.

Applying to Haileybury at 14+ and 15+

14+ Entry

Entrance examinations for entry into Year 10 take place in November of the year prior to entry. A further examination date may take place in the Spring term subject to available places.

15+ Entry

While we are not able to consider applications to join our main Year 11 cohort, we do admit a small number of pupils into this year group to join an accelerated Pre-Diploma programme of IGCSE study; this is aimed at pupils from overseas who wish to experience studying in the UK prior to embarking on the IB Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form.

With only a few places available for what is a very popular course, the Pre-Diploma is a highly competitive entry point. Entry examinations take place in November of the year prior to entry. A further examination date may take place in the Spring term subject to available places.

Entrance assessment

Haileybury exam papers

Applicants will sit examinations in mathematics and English which will assess their fundamental understanding of, and skill with, these core subjects. A sample paper for each of these assessments can be found on our website.

CAT4 test

Applicants will also sit an online cognitive abilities test (CAT) which is provided by GL Assessment. This test assesses verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and quantitative and spatial skills. Applicants cannot prepare for the content of the test which

is designed to assess their inherent (rather than taught) aptitude, however each section of CAT4 includes practice examples, which familiarise the pupils with the style and format of the questions before they commence the test.

Interview

All applicants will be interviewed. The main focus of this interview is to get a better understanding of the applicant as a learner but questions are likely to also explore other interests, achievements and skills in order to provide a clearer idea of each applicant as an individual.

Additional information

A school report and a confidential reference from the applicant’s current school will also be requested. In assessing applications a holistic judgement is made, based on each of the aforementioned aspects of the admissions process.

Bursaries

The Governors of Haileybury are committed to providing financial aid, in the form of bursaries, to any child with academic potential who would benefit from accessing the opportunities Haileybury has to offer but who would otherwise not have the means to attend. Parents or guardians should complete the bursary application forms which are reviewed by a third party (Bursary Administration Limited). The deadline for applications is 1 October in the year prior to entry.

Overseas applicants

International applicants may be permitted to sit entrance examinations at offices of the British

Council, at the offices of an educational agent in partnership with Haileybury or at a lawyers’ office. Please note that other than in exceptional circumstances, we do not permit our entrance examinations to be taken at the applicant’s current school. All applicants based in the UK are expected to come to Haileybury to sit their papers, this includes international applicants currently at a UK Boarding school.

It is important that all international pupils joining Haileybury are proficient English speakers and writers when they arrive. The School reserves the right to request that international applicants sit the UKiset online test as part of the admissions process.

Applying to Haileybury at 16+

We welcome applications for entry into the Sixth Form to study either for A levels or for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Entrance criteria

Upon initial enquiry, applicants are requested to provide their most recent school report and any predicted grades to the Admissions team. The minimum entrance criteria to enter Sixth Form at Haileybury is six GCSE Level 6’s or equivalent and school reports need to show the applicant is on track to achieve this.

Subject to a satisfactory report (and UKiset score where appropriate) applicants will be invited to register for the assessment day in November of the year prior to entry.

Following the November assessment day, Haileybury will continue to accept registrations and assess applicants for as long as places remain available.

Entrance Assessments

Mathematics and English Language papers

Applicants will sit a Haileybury mathematics and English Language paper. Sample papers can be found on our website.

Free-choice subject paper

Applicants will also choose one subject from a published list and sit a paper in that subject.

Decisions over which subject to choose should be taken carefully and should reflect the strengths of the applicant. These papers are designed so that no specific prior content knowledge is required – instead, they are a chance for a candidate to demonstrate their skills and thinking within a subject discipline. Sample papers and the list of subjects available can be found on our website.

test

Applicants will also sit an online cognitive abilities test (CAT) which is provided by GL Assessment. This test assesses verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and quantitative and spatial skills. Applicants cannot prepare for the content of the test which is designed to assess their inherent (rather than taught) aptitude. Each section of CAT4 includes practice examples, which familiarise the pupils with the style and format of the questions before they commence the test.

Interview

All applicants will be interviewed in order to get a better understanding of the applicant as a learner but questions are likely to also explore other interests, achievements and skills in order to provide a clearer idea of each applicant as an individual.

Additional information

A confidential reference from the applicant’s current school will also be requested. In assessing applications a holistic judgement is made, based on each of the aforementioned aspects of the admissions process.

Scholarships

We welcome applications from external applicants at 16+ for a range of scholarships which are awarded by the Master to recognise excellence, ability, outstanding achievement and promise. Successful applicants gain enormously from the additional opportunities and enrichment programmes available. Scholarships are awarded on merit and a scholarship will normally be held for the duration of a pupil’s career at Haileybury, subject to the pupil continuing to meet the standards expected of scholars. All scholarships are reviewed annually.

At 16+ entry, Haileybury offers Academic, Drama, Music, Sport, Art and Design Technology Scholarships.

Applicants can apply for a maximum of three scholarships.

To apply for a scholarship

Lower Sixth entry scholarship application forms will be sent to all registered applicants. Scholarship assessments take place during the Autumn term prior to entry.

Academic Scholarships

Haileybury does not require 16+ applicants to submit a separate application for an academic scholarship. An academic scholarship will be awarded to candidates who are outstanding in their performance, both in our entrance examinations and interview.

Art and Design Technology Scholarships

Applicants are expected to offer evidence of outstanding achievement by bringing examples of artwork and sketchbooks. Applicants will undergo a practical assessment and an interview with the Head of Art (Art Scholarship applicants) or Head of Design Technology (Design Technology Scholarship applicants).

Drama Scholarships

Applicants are expected to offer evidence of outstanding theatrical ability. Applicants should be prepared to perform two contrasting audition pieces and also provide a song to assess musical theatre ability. There will be a solo audition and interview with the Director of Drama as well as a sight reading task and potentially a short group workshop. Where possible, applicants should also provide evidence of previous drama experience such as school plays, extra-curricular drama lessons,

theatre school experience, dance or singing qualifications, LAMDA qualifications or professional experience.

Music Scholarships

Applicants will normally offer two instruments, one of which may be voice, and a standard of Grade 7 or 8 in the main instrument is expected. Applicants will have an audition and an interview with the Director of Music. Applicants may also submit and perform their own compositions. Music Scholars will automatically join our Scholarship programme which aims to develop and maximise the pupil’s potential and passions.

The programme will include:

• working towards diploma standard Trinity or ABRSM

• preparation for university choral and organ scholarships

• one-to-one, weekly listening/aural sessions

Music Scholars are expected to contribute to the musical life of the School and take up leadership responsibilities; directing groups and encouraging music-making throughout the School.

Sport Scholarships

High performance in a nominated sport, leadership skills and a first-class attitude are all essential.

We award scholarships in hockey, rugby, netball, cricket, lacrosse, football and swimming. There is also the opportunity to showcase your ability in more than just the nominated sport, if you wish, but it is certainly not a prerequisite. We are aware that, in some cases, specialisation has already occurred at this age.

Haileybury Scholars are expected to be active and positive contributors to the School’s sporting

life throughout the year, setting an impeccable example on and off the field of play

Every Sports Scholar at 16+ will also be invited to join the Haileybury HPP (High-Performance Programme) and thus have the best possible chance of maximising their potential.

Bursaries

The Governors of Haileybury are committed to providing financial aid, in the form of bursaries, to any child with academic potential who would benefit from accessing the opportunities Haileybury has to offer but who would otherwise not have the means to attend. Parents or guardians should complete the bursary application forms which are reviewed by a third party (Bursary Administration Limited). The deadline for applications is 1 October in the year prior to entry.

Overseas applicants

International applicants may be permitted to sit entrance examinations at offices of the British Council, at the offices of an educational agent in partnership with Haileybury or at a lawyers’ office. Please note that other than in exceptional circumstances, we do not permit our entrance examinations to be taken at the applicant’s current school. All applicants based in the UK are expected to come to Haileybury to sit their papers, this includes international applicants currently at a UK Boarding school.

It is important that all international pupils joining Haileybury are proficient English speakers and writers when they arrive. The School reserves the right to request that international applicants sit the UKiset online test as part of the admissions process.

Financial matters

Bursaries

Bursary support usually takes the form of a fee remission payable depending upon the financial circumstances of applicants. The awards are made at the discretion of the Master in consultation with the Bursary Awards Committee, based on a means test, which includes a review of a family’s circumstances, income and capital resources. An initial review of applications is conducted, and those cases which are deemed to fit the set criteria are referred to the School’s independent financial consultants (Bursary Administration Limited –BAL) for assessment. The formal report is reviewed by the Master and the Bursary Awards Committee and a decision is reached.

The BAL process is necessarily formal. If an application is not forwarded to BAL, or if a bursary is not awarded following assessment by BAL, parents will be informed of this.

Applications for the forthcoming academic year must be received prior to 1 October. Applications received after this date, or applications that are incomplete, may not be considered and could result in no award being made. Please see our Bursary, Scholarship and Widening Access Policy on our website for further guidance and how to apply.

Please note that international applicants are generally not eligible for a bursary award.

General Information

Registration fee

A non-refundable registration fee of £200 is payable at the time of registration. Registration of your child ensures that your child will be considered for selection as a pupil at Haileybury.

Deposit

The Acceptance Deposit for applicants whose parents reside in the UK is £3,000. For applicants whose parents do not reside in the UK, the Acceptance Deposit is £8,000. Please note the Acceptance Deposit is non-refundable should you not take up the offer of a place. For all pupils, the Acceptance Deposit will be refunded on their final invoice in the July after the Summer term. The School will retain the Acceptance Deposit without interest.

Fees

Please see our website for the school fees for the current academic year and details of additional charges. School fees are reviewed annually by the Governors and published at the start of the Summer term preceding the new academic year. The Governors reserve the right to increase fees, extras, and deposits, giving a term’s notice, and to charge interest on any unpaid fees.

Haileybury Composition of Fees Scheme

Please contact our Finance department for further details of this scheme, where a lump sum payment can be made to cover a credit to the parent’s account of an agreed termly amount. Please note, however, that there is no protection against the School fee increases.

IT provision

At Haileybury, we use digital technology to enhance and augment our teaching and learning; the pupils’ iPads form an integral part of this experience. To support their learning, all pupils have an iPad, keyboard case and Apple pencil. From September 2024 onwards, all pupils in Lower Sixth are strongly encouraged to have a MacBook in addition to their iPad. From September 2025, it will be a requirement for all pupils in Lower Sixth to have an iPad and MacBook. Please note these devices must be purchased through the School’s supplier.

A list of optional extra costs can be found on the fees page of our website.

On joining Haileybury, new pupils are allocated to one of our 13 Houses, all of which contain both boarders and day pupils. Each House is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress (HM) who becomes the key person in your son or daughter’s school life, someone who knows them closely and is always looking out for them. HMs ensure the mental and physical health, well-being and academic progress of each and every pupil in their care. HMs are supported by Matrons, Assistant HMs, Resident Tutors and a team of tutors so there is always someone on hand to help or just have a chat.

More than two-thirds of pupils are boarders but day pupils can enjoy the benefits of wrap-around care, activities, sport and all-round provision. While pupils may go home after sport on Saturday afternoon, weekends are fun, purposeful and relaxing, with a wide range of activities laid on.

Years 7 and 8

Lower School boarders (boys and girls) live in the purpose-built Highfield House. Pupils have the option to flexi-board or weekly board. Pupils can board regularly for one or more (up to a maximum of six) nights per week in Highfield. Pupils return home or go to a Guardian from Saturday lunchtime until Sunday evening.

Year 9

A full boarding experience is offered from Year 9. For those pupils in Year 9 wishing to experience a trial boarding period before committing to full-time boarding, we offer an ’Introduction to Boarding’ option if bed space in the House allows.

Boarding life

Introduction to Boarding can begin after the first Exeat Weekend of the first term, usually about the third or fourth week of term. Pupils are required to board on the same three consecutive nights every week arranged with the Housemaster or Housemistress.

Weekends

Saturday morning lessons are an important part of life for the Main School pupils, for both day and boarding Haileyburians. Pupils play sport and matches on Saturday afternoon, with parents warmly encouraged to attend fixtures if they can.

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 have no timetabled lessons on Saturday mornings but are expected to take part in sports and fixtures during this time.

On Sunday mornings, boarding pupils can lie in and enjoy a brunch. Optional organised activities take place on Sunday afternoons. Alternatively, pupils can relax with their friends onsite, make use of the extensive facilities, or spend time catching up on their studies.

Long Exeat Weekends

Long Exeat weekends take place three times a year; twice in the Autumn term and once in the Spring term. All pupils leave the School to go home or to their Guardians from 1.00 pm on Friday and return by 9.30 pm on Sunday. There are also five ‘In Weekends’ throughout the academic year. All boarding pupils stay at School on Saturday night and until after a Chapel Service on Sunday morning.

Guardians

All pupils whose parents reside overseas are required to appoint a UK Guardian; this is a legal requirement and the Admissions team can provide further information on selecting a Guardian for your child. See our Educational Guardianship Policy on the website for further details.

Visas

If your child does not hold a UK passport, they will need to apply for a Child Student Visa in order to

study at Haileybury unless they fall into one of the following exemption categories:

• Your child already has an EU Settled or Pre-settled status

• Your child holds a dependant Visa Admissions offers support through the visa application process.

Haileybury is set in extensive grounds amidst open countryside and woodland. The School is 30 minutes on the train from central London, one hour drive from Cambridge, 45 minutes from Heathrow and 10 minutes from Broxbourne train station.

Day Pupil Service

Transport

A home-to-school transport service (below) is available for day pupils, operating Monday to Friday mornings and evenings and Saturday mornings. We also provide minibus services for pupils returning to School on Sunday evenings. There is a high level of demand for our bus services and we continually evaluate new routes and stops. Please contact the Transport department to enquire about spaces and routes by telephone on +44 (0) 1992 706378 or email, transport@haileybury.com.

BuckinghamshireGerrardsCrossChalfontStGilesChalfont&Latimer

Boarding Pupil Service

We run a service (above) to collect boarding pupils on Sunday evenings in term time, via Buckinghamshire, Kent, Cambridgeshire and two London routes.