Back to School 2025 by
Contents
Foreword
• US colleges and universities Our services Here's what our clients have to say Get in touch 4. 6. 8. 17. 18. 20.
Back to school wherever you are
Key test dates this autumn
• ISEB common pre-test
• 11+ & 13+ school admissions assessments
• 16+ entry
• Mocks and national exams
• UK universities
September 2025
Foreword
From Jess Harris, Global Head of Education
With a new school year on the horizon, it’s a natural time for both reflection and celebration.
Since September 2024, Quintessentially Education has supported students across 22 countries with everything from early-years to graduate pathways. We've also guided families through international moves, SEND provisions, and confidence-building tuitioneach success reflecting the trust families place in us and the individuality of every student.
We were honoured to receive Relocate Global’s 2025 Award for Excellence in Education and a glowing review from The Good Schools Guide, recognising the care and quality that define our work. Alongside this, we contributed to broader education conversations, while the team remained active within education communities, visiting institutions and attending industry events such as The National Tutors Conference and the Annual UCAS Advisor’s Conference.
Over the winter months we piloted our new class-based initiative, The Art of Interview. Designed to help students familiarise themselves with the unfamiliar ahead of senior school interviews, we're excited to be scaling this offering through 2025 and beyond.
And in true Quintessentially spirit, several of our team members completed Quintessentially Foundation’s 450km charity cycle across the Scottish Highlands, raising funds for causes close to our hearts.
As we begin the new academic year, our focus remains the same: to empower every student to Explore, Prepare and Succeed, no matter what their educational journey may entail. We welcome you to join us this back-to-school season.
Warm regards,
Jess Harris Global Head of Quintessentially Education
Back to school
wherever you are
There’s a palpable sense of change in the air as students around the world settle into the new academic year. From practical tips by industry experts to guidance on applying to UK schools from abroad, we’ve got you covered to transition into the new term with ease. Plus, read on to find out why September feels like the start of a new year for adults, too.
Why does September feel like the start of a new year?
Got the back-to-school feeling? You’re not alone. Whether you loved or loathed your educational experience, it’s hard to ignore the feeling of starting a new year in September.
Learn what’s behind the back-to-school feeling
How to apply to UK schools from abroad
From choosing the right school to navigating assessments and admissions timelines, we share everything international families need to know to apply with confidence.
Read the ultimate guide
Tips for a smooth start to the academic year
We spoke to super tutor, Aron, and expert homeschool teacher, Anita, who shared their top tips to help make the transition back to school smoother for you and your children.
Explore our top tips
Key test dates this autumn
There is always a buzz of excitement in September with the start of a new school year. However, as students settle into the academic year, the novelty of new stationery and summer holiday stories will quickly wear off as they look ahead to the required work and fast-approaching assessments as the term progresses.
Most pressingly, between September and late November, students aged 10–18 will have decisive deadlines and examinations paramount to their educational journey's next phase. We understand that trying to stay on top of everything is often overwhelming, with extracurricular clubs and mounting homework, so we have created a list of key dates to be aware of this autumn, with links to our top tips on preparing.
ISEB common pre-test
11+ & 13+ school admissions assessments
16+ entry Mocks and national exams
UK universities
US colleges and universities
ISEB common pre-test
What?
Who?
The ISEB pre-test is an assessment used by many senior schools as a first-stage admissions test. Assessing students in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning via an online platform, this cognitive ability test aims to assess a student’s academic potential.
Students in UK year 6 (or equivalent), aged between 10-11 years old, applying to independent secondary schools for 11+ or 13+ entry.
October – November When?
Where?
Typically, students will take the ISEB pre-test at their current school. In the instance that the current school is not willing or able to invigilate the assessment, candidates can opt to take the test at a registered test centre.
Read ISEB common pre-test: a simplified guide for more information about the exam and how to prepare.
11+& 13+ school admissions assessments
Academically competitive schools often use the ISEB pretest as an initial assessment, inviting successful candidates to a secondary stage. Some schools, such as the London 11+ Consortium, collaborate to reduce the number of tests.
School-specific 11+ and 13+ are often held on an assessment day at the senior school, involving tests in core subjects, group activities, and interviews. What?
Who?
UK year 6 or 7 (or equivalent) students aged between 10–12 years, applying to independent secondary schools for 11+ or 13+ entry.
Between November and March When?
Candidates typically take a test at the senior school where they are applying to. However, the London 11+ Consortium assessments are typically taken at the pupil’s current school. Where?
Arrange a complimentary discovery call with our in-house experts to learn the ways we can support your family.
16+ entry
What?
For pupils looking to move schools for the final two years of their formal education, referred to in the UK as sixth form, academically selective schools and colleges will require them to take relevant assessments and attend an interview. Typically, the assessments will be in the subjects the student wishes to take for A Level/ IB Higher Level.
Who?
Students in UK year 11, aged between 15-16 years old, applying to sixth form or college for 16+ entry.
October – December When?
Where?
Candidates typically take tests and attend interviews at the prospective school. In the instance that the current school is not willing or able to invigilate the assessment, candidates can opt to take the test at a registered test centre.
Click here to explore London’s best independent sixth form collegesplus, tips for ensuring a successful application. Considering boarding school? Read about the pros and cons here. Or to learn about the difference between the IB Diploma and A Levels, click here.
Mocks and national exams
What?
GCSEs and A Levels, the two formal sets of national examinations in the British curriculum that take place in the summer term of year 11 and year 13, respectively.
Who?
Year 11 and year 13 students aged 15-16 and 17-18, preparing for their respective GCSE/iGCSE, IB, and A Level exams.
When?
Formal mock exams will typically take place in mid-tolate November and again in early January, to help schools determine each student’s predicted grades. The official summer exams typically take place across May and June, with the exact dates varying by exam board.
Where?
Mock exams typically take place at the student’s current school, as do the real exams.
Learn the ways private tutors can help here and about the power of early exam prep here.
UK universities
What?
UK university applications are made through the centralised UCAS system in a student’s final year at senior school. Some subjects also require admissions tests - for example, Law applicants may need the LNAT, while Computer Science applicants may require the MAT or TMUA.
Who?
When?
UK year 13 or equivalent students aged 17–18, applying to start at a UK university in September 2026.
Where?
The equal consideration deadline for most courses is 6pm on 14 January 2026. For Oxbridge, medicine, and other specialist subjects, it’s 15 October 2025. Admissions tests run between September and January, but some universities have earlier cut-offs on a per subject basis. Look out for early deadlines at universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL and KCL.
Applications are submitted online through UCAS. Admissions tests are taken at designated test centres - book early to secure your preferred location and avoid travel issues.
Read Oxbridge Applications: a simplified guide to learn about the nuances of the world-renowned University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. To better understand the application process for UK medicine undergraduate courses, click here.
US colleges and universities
What?
Most US university applications go through the Common App, though some states and universities have their own systems — for example, CUNY in New York and the UC system in California. Many schools also require the ACT or SAT as part of the process.
Who?
UK year 13 (US Grade 12) or equivalent students aged 16–18 applying to start at a US university in September 2026.
When?
Early Action/Early Decision deadlines are typically 1–15 November (varies by school), with Regular Decision deadlines usually around 1st January. SAT and ACT dates run year-round but students need to have scores ready by October for Early deadlines.
Where?
Applications are submitted online via the Common App, statespecific systems, or directly to certain specialist institutions such as MIT or certain arts schools. SAT and ACT exams are sat in approved test centres - book early to secure a place.
Read A guide to US undergraduate application submission options to understand the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. To learn about admissions entrance examinations such as the SAT and ACT, click here.
Our services
With us, it’s as easy as ABC
Our award-winning education consultancy is dedicated to guiding families through every stage of their academic journey. And with over a decade of experience, you can feel confident you're in safe hands. Whether you’re seeking admissions guidance, private tuition, or SEND support, we’re here to help every student Explore, Prepare, and Succeed.
From schools to universities, our experienced team of education consultants work directly with families and students to provide independent, unbiased advice and personalised support plans.
We help learners meet their education aspirations through our network of highly qualified private tutors. From exam preparation to personal development, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking for an educational psychologist, independent academic testing or CV development, we assist at all stages of a student’s educational journey.
Don't just take our word for it, here's what our clients have to say
‘Morgan is amazing. She has been so supportive in the lead-up to C’s first session and very willing to do all she could to ensure a smooth transition. I suggested bringing her husky might help, and she was very open to this. Thank you all so much for finding her! I think she and C will build a lovely bond together.’
~ Specialist SEND tuition support, 2024
‘I just want to thank you for the introduction to Guy and Ashley. Both have been really terrific and gone out of their way to make the relationship a success. Ashley even drove to a nearby village during his rural holiday break to secure good wifi to host a lesson on New Year’s Day.’
~ School entrance test prep support, 2025
‘Hi Amelia, S received an offer yesterday from Westminster. The prep work was invaluable so thank you so much for getting that teed up so quickly and efficiently!'
~ Sixth form entrance support, 2024
‘Good news! Imperial has come back, confirming an offer! This would not have happened if it were not for your amazing effort throughout this process, Sarah. Thank you again so much for your assistance and guidance, I really appreciate it.’
~ UK undergraduate support, 2024
‘I wanted to thank you sincerely for all your support during my transfer application process. Your encouragement and belief in me truly kept me going, especially during moments of doubt. I’m happy to share that I was accepted into Northeastern University, my top choice!’
~ Transfer support, 2025
