ADMISSIONS INFORMATION 2026 ENTRY
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in St Benedict’s, London’s leading independent Catholic co-educational school. St Benedict’s is a successful blend of the traditional and the progressive; proud of its heritage but also forward-thinking and innovative.
Within a caring, happy community our pupils thrive, benefiting from a seamless education which can begin at the age of three and continue through to Sixth Form.
St Benedict’s combines strong academic standards with excellent personal development. The School is committed to supporting all children to develop their full potential, by treating them as individuals, and catering for their particular needs and talents at every stage. Inspirational teaching, tutorial guidance and exceptional pastoral care are at the heart of the education we offer.
The Junior School and Nursery provide a supportive and vibrant environment in which to learn. Sharing excellent facilities with the Senior School and a programme of cross-curricular activities help ease the transition at 11+ to the Senior School, which is on the same site.
At St Benedict’s there is a vital focus on personal development. We encourage principled leadership, resilience and character in our pupils, and promote the Christian values of integrity, fairness and generosity to others.
The School has a distinguished sporting tradition, and Music, Art and Drama at the school are both outstanding. Our extensive co-curricular programme enables all pupils to discover and develop their unique gifts and talents.
ADMISSION TO THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Admission to the Nursery at 3+
We welcome children to join our Nursery from the age of 3 years and 3 months, with entry points in September, January and April. Children are required to be toilet trained before their start date. In order to assess each individual child’s readiness to attend Nursery, they are invited to a short play session which is conducted without parental attendance.
Whilst admission to the Nursery does not guarantee a place in Reception, the expectation is that children will progress through the school. There is a maximum of 32 places in the Nursery.
Admission to Pre-Prep 1 (Reception) at 4+
Pre-Prep 1 is a main point of entry to St Benedict’s Junior School. There are two classes, with around 18 pupils (approx) in each. The smaller class sizes allow our teachers to give each pupil individual attention with the opportunity to thrive.
Prospective pupils are invited to a ‘getting to know you’ session and observed in a classroom setting, carrying out tasks both individually and in small groups for about 1 hour. Parents will have the opportunity to meet the Junior School Headmaster and to be given a guided tour of the School.
These assessments for entry in September 2026 will take place during November 2025, but applications are welcome any time during the school year, subject to availability.
Admission to Pre-Prep 2 and 3 (Years 1 and 2)
Pre-Prep 2 and 3 (Years 1 and 2) have two classes per year group. The form groups remain small and each form has around 20 pupils. Applications are welcome all year round, subject to availability. Children are invited for a short one-to-one assessment with our Head of KS1.
Admission to the Junior Department
The Junior School has up to three classes per year group. This means that class sizes continue to be small throughout, allowing teachers to monitor each child’s learning style and needs, and to offer appropriate support, as well as academic stretch and challenge.
Admission to Lower Prep (Year 3) at 7+
Entry into Lower Prep marks the beginning of life in our Prep School, where children enjoy a rich and stimulating curriculum taught by both form teachers and subject specialists. We welcome bright, curious, and enthusiastic learners who are ready to make the most of all that our school has to offer.
Our Lower Prep admissions process includes formal assessments in English and Maths, alongside a taster day.
Admission
to Upper Prep to Form 2 (Years 4 – 6) at 8+
Pupils seeking admission into Years 4-6 attend a Taster Day during which they are assessed in literacy and numeracy; they are also observed in various social and classroom situations.
The assessment for entry in September 2026 will take place during January and February 2026, but applications are welcome all year, subject to availability.
Early registration is recommended, as places are limited.
The offer of a place is subject to the successful outcome of the assessment, a satisfactory school reference and a parental interview with the Junior School Headmaster. Pupils are admitted to the Junior School with the expectation that they intend to transfer to St Benedict’s Senior School at 11+.
With effect from September 2025, pupils in Form 2 (Year 6) at St Benedict’s Junior School will no longer be required to sit the 11+ examinations for entry to the Senior School. We remain committed to providing a challenging, enriching, and stimulating curriculum that prepares the girls and boys for the excellent academic and cocurricular opportunities in the Senior School.
ADMISSION TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL
Admission
to Year 7 (11+)
All external candidates sit the School’s 11+ entrance examination. The majority of whom will then be invited to an activity morning. The activity session will comprise of a group task, that will assess candidates’ potential across a range of aptitudes, which we believe are important attributes found in St Benedict’s students, and aim to develop during their time at the school:
Communication Creativity Empathy Confidence Teamwork Inclusion
Age on 1 September 2026
The group task is an integral part of the assessment process as it provides the candidate with an opportunity to demonstrate their personality and character within a relaxed atmosphere whilst getting to know their potential future classmates. It also enables our staff to observe and ascertain the contribution that candidates might make to the general life of the School.
A reference is also sought from the candidate’s current school. The Headmaster will finalise the list of candidates who will be eligible for further consideration for admission.
11+ (Year 7)
Number of places available 120
Closing date for Registration
Date of Entrance Examination
Examination
Group Activity dates
Offers emailed
Sunday 16 November 2025
Saturday 6 December 2025 Mathematics
Monday 19 & Tuesday 20 January 2026
Friday 13 February 2026
Admission to Years 8 (12+), 9 (13+), 10 (14+)
As with the 11+ process, all candidates must sit an entrance examination, some of whom will then be invited to an interview. A reference will also be sought from the candidate’s current school. The Headmaster will finalise the list of candidates who will be eligible for further consideration for admission.
Age on 1 September 2026 12+ (Year 8), 13+ (Year 9), 14+ (Year 10)
Number of places available
Subject to availability
Closing date for Registration Sunday 16 November 2025
Date of Entrance Examination
Examination Saturday 6 December 2025
Mathematics English
Interview dates
W/C 19 January 2026
Offers emailed Friday 13 February 2026
ADMISSION TO THE SIXTH FORM
Admission to Sixth Form
External students who wish to be considered for entry to the Sixth Form are encouraged to attend an Open Evening. At this event, there will be an opportunity to meet the Headmaster and Heads of Departments who will present details of the courses on offer.
Following completion of a registration form, (available on our website), applicants are invited to attend a formal interview, to which they are asked to bring their most recent school report and, if appropriate, their predicted grades.
A reference is also sought from the student’s current school. Conditional offers are made on the basis of interview, school reference and predicted grades. For entry to A level, students must achieve a minimum of 30 points from their five highest GCSE/IGCSE results if students are an internal candidate, and a minimum of 35 points from their five highest GCSE/IGCSEs if students are an external candidate.
For entry to the Sixth Form to study BTEC Sports Science, both internal and external candidates must achieve a minimum of 30 points from their five best GCSE results.
To study Biology, Physics or Chemistry A level, students must also achieve at least a grade 7 in Mathematics GCSE/IGCSE and a grade 7 in the chosen subject.
To study Mathematics A level, students must achieve at least a grade 7 in Mathematics GCSE/ IGCSE, although we strongly advise that students only pursue this course if they achieve a grade 8.
To study Further Mathematics A level students must achieve at least a grade 8 in Mathematics GCSE/ IGCSE, although we strongly advise that students only pursue this course if they achieve a grade 9.
For all other A levels, students must achieve a grade 6 at GCSE in the subject they wish to study or a related subject at GCSE for new subjects.
If a student is not undertaking GCSE examinations, they will be required to sit an online assessment as part of the admissions process. Furthermore, if they wish to pursue Mathematics or any of the Sciences at A level, they will also be expected to complete an entrance paper in the relevant subject.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are offered to attract applicants of high potential to the School and are available to both internal and external candidates. General information is set out below and should be read in conjunction with the Scholarship Policy on our website.
The decision to award a scholarship will be made at the Headmaster’s discretion and subject to the relevant Conditions of the Award. Late applicants will not be considered for a scholarship.
11+ Academic Scholarships
All candidates registered to sit the 11+ entrance examination will be considered for an Academic Scholarship. The award of a scholarship will be based on performance in the examination, the group assessments and a satisfactory reference from the candidate’s current school.
Academic Scholarships for pupils progressing from St Benedict’s Junior School will be awarded based on a comprehensive review of the academic data collected throughout their time at the Junior School.
Candidates must register for a place at the school by Sunday 16 November 2025
Awards are confirmed with offer letters.
16+ Sixth Form Academic Scholarships
External students who wish to be considered for an Academic Scholarship must register for and sit the Scholarship Examination.
Receipt of a scholarship will be dependent on the candidate’s performance in the Scholarship Examination, an interview, and a satisfactory reference from the candidate’s current school.
Candidates must submit a Registration Form and a Sixth Form Academic Scholarship form, available from the school website, by Sunday 2 November 2025. Examinations will be held on Friday 14 November 2025 with some candidates subsequently invited to an interview.
Awards are confirmed with offer letters.
ART & DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS
Art & Design Scholarships: 11+ and Sixth Form
External pupils who wish to be considered for an Art & Design Scholarship must submit a Registration Form and an Art Scholarship Application form by Sunday 2 November 2025.
As a guide in deciding whether to apply for Fine Art, it is likely that successful candidates will display considerable talent in Drawing, Painting or Sculpture. They are likely to have sensitive drawing, painting and/or 3D modelling skills. We would also expect them to have an understanding of how meaning is conveyed through Art.
As a guide in deciding whether to apply for Design, it is likely that successful candidates will display considerable talent in 3D or Graphic Design. They are likely to be able to generate ideas using the design process.
Applicants will be assessed on their portfolio, shortlisted candidates will be invited to sit a test to gauge their skill level and have a short interview with the Head of Art.
Portfolio reviews, tests and interviews will take place on Friday 14 November 2025 (Sixth Form) and Thursday 13 November 2025 (11+).
Awards are confirmed with offer letters.
Drama Scholarships: 11+ and Sixth Form
External pupils who wish to be considered for a Drama Scholarship must submit a Registration Form and a Drama Scholarship Application form by Sunday 2 November 2025
As a guide in deciding whether to apply, candidates will have been involved in a number of productions and will show particular promise as a performer.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to perform a monologue of their choice lasting 1-2 minutes, showing a range of acting skills; provide a scrapbook/portfolio of their drama experiences (e.g. productions the applicants have seen as well as productions they have performed in, drama clubs, any summer school courses etc) and interests; and will have a short interview with the Head of Drama.
Auditions will take place on Friday 14 November 2025
Awards are confirmed with offer letters.
MUSIC & SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
Music Scholarships: 11+ and Sixth Form
External pupils who wish to be considered for a Music Scholarship must complete and return a Registration Form and a Music Scholarship Application form, available from the school website, by Sunday 2 November 2025
As a guide in deciding whether to apply, it is likely that successful candidates will have achieved the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 5 at 11+ and Grade 8 at Sixth Form, or be at the equivalent standard in their main instrument.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces of music, an aural test, a sight- reading test, and have a short interview with the Director of Music.
Auditions will take place on Friday 14 November 2025.
Awards are confirmed with offer letters.
Sports Scholarships: 11+ and Sixth Form
External pupils who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship must complete and return a Registration Form and a Sports Scholarship Application form, available from the school website, by Sunday 2 November 2025.
As a guide in deciding whether to apply, successful candidates at 11+ should be ‘sporting all-rounders’ who demonstrate elite athletic ability and the potential to play in the school’s ‘Main’ sports* at a high level.
Successful 16+ candidates will demonstrate the ability to be an elite performer in the one of the School’s ‘Main’ sports*. 16+ candidates will have had experience of, or will be involved in, representative sports or elite pathways associated with the School’s ‘Main’ sports*.
Scholarships are only offered in our ‘Main’ sports*. Successful candidates will specialise in their chosen sports and will need to demonstrate that they have elite potential/ability for the school’s first teams.
Shortlisted applicants will have to participate in a full day of athletic testing, interviews and sports trials. The assessment days will take place on Wednesday 12 November 2025 (Sixth Form) and Thursday 13 November 2025 (11+).
* Please refer to the scholarships page on our website www.stbenedicts.org.uk/scholarships
Awards are confirmed with offer letters.
BURSARIES
Who is eligible?
Means tested bursaries can be offered for up to 100% of the school fees to broaden access to the School by offering, some financial support to eligible parents of gifted young people. Bursaries are only available to Senior School pupils and are awarded at 11+ or Sixth Form entry points.
Parents who wish to apply for a bursary should request a bursary application pack from the Bursar’s office, bursaries@stbenedicts.org.uk.
A bursary application must be completed and returned to the Bursar’s office no later than Sunday 9 November 2025. Applications for bursaries will not be considered after this date.
Bursary applications are only considered if a School Registration Form has also been completed via our website.
Applicants undertake the assessment process relevant to the year group they are applying for. Home visits may also be conducted in January 2026.
Awards are confirmed with offer letters.
Bursary awards are subject to annual means testing, which may result in the bursary being varied upward or downward depending on parental circumstances.
The information on this page should be read in conjunction with the Bursary Policy on our website.
SCHOOL FEES 2025/2026
Nursery fees (per term)
Registration fee for the Nursery (non-refundable)
£150 (£300 for overseas applicants)
There are three options for parents and the fees structure reflects these choices:
Option 1: 8am - 1pm term time only
£4,175.00 per term
Option 2: 8am - 3.30pm term time only
£5,963.00 per term
Option 3: 8am - 6pm term time only
£6,278.00 per term
Nursery Holiday Club provision
A Nursery Holiday Club is available during holiday periods (8.30am - 4.30pm) at a rate of £50 per day. The Nursery is closed for a week at Christmas, a week at Easter and four weeks in August. It is recommended that parents request Holiday Club provision at least 4 weeks in advance.
The fees for the Nursery include lunch as well as morning and afternoon snacks.
Junior School fees (per term)
Registration fee (non-refundable)
£150 (£300 for overseas applicants)
Tuition fees are currently charged at the following rates (incl VAT)
• Pre-Prep Department (aged 4 to 7 years)
£6,781.00 per term
• Junior School (aged 7 to 11 years)
£7,536.00 per term
• School lunch
£328.00 per term
Senior School fees (per term)
Registration fee (non-refundable)
£150 (£300 for overseas applicants)
Tuition fees are currently charged at the following rates (incl VAT):
• Senior School (aged 11 to 18 years)
£8,923.00 per term
These fees cover the use of text and library books, scientific materials and games.
• The cost of external examinations is not included in the tuition fees.
• Lunches, which are non-compulsory, are also charged as an extra.
• Pupils may bring their own packed lunches from home if preferred.
Optional costs
Music fees
Music instrumental lessons Pre-Prep and Junior (incl VAT) per 30 minute lesson
£33.60
Individual music lessons Senior (incl VAT) per 40 minute lesson
£44.40
Hire of instrument (per term)
£40.00
School minibus service
£497 per term
Junior School after school club
£11.00 per session if collected by 4.30pm, plus an additional £17.00 per session if collected between 4.30pm and 6.00pm
Terms and Conditions
• Payment is due in accordance with the direct debit scheme or payment may be made in full on the first day of term.
• If payment is not received when due, the Governors reserve the right to refuse the pupil admittance and impose an administration charge of up to 1.5% per month.
• A full term’s notice must be given in writing to the Headmaster before the removal of a pupil from the school, otherwise liability for one full term’s fees is incurred.
• Junior School parents must give half a term’s notice in writing of intention to discontinue lunches.
• Nursery parents must give half a term’s notice in writing to the Bursar of intention to change to an alternate Nursery option.
• Parents must give half a term’s notice in writing to the Director of Music, of intention to discontinue private music lessons.
• Music tuition fees shown are for peripatetic music teachers employed by the school, selfemployed peris set their rates directly
• Parents must give half a term’s notice in writing to the Bursar, of intention to discontinue use of the School bus service.
• Fees are reviewed annually in the Lent term and may be subject to increase.
VISITING ST BENEDICT’S
View our website (www.stbenedicts.org.uk) for details of our open events or arrange an individual appointment with our Admissions office:
Junior School
020 8862 2253
admissions@stbenedicts.org.uk
Junior School
St Benedict’s School 5 Montpelier Avenue
Ealing
London W5 2XP
020 8862 2050
Senior School 020 8862 2254
admissions@stbenedicts.org.uk
Senior School
St Benedict’s School 54 Eaton Rise
Ealing
London W5 2ES
020 8862 2000
