How 13+ entry is evolving

The Government imposition of VAT on school fees is arguably hitting the boarding sector harder than independent day schools, polarising the market into two distinct halves.

Tougher competition for top schools

As with the day market, VAT seems to have driven an ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’ mindset that has rewarded the top, selective boarding schools. The ‘premier league’ schools (Eton, Winchester College, Wellington College, Brighton College, Sevenoaks School, Radley, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Wycombe Abbey...) are even more in demand from British families looking for reassurance about quality and academic outcomes. Meanwhile there seems to be no shortage of ultra high net worth families from overseas seeking a British boarding school education for their child. Many schools have broken the £20k/term barrier now.

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, one of the most in-demand girls’ schools

13+ entry to these schools is now a more drawn out process than it used to be. Back in the old days of Enid Blyton-style ‘lashings of ginger beer’, when all applicants came from boarding prep schools, life was easy: everyone did Common Entrance in Year 8 and then got their offers after a short bunfight between senior schools over desirable applicants. Now, these schools do the bulk of their assessment in Year 6 with pre-testing, three years out from Year 9 entry. Successful applicants are then required to maintain their academic performance in prep school throughout Year 7 and 8; some schools require Common Entrance in Year 8, while others do not, adding further complication.

Flexibility in other parts of the market

Meanwhile, the rest of the 13+ space has become more of a buyers’ market. Aside from the alpha tier above, many schools are happy to assess prospective applicants in Year 7 or even Year 8, giving parents a range of options and assessment points. Even reasonably renowned schools are willing to consider post-11+ applications. This can be a lifeline for a later-developing child for whom the London day schools’ 11+ process is too viciously sharp-elbowed. By the time you have factored in commuting, after-school childcare and extra-curricular activities locally, flexi or weekly boarding can stack up favourably, costs-wise, versus a premium London independent school.

Some schools offering 13+ entry have a specific assessment round and places held back for Year 7 applicants – Tonbridge School and Charterhouse, for example.

If your son or daughter has a particular extracurricular talent – sports, music, art, drama for example – then a boarding education from 13 can provide fantastic opportunities with all facilities on site. Schools are often very strong on academic value-add, i.e. helping pupils progress academically and over-achieve their predicted grades at GCSE / A Level.

Cranleigh School, a strong all-rounder school with a flexible 13+ entry point, where pupils excel particularly in sports

For advice on school selection or placement, or to discuss a 13+ tutoring programme for your child, book a consultation with Select:ed founder and education expert Adam D’Souza.