Our Admissions Process

There are approximately 72 places available to join Third Form (Year 9) each year.

The 13+ Entrance Exam takes place in January and boys must be registered by 30 November of the year preceding entry.

Click here to apply for a place at St Albans School

If you have already set up an OpenApply account for your child, please click here to access it.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION TIMETABLE - FOR ENTRY AT 13+ IN 2025:

Our friendly and experienced Admissions Department will be happy to answer any enquiries you have and to guide you through each stage of the process. They are contactable via the links below:

Telephone 01727 515182

Email

We encourage all families to get to know St Albans School better by visiting us.

Our next Open Morning is on Saturday 26 April 2025. Click here to book your place. 

We offer daytime tours to prospective families looking for 11+ or 13+ entry in 2025/26. Our daytime tours are a great opportunity to visit us during a typical school day and will provide you with first-hand experience of life at St Albans School. The tour is led by a Senior Prefect and lasts approximately 60 minutes with the option of meeting with the Admissions Team afterwards.

Please contact Admissions via the links below:

Telephone 01727 515182

Email

From entry in September 2026, we are pleased to offer a new 11+ deferred entry pathway, specifically designed for children attending prep schools that finish at Year 8. This means that when your child is in Year 6 you will have the flexibility to choose between:

Standard Entry - Sitting the 11+ Assessment for a place to join Year 7 later that year
Deferred Entry - Sitting the 11+ Assessment but deferring your child’s start until Year 9 (at 13+)

Regardless of which option you choose, your child will still sit the 11+ Assessment in Year 6. We hope this new deferred option offers more choice and supports different educational journeys.

Deferred Entry FAQs:

1. What are the benefits of choosing a deferred entry at 11+ rather than applying later at 13+?

The deferred entry pathway is for families who want the security of an early offer while still allowing their child to continue their prep school journey before transitioning to St Albans School in Year 9. Your child will not need to sit additional entrance exams at 13+, allowing them to enjoy their final two years at prep school with the reassurance of a secured senior school place. 
 

2. Is my child’s place guaranteed once he is accepted through the 11+ deferred entry route?

Yes, once your child is offered and accepts a place through the 11+ deferred entry route, their place for Year 9 entry is secured, provided they remain at their current school and continue to demonstrate good academic progress and conduct. There will be no further official assessments required before joining in Year 9. We will request copies of your school reports in Years 7 and 8. 

3. Can we switch to Year 7 entry after accepting deferred entry for Year 9?

If you select 11+ deferred entry and accept a Year 9 place, your child’s place is secured for entry in two years' time. However, if your circumstances change and you decide that you would prefer your child to join in Year 7, please contact Admissions as early as possible. Your request would be reviewed in light of your child’s place in the order of merit at 11+, and also the number of places remaining for Year 7 entry.

4. If I decide not to do a deferred entry, can I change my mind after accepting the place and defer my child’s entry until Year 9? 

If you accept a Year 7 place but later decide you would prefer your child to join in Year 9 instead, please contact Admissions as soon as possible. Your request would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in terms of your child’s order of merit in the assessment and the availability of deferred entry places remaining at that time.

5. If I decide I would like my child to be considered for deferred entry after the 11+ Assessment in January but have missed the initial opportunity, will they be able to take the assessment at a later date and still be considered? 

Yes, if places remain for Year 9 of entry for your child we would hold an assessment for interested candidates. Any available places would be offered based on order of merit. 

6. Are there more places available for Year 7 entry, or for a deferred entry place into Year 9? 

There are currently an equal number of places available for Year 7 and Year 9, with 72 places available for Year 7 entry and 72 available for deferred Year 9 entry. Demand for each entry point will influence this number and also allow us to flex our numbers to optimise timetabling and total school capacity. 

7. Will my child be invited to any events or activities at St Albans School before joining in Year 9? 

Yes, we will have a full engagement programme that includes things such as Taster Activity weeks, concerts and sporting events that feeder schools are invited to attend. When your child joins in Year 9, they will already feel like they know many of their peers and teachers. 

8. If I select the deferred entry, are we still eligible for scholarships and bursaries at Year 9? 

Yes, we will still have bursaries as well as Art, Music, Sport and Academic scholarships available to apply for in the January of Year 8 for entry into Year 9 later that year. For further details about scholarships please click here. 

In the May of Year 7, we offer a 12+ preliminary assessment for boys for whom St Albans School is their first choice.

At our 12+ Assessment we use an online adaptive testing process. This system is bespoke for St Albans School and seeks to discover a candidate’s potential in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning as well as creative and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and problem-solving. This is a modern and efficient testing process which is fair, clear, robust and accessible to candidates from all schools and backgrounds. The adaptive aspect of the tests provides for greater differentiation and will result in a more precise evaluation of ability for high-ability candidates than standard tests. The tests are based on the National Curriculum which allows candidates in both state and independent schools to have equal accessibility.

The testing will be completed online on the St Albans School site during the 12+ Assessment Day and candidates will have a chance to undertake a familiarisation task before each test begins. There are seven parts to the assessment including Maths, English, Non-verbal Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Puzzles and Problem Solving and Creative Comprehension. All candidates will have a 1:1 individual interview with a member of staff on the Assessment Day. 

Please click here to view a familiarisation test and see examples of the types of questions candidates might see in the assessment.

Please click here to read a useful FAQ’s document which will hopefully answer any questions you may have.  

On the basis of this assessment, we may offer a place for entry into Third Form the following September. Alternatively, we may suggest a further attempt at entry via the competitive Entrance Examination at the end of January/beginning of February, or suggest that the candidate and his parents reconsider their choice of school in consultation with the Head of the Prep School.

12+ timings for Year 9 entry in September 2026:

Click here to apply for a place at St Albans School

If you have already set up an OpenApply account for your child, please click here to access it.

If you would like to apply for a 13+ place (Year 9) for entry in September 2025 onwards, please click here:

Click here to complete the 13+ online registration form

If you have already set up an OpenApply account for your child, please click here to access it.

There is a non-refundable £150 registration fee payable when you submit your application and you will be directed to our online payment facility when you have completed the form.

Bursary applicants should contact the Admissions Department in advance of applying. 

If you have any queries or would like to send additional information or documents, please contact the Admissions Department via the links below:

Telephone 01727 515182

Email

At the 13+ Assessment we use a mixture of adaptive and non-adaptive tests to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience. This system is bespoke for St Albans School and seeks to discover a candidate’s potential in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning as well as creative and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and problem-solving. This is a modern and efficient testing process which is fair, clear, robust and accessible to candidates from all schools and backgrounds. The adaptive aspect of the tests provides for greater differentiation and will result in a more precise evaluation of ability for high-ability candidates than standard tests. The tests are based on the National Curriculum which allows candidates in both state and independent schools to have equal accessibility.

The testing will be completed online on the St Albans School site during the 13+ Assessment Day and candidates will have a chance to undertake a familiarisation task before each test begins. There are six parts to the assessment including Maths, English, Non-verbal Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Puzzles and Problem Solving and Creative Comprehension. All candidates will have a 1:1 individual interview with a member of staff on the Assessment Day. 

Please click here to view a familiarisation test and see examples of the types of questions candidates might see in the assessment.

Please click here to read a useful FAQ’s document which will hopefully answer any questions you may have.  

Assessments for 13+ entry in Year 9 in September 2025 will take place on Monday 27 January 2025. The registration deadline is 30 November 2024.

At 13+ entry, we offer Academic, Art, Music and Sport Scholarships. Applications will open from October 2024:

Academic Scholarships 

External 13+ candidates must fulfil the 13+ academic entry requirements for the offer of a place to enter the School in the Third Form. Current St Albans School pupils are unable to apply to sit for an Academic Scholarship.

A Scholarship is awarded for outstanding performance or potential and carries a small amount of financial remission. The value of the scholarship is up to 25% of the annual school fee to commence at the beginning of the Third Form. 

Scholars will sit 60-minute papers in English, Maths, Science, French (or German/ Spanish/ Mandarin), History, Geography and Latin. Where the candidate has been taught Latin at his current school, the appropriate Latin paper will be taken. If a candidate’s current school does not offer Latin, this paper will be excluded. Candidates will have an interview with the Headmaster or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

To register for the Academic Scholarship examinations, the closing date for applications is Friday 6 December 2024 and assessments will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 27 to 29 January 2025. Applications should be made via the Checklist on your child’s Open Apply Account.

From January 2025, all 13+ Scholarship Papers will be reduced from 90 minutes to 60 minutes. The papers below (with the exception of Latin) are sample papers of 90 minutes for information only.

Sample Paper English

Sample Paper Maths

Sample Paper French

Sample Paper Geography

Sample Paper History

Sample Paper Science

Guide to Latin PapersSample Paper Latin (Level 1)

Sample Paper Latin (Level 2)

Art, Music and Sport Scholarships:

These Assessments take place towards the end of the same week as the Academic Scholarships and are open to both internal and external candidates.

Art Scholarships

External 13+ candidates must fulfil the 13+ academic entry requirements and therefore the award of an Art scholarship will be conditional on the subsequent gaining of a place to enter the School in the Third Form. Scholars will be expected to choose Art as an option in the Third Form and continue with the subject until Lower Sixth Form, as a minimum.

The value of the scholarship awards is up to 10% of the annual school fee to commence at the beginning of Third Form. 

Candidates should bring a portfolio consisting of recent artwork undertaken at their present school and independent work. There should be a mixture of direct observational drawings and work of an imaginative nature which should clearly highlight the candidate’s strengths. Portfolio work should be executed in a variety of media and evidence of any involvement with stage design for school plays and illustrations for school magazines is also helpful as an Art Scholar would be expected to contribute to these activities at St Albans. Please note the copying of cartoons, comic strips or photographs is not encouraged.

Candidates will be required to sit a practical test of 2 ½ hours which will involve an A3 observational drawing of a Still Life arrangement using a range of provided graphite pencils. The drawings should focus on the Formal Elements of Line, Tone, Texture, Composition and Perspective.

The closing date for applications is Friday 6 December 2024. The Scholarship Day will take place at St Albans School on Thursday 30 January 2025. External candidates should apply through their Open Apply pupil account. Current Second Form pupils will be sent details directly through the Parent Portal.

Music Scholarships

External 13+ candidates must fulfil the 13+ academic entry requirements and the award of a Music Scholarship is conditional on the subsequent gaining of a place to enter the School in the Third Form.

Scholars will be expected to play a full part in the musical life of the School. Scholars do not need to take Music as a GCSE subject choice. Current St Albans School pupils going into Third Form may also apply for a Music Scholarship.

The value of the majority of scholarship awards is up to 20% of the annual school fee to commence at the beginning of Third Form. 

Candidates should be playing at, or have achieved, at least distinction standard at ABRSM Grade 6 or above in one instrument and/or singing. Candidates are encouraged to perform on second instruments if available, but this is not a condition for an award; musical ability and potential are sought.

For the assessment, candidates should prepare a programme of 8-10 minutes duration, which may include pieces on a second instrument and/or voice. Original compositions may also be submitted. A short sight-reading test equivalent to that expected for Grade 6 standard will be given. There will also be a brief discussion about the candidate’s current musical interests and activities.

The closing date for applications is Friday 6 December 2024 and Scholarship Auditions take place on Thursday 30 January 2025. External candidates should apply through their Open Apply pupil account. Current Second Form pupils will be sent details directly through the Parent Portal.

Sport Scholarships

Sport Scholarships are awarded to students who excel in one (or more) of the following major sports at the School:

• Cricket
• Cross Country/Athletics
• Hockey
• Rugby

External 13+ candidates must fulfil the 13+ academic entry requirements and the award of a sport scholarship will be conditional on the subsequent gaining of a place to enter the School in the Third Form. Scholars will be expected to play a full role in the sporting life of the School.

The award value is up to 15% of annual school fee to commence at the beginning of Third Form.

Candidates should be County Level (or equivalent) in their primary sport. They should also be competent and show future potential to represent St Albans School at A team level in at least one other of the above named sports or in another of the representative sports at St Albans such as Swimming, Tennis, Golf or Football. Applications should include references from current schools and sports bodies (such as County) indicating clear evidence of the applicant’s sporting achievements. In addition to displaying a high level of competency within their chosen sport, applicants will also be expected to display attributes such as positive attitude, the ability to motivate and high levels of leadership.

The assessment consists of:

• Practical assessments in the four sports mentioned above
• Fitness tests
• Group Cohesion & Leadership Challenge
• Interviews

The closing date for applications is Friday 6 December 2024. The Scholarship Day will take place at St Albans School on Friday 31 January 2025. External candidates should apply through their Open Apply pupil account. Current Second Form pupils will be sent details directly through the Parent Portal.

Combined Academic Scholarship and Competitive Entrance Exam

Those candidates wishing to be considered for Scholarships, regardless of whether they already hold an offer following the 12+ Preliminary Assessment, sit papers over three days at the end of the January prior to entry. Boys wishing to enter the School at 13+ the following September without attempting the Scholarship, who have not secured a conditional place prior to this within the Preliminary Assessments, will sit a selection of the same exams (over a two-day period) but are not in direct competition with the Scholarship candidates. These exams take place during the final week of January.

I’m interested in a St Albans School education for my son, where do I start?

The best place to start is to come in tour the School and find out more about us. We offer three Open Mornings a year and daytime tours during the week with one of our prefects. Contact the Admissions Department to arrange your visit.

I came to an Open Morning, can I come back and visit the School again?

Yes, you can attend another Open Morning or can book a daytime tour during the working week by contacting the Admissions Department. Daytime tours take place three times per week with one of our Sixth Form Prefects.

What is the difference between a Bursary and a Scholarship?

A Bursary is means-tested funding provided by the School to assist pupils in obtaining a place at St Albans School when it wouldn’t otherwise be accessible. A Scholarship is awarded for outstanding performance or potential and carries a small amount of financial remission (up to 20%).

I am interested in applying for a Bursary, what do I need to do?

You can indicate when completing your online registration form that you would like to be considered for a Bursary. The Admissions Department will be in touch to discuss the next steps. The level of funding award is usually between 40-100%.

For more information on assistance with fees (bursaries), please click here.

I’ve completed the registration form, when will I hear from the School again?

Exam day information for 13+ is sent to parents at the beginning of December via email.

Timings for 12+ and 13+: