The 11+ is a selective entrance examination for secondary school, used by both state-funded grammar schools and many private schools to identify the most academically-able children.

The exam is taken towards the end of Year 5 or beginning of Year 6 of primary school.

To be considered for a place at Wycombe Abbey, your daughter must be registered by 1 June in the year prior to entry (Year 5).

The assessment has three stages:

Stage 1: Online CAT4

The first stage is an online Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4).  Candidates will need to make arrangements to sit this test at their current school, a recognised test centre in the UK, or at local British Council Office, during a ten-day window in November. The Admissions department at Wycombe Abbey will provide the appropriate access codes to enable your daughter to sit the test and results will automatically be sent to school.

Stage 2: Assessment Day

The second stage is an Assessment Day, which provides your daughter with a taste of life at Wycombe Abbey, whilst enabling us to assess their academic ability and suitability for life at the School.

The Assessment Day takes place at Wycombe Abbey in the November prior to the proposed year of entry (when your daughter is in Year 6).

Candidates will have an individual interview with a senior member of staff and will take part in a small group activity.

Your daughter will also sit entrance examinations in English (1 hour) and Mathematics (1 hour). Specimen papers are not available for these examinations and no preparation is necessary. A reference from your daughter’s current school will also be required.

Following the Assessment Day, firm offers will be made in December preceding the year of entry. Firm offers are made on the basis of performance in the entrance examinations, interview and group activity during the Assessment Day.

All places must be accepted, and a deposit paid by early March (date will be confirmed).

Stage 3: Scholarship Examinations

Following the 11+ Assessment Day, selected candidates in receipt of a firm offer, will be invited to take the Wycombe Abbey Scholarship Examinations in January in the year of proposed entry. Candidates will sit papers* in English, Mathematics and Science as well as a Language Aptitude Test.

Your child will need to register at their chosen school 1 to 4 years before they intend to start. They will also be required to sit a pre-test, anywhere between 2 to 3 years before sitting their 13 Plus. Usually this will be the ISEB Common Pre-test taken in November of Year 6 and will be sat at your child’s prep school. Children applying to multiple schools which use the Common Pre-Tests will only take the tests once per academic year. This test involves a series of tests including verbal and non-verbal reasoning, helping the school filter down prospective applicants. If your child meets the standards set by the school in their pre-test, they will receive an offer that is conditional on them passing their Common Entrance exam papers in future.

Your child will be expected to sit their 13 Plus Common Entrance exam in Year 8, one year ahead of entry into their chosen school. For schools requiring your child to sit the ISEB papers, they will sit their exams on the first week of June. Many London day schools will require your child to sit the exam mid to late January, though there is also an earlier examination session in November each year.

In the UK, parents also start to ponder the issue of going to school from the very moment their children are born. Parents will refer to a large number of ranking tables, school inspection reports, various school guidance, other parent recommendations... But this information may not be the most accurate and useful. Choosing a school is to choose a place where your child's potential can be fully explored and displayed.

For overseas families to choose a suitable school for their children, we have compiled the following suggestions:

1. Choose schools that are popular with both local and international students. If possible, try to inquire with friends or professional organisations around you who know the school.

2. Don't simply think of a "famous" school as a "good" school.

3. Never rely too much on rankings!

4. Beware of educational agencies that "free" help you apply to UK schools.

5. It is recommended that you must visit the school you are interested in personally, and it is best to bring your children with you.

6. Don't simply be swayed by the "scholarships" of certain schools.

9. Find a responsible and experienced guardian who can represent the parents, communicate with the school daily, and help the child solve related problems.

10. Don't miss the critical time for admission! Plan and prepare in advance.

11. Understand the school's boarding system and arrangements.

12. Know how many students from your country are currently in the school.