Reed's School: 11 plus entry guide

About Reed's School

Reed’s School is a private day and boarding school for boys aged 11–18 with a mixed sixth form in Cobham, Surrey. The Reed’s Foundation was established in 1813 by the Rev Dr Andrew Reed to care for and provide a day education for children who had lost one or more parents. Boarding pupils were first accepted into the school in 1958 and contribute 15% of the pupil population.

Reed’s School aims for all pupils to fulfil their academic potential and feel that “it is cool to be clever”. Pupils are encouraged to develop curiosity in the world around them, to question convention, and to desire to be the best they can be. Academic performance at the school has surged in the last 15 years.

The school’s core values of integrity, compassion, curiosity, resilience, responsibility and independence are facilitated through an extensive co-curricular programme. Boys are regularly successful in national and county cricket, hockey and rugby competitions, with further sports – including football, rowing, go-karting and kung fu – included in the extensive games and activities curriculum. Pupils interested in the creative arts have plenty of opportunities in theatrical life both on and off the stage, and a purpose-built music school forms the backdrop to a vibrant and talented musical community.

Private schools in Surrey

• Head: Mr Mark Hoskins

• Address: Reed's School, Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 2ES

• County: Surrey

• Age range and gender: boys 11–18 and mixed sixth form

• Number of pupils: approx. 800

• National league table rank (Sunday Times Parent Power): 90

• A level results: 89% A*–B

• GCSE results: 81% 9–7

Key info for Year 7 admissions

• Admissions contact: Rachel Morris – [email protected], 01932 869001

• Open day: 22nd April and 16th September 2023. More details are available on the school website

• Overview of selection procedure: ISEB Common Pre-Test, interview and school report

• Registration closes: 1st November 2023

• Assessment date: November/December 2023

Admissions process for Reed's School

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. Reed’s School holds regular open mornings throughout the year to give prospective families the opportunity to meet and talk with members of staff, hear from the headmaster, and tour the school with a current pupil. It is also possible to visit the school during the school week – appointments can be made by contacting the admissions office.

1. Register for Year 7 entry

If you would like your son to be considered for a place in Year 7 at Reed's School, you will need to start the admissions process by completing and submitting the online application form before 1st November 2023. A £150 registration fee applies.

2. ISEB Common Pre-Test

All children who are registered by the deadline will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test between mid-November and mid-December in 2023 (more details below). This can be taken either at your child’s school if the school is happy to invigilate the test, or at Reed’s School. Meanwhile, the admissions team at Reed’s will write to your child’s current school to ask for a report and character reference.

3. Interview

Candidates will also have an online interview with a member of staff in early January 2024. This is an opportunity for your child to talk about their hobbies and interests. They may also be asked some academic questions of a general nature.

Find out more about private school interviews

4. Offers

Reed’s School will post a letter with the outcome of your son’s application in early February 2024. If your son is offered a place, you will have until early March to accept.

How to prepare for entry to Reed's School

Here are some top tips on how to best prepare your child for Year 7 entry to Reed's School.

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Engage with their progress: celebrate their improvements in their areas of challenge together! An accurate, ongoing assessment of your child’s strengths and development areas is instrumental for preparing efficiently. Atom's Parent Portal gives you data-driven insights into your child’s areas of strength and development.

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