Applying for a Place
Once you have requested a prospectus, called the admissions department, attended the school’s open day and decided that the school is right for your child it is time to apply for a place.
It is always a good idea to check the school entry requirements for the proposed independent school on our website. On each school’s information page there will be a table like this:
School Entry Requirements & Financial Assistance
| School Entry Requirements: |
Report & Exam & Interview |
| School Scholarships, Bursaries: |
Bursaries for new entrants, H M Forces discounts, Clergy discounts, Financial assistance for siblings, Hardship awards for existing pupils, Academic scholarships, Art awards, Design awards, Drama awards, Music awards, Choral scholarships, Sport awards, Science and Technology awards, All rounder awards |
You can find a school’s profile page by typing the school’s name in the search box at the top of the website or by clicking on a school name after doing a school search based on your requirements.
It is also a good idea to contact the school directly to enquire about their entry requirements and to find out the type of interview or exam they conduct. We also advise parents to think realistically about their son or daughter’s chance of attaining the exam grades required. Sometimes it might be necessary to choose a second choice school that has a less stringent school entry requirement.
ISCias advises parents to start looking for schools one full academic year in advance as many schools, especially those in central London, have a high demand. Schools often fill up on a first-come-first-served basis so it is important to start looking for an independent school for your child early. This is even more necessary when an entrance exam is involved, including the Common Entrance paper.
Many independent schools will require you to register your child. This does not secure a place; it merely indicates that you wish your child to be considered for a place. There is usually a registration fee to cover administration costs, which is non-refundable.
After you have registered the school will inform you of any interview and/or examination dates. You will only be given a formal offer of a place after your child has been successful in whatever selection process has taken place, whether it is selection on a first-come-first-served basis or a competitive selection.
Accepting an offer of a place is legally binding; make sure that you read all the conditions that apply. In particular, you should be aware that to withdraw a pupil usually requires a full term's notice in writing, and sometimes two.