Overview of Sevenoaks School
Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks School Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks educates approximately 1,200 pupils aged 11 to 18 and is internationally recognised for its distinctive academic approach. The school was one of the first in the UK to adopt the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme instead of A-Levels, reflecting its commitment to global education and intellectual independence.
Academic excellence sits alongside a strong culture of creativity, leadership, and service. Pupils are encouraged to pursue a wide range of interests across the arts, sport, and community initiatives, helping them develop into confident and independent thinkers.
Admission to Sevenoaks is highly competitive. Each year the school receives far more applications than available places, particularly for its main entry points at 11+ and 13+. Families considering an application should therefore understand the admissions process early and plan preparation carefully.
Entry Points & Age Requirements
Sevenoaks School offers three main entry points depending on a pupil’s age and academic stage.
The 11+ intake is the primary entry point for day pupils. Approximately 80 places are offered each year through this route.
Candidates must normally be 11 years old on 1 September of the year of entry.
Another significant intake occurs at Year 9, when pupils join the senior section of the school. Admission at this stage follows either an Early Decision or Later Decision pathway.
Applicants should typically be between their 13th and 14th birthdays on 1 September of the year of entry.
A number of additional places are available at Sixth Form entry (Year 12). Students entering at this stage are expected to demonstrate strong GCSE results and academic potential for the International Baccalaureate programme.
Important: Registration deadlines vary depending on the admissions route. For Year 9 Early Decision, registration may occur up to three years before entry, while Later Decision applicants typically apply around two years before joining the school.
Registration & Deadlines
The admissions process begins with registration through the Sevenoaks admissions office. Parents submit a registration form along with a registration fee to confirm their child’s place in the selection process.
After registration, candidates are invited to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test, followed by additional assessments and interviews depending on the entry route.
For many families, the key to a successful application is early planning. Competitive applicants often begin preparing academically several years before the formal admissions assessments.
Stage Timing Details Registration Year 5–7 depending on route Submit application form and registration fee ISEB Pre-Test Autumn of Year 6 or Year 7 Computer-based reasoning and academic assessment Shortlisting After pre-test results Candidates selected based on test results and school reference Sevenoaks Assessments January or Spring term Written tests, group activities and academic exercises Interview Assessment day Discussion with admissions staff or academic tutors Final Offer Late winter / spring Confirmation of admission and acceptance deadline
Planning ahead: Families often begin considering Sevenoaks when their child is 8 or 9 years old, allowing sufficient time to develop strong academic skills and intellectual curiosity.
Need Help With Your Application?
The Assessment Process
The Sevenoaks admissions process is designed to identify pupils with academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for learning.
Stage 1: The ISEB Common Pre-Test
The first stage for many applicants is the ISEB Common Pre-Test, which assesses:
Verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning
Mathematics
English
This computer-adaptive assessment adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the pupil’s answers, allowing schools to measure academic potential more accurately.
Stage 2: Entrance Assessments
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend an assessment day at Sevenoaks.
During this stage pupils may complete:
Written tests in English and mathematics
Analytical reasoning exercises
Group discussion activities
These assessments help the school evaluate not only academic ability but also critical thinking and collaboration skills.
Stage 3: The Interview
The interview is a key component of the admissions process. It allows the school to understand a pupil’s personality, interests, and intellectual curiosity.
Candidates may be asked about:
Subjects they enjoy at school
Books they have recently read
Hobbies or extracurricular interests
Topics they find particularly interesting
The aim is to understand how the pupil thinks and communicates, rather than simply testing factual knowledge.
Insider insight: The interview is not just about academic achievement. Interviewers are looking for boys who show genuine enthusiasm, the ability to think independently, and a willingness to engage with new ideas. Our consultants, including former Sevenoaks housemasters, can provide detailed guidance on what to expect.
Interview Preparation
Interviews often feel like the most unpredictable stage of the admissions process. However, thoughtful preparation can significantly improve performance.
Encourage Intellectual Curiosity
Sevenoaks values pupils who enjoy exploring ideas. Candidates should be comfortable discussing subjects they find interesting.
Stay Engaged With Current Affairs
Reading age-appropriate newspapers or discussing global issues helps pupils develop informed opinions.
Read Widely
Well-read pupils often stand out in interviews. Candidates should be able to discuss books thoughtfully.
Practise Mock Interviews
Mock interviews help pupils become comfortable speaking confidently and expressing ideas clearly.
Academic Expectations
Sevenoaks maintains extremely high academic standards. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong performance in core subjects such as English and mathematics.
The school’s curriculum places particular emphasis on:
Pupils complete GCSE examinations before moving on to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a globally respected academic qualification.
Many graduates go on to leading universities including University of Oxford University of Cambridge
Successful candidates usually demonstrate:
Strong academic ability
Intellectual curiosity
Independent thinking
Enthusiasm for learning
Fees & Financial Information
Sevenoaks School’s fees reflect the exceptional academic resources, facilities, and extracurricular opportunities available to pupils.
The school offers a limited number of means-tested bursaries to support families who may not otherwise be able to afford the full cost of fees.
A number of honorary scholarships are also awarded in areas such as:
Academic achievement
Music
Sport
Drama
Art
Need Help With Your Application?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Families applying to competitive independent schools sometimes make avoidable mistakes.
Leaving registration too late
Sevenoaks registration deadlines occur several years before entry.
Underestimating the ISEB Pre-test
The ISEB Pre-Test is challenging and requires preparation.
Neglecting interview preparation
Admissions decisions consider character and intellectual curiosity alongside academic results.
Over-coaching and inauthenticity
Interviewers value authenticity rather than memorised answers.
Ignoring extracurricular breadth
Sevenoaks seeks well-rounded pupils who contribute to the wider school community.
How Elite British Admissions Can Help
At Elite British Admissions, we have spent over fifteen years helping families navigate the admissions process at Sevenoaks College and other leading independent schools. Our approach is tailored, discreet, and grounded in deep expertise.
Personalised Assessment
We evaluate your kids’s strengths, areas for development, and readiness for the admissions process through a comprehensive initial consultation.
ISEB Pre-Test Preparation
Our specialist tutors provide targeted preparation across all four areas of the ISEB pre-test, building both skill and exam technique.
Interview Coaching
Through a series of mock interviews with experienced consultants, including former Sevenoaks housemasters, your son will be thoroughly prepared for the interview.
Ongoing Family Support
We guide the entire family through the process, providing reassurance, strategic advice, and practical support from registration through to offer day.
Our track record speaks for itself: a 93% success rate for Sevenoaks applications managed by our team, and a network of satisfied families across the United Kingdom and internationally. We understand what Sevenoaks is looking for, and we know how to bring out the best in every candidate.
Begin Your Kid's Sevenoaks Journey Today
Related Content
Continue your research with our other in-depth guides to Eton College admissions. Each article is written by our team of admissions specialists to give you the most detailed and current information available.
Eton King's Scholarship - Complete Guide for Parents
Everything you need to know about the prestigious King’s Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, the examination process, and how to prepare your son.
Eton Entrance Exam - What to Expect and How to Prepare
A detailed breakdown of the Eton entrance examination, covering the ISEB pre-test and the Year 8 assessment with preparation strategies.
Eton College Interview - Tips and Common Questions
Everything you need to know about the prestigious King’s Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, the examination process, and how to prepare your son.
Eton College Fees - Complete Cost Breakdown for 2026
A comprehensive guide to Eton College fees for 2026, including boarding costs, extras, bursaries, and scholarship financial details.
Eton College Registration - Key Dates and Deadlines
All the key registration dates and deadlines for Eton College entry, with a step-by-step timeline from initial registration to final offer.
