Badminton School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Age Range: 4 to 18 years
• Gender: Girls only
• Type: Independent Day & Boarding School
• Location: Westbury Road, Bristol, BS9 3BA
• Current Headmistress: Mrs Jessica Miles
• Total Students: Approximately 541 (374 day students and 167 boarders)
• Day Fees: £3,860 to £6,470 per term
• Boarding Fees: £7,170 to £12,870 per term
• Scholarships Available: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport, and All-rounder scholarships

About Badminton School

Founded in 1858, Badminton School is a prestigious independent boarding and day school for girls located in the leafy suburb of Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. With over 160 years of educational excellence, the school has established itself as one of the leading girls' schools in the South West, consistently achieving outstanding academic results whilst nurturing each pupil's individual talents and interests.

The school's beautiful 20-acre campus provides an inspiring environment for learning, featuring modern facilities alongside historic buildings that reflect its rich heritage. Badminton School prides itself on its diverse international community, welcoming students from over 35 nationalities, which creates a truly global perspective within the classroom and beyond.

The school's educational philosophy centres on developing confident, articulate young women who are prepared to make a positive impact in an ever-changing world. This approach combines rigorous academic standards with extensive opportunities in the arts, sciences, and sports, ensuring each pupil discovers and develops her unique strengths and passions.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Badminton School's 11+ assessment process is designed to identify academically capable girls who will thrive within the school's supportive yet challenging environment. The assessment takes place in the spring term prior to entry and comprises several components that evaluate both academic ability and personal qualities.

The academic assessments focus on core subjects including English and Mathematics, designed to assess understanding, problem-solving abilities, and potential rather than simply testing curriculum knowledge. The English component evaluates reading comprehension, creative writing skills, and verbal reasoning, whilst the Mathematics assessment covers numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts appropriate for the age group.

Following the written assessments, candidates participate in an informal interview with senior staff members. This conversation allows the school to understand each girl's interests, motivations, and character, ensuring she will contribute positively to the Badminton community. The interview also provides an opportunity for candidates to ask questions about school life and demonstrate their enthusiasm for joining the school.

For those applying for scholarships, additional assessments may be required in specific areas such as music, art, drama, or sport, depending on the scholarship category. These specialist assessments allow girls to showcase their particular talents and passion for their chosen field.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Badminton School begins well in advance of the intended start date, and parents are encouraged to register their daughters early to secure a place in the assessment process.

Registration: Complete the online registration form available on the school's website, providing detailed information about your daughter's academic background, interests, and any special requirements. A registration fee is required at this stage.

School Visit: Arrange a visit to the school to tour the facilities and meet staff members. This provides valuable insight into the school's ethos and helps determine if Badminton School is the right fit for your daughter.

Assessment Day: Attend the scheduled assessment day in the spring term, which includes the academic tests and interview. The school provides a welcoming environment to help candidates feel comfortable and perform their best.

Scholarship Applications: If applying for scholarships, submit the additional scholarship application form and any supporting materials, such as portfolios for art scholarships or recordings for music scholarships.

References: Provide academic references from your daughter's current school, highlighting her achievements, character, and potential.

Application deadlines vary depending on the year of entry, so it is essential to check the school's website for specific dates and ensure all materials are submitted promptly.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in independent school admissions makes us the ideal partner for families seeking entry to Badminton School. Our comprehensive understanding of the school's assessment process and expectations enables us to provide targeted preparation that maximises your daughter's chances of success.

Our specialised 11+ preparation programme focuses on the specific skills and knowledge required for Badminton School's assessments. We provide intensive English and Mathematics tuition, developing strong foundations in reading comprehension, creative writing, and mathematical reasoning. Our experienced tutors use past paper practice and mock assessments to familiarise students with the format and timing of the actual tests.

Beyond academic preparation, we offer interview coaching to help your daughter articulate her thoughts confidently and express her enthusiasm for the school. Our tutors work with students to develop their communication skills and prepare thoughtful responses to potential interview questions, ensuring they present themselves authentically and positively.

For scholarship candidates, Taylor Tuition provides specialist coaching in relevant areas, working with expert tutors who understand the high standards required for scholarship success. We help students prepare portfolios, practice performances, and develop the advanced skills that scholarship assessments demand.

Our personalised approach means we adapt our tuition to your daughter's individual strengths and areas for development, creating a bespoke preparation programme that builds confidence and competence. With our proven track record of successful Badminton School admissions, Taylor Tuition provides the expert guidance and support your family needs to navigate this important educational milestone.