Brighton College: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Co-educational independent school
• Location: Brighton, East Sussex
• Entry Point: 11+ (Year 7) and 13+ (Year 9)
• Assessment: ISEB Pre-Test followed by school assessments
• Registration: Early registration essential
• Scholarships: Academic and specialist awards available

About Brighton College

Brighton College enjoys an exceptional reputation as one of Britain's leading independent schools, recognised by The Sunday Times as "United Kingdom School of the Decade". Located in the vibrant coastal city of Brighton, the school consistently delivers outstanding academic results, ranking amongst the highest performing co-educational schools for A-level and GCSE outcomes.

The school has established itself as a powerhouse for STEM education, recently crowned "top school for STEM" in the UK. This excellence stems from Brighton College's commitment to innovative teaching and state-of-the-art facilities that inspire scientific curiosity and mathematical rigour.

Central to Brighton College's philosophy is its culture of kindness and individual development. The school recognises that academic excellence flourishes when students feel valued and supported, creating an environment where personal happiness and intellectual growth proceed hand in hand.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Brighton College operates a rigorous yet supportive admissions process designed to identify students who will thrive in their academic environment. The assessment begins with the ISEB Pre-Test, typically taken during Year 6 at your child's current school.

The ISEB Pre-Test evaluates four key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning - assessing language comprehension and logical thinking
• Non-Verbal Reasoning - testing spatial awareness and pattern recognition
• English - examining reading comprehension and written expression
• Mathematics - covering numerical reasoning and problem-solving skills

Successful Pre-Test candidates receive invitations to Brighton College's orientation day in February of Year 7. This comprehensive assessment day includes further academic evaluations, interviews with teaching staff, and opportunities for candidates to experience the school's distinctive atmosphere.

The school also offers prestigious scholarship opportunities, including academic scholarships assessed during Year 8, alongside specialist awards in chess, dance, design and technology, and music.

How to Apply

The application process requires careful planning and early preparation:

Step 1: Early Registration
Register your child with Brighton College as early as possible, ideally by Year 5, to secure your place in the admissions process.

Step 2: ISEB Pre-Test
Arrange for your child to sit the ISEB Pre-Test at their current school during Year 6. This computerised assessment provides the initial screening for Brighton College entry.

Step 3: Orientation Day
Successful Pre-Test candidates attend the orientation day in February of Year 7, featuring academic assessments, interviews, and school tours.

Step 4: Offers
Brighton College typically makes offers in March of Year 7, providing families with clear timelines for secondary school planning.

For families considering boarding, places become available from Year 9 (age 13), though younger students can access boarding at Handcross Park, one of Brighton College's family schools.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in Brighton College admissions ensures your child approaches this competitive process with confidence and thorough preparation. Our specialist tutors understand the school's rigorous academic standards and distinctive assessment approach.

Our comprehensive preparation programme includes targeted ISEB Pre-Test coaching, covering all four assessment areas with particular attention to the analytical thinking skills Brighton College values. We provide extensive practice with verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions, ensuring your child develops the problem-solving strategies essential for success.

Our English and mathematics coaching addresses Brighton College's high academic expectations, whilst our interview preparation helps students articulate their passion for learning and demonstrate the personal qualities the school seeks.

We also guide families through scholarship applications, helping identify your child's particular strengths and preparing targeted submissions that showcase their potential across academic and specialist areas.

With deep understanding of Brighton College's culture of kindness and individual development, Taylor Tuition ensures your child not only meets the academic requirements but also demonstrates the personal qualities that align with the school's distinctive ethos.