Registration for Caterham School 11+ closes in 27 days, on 2 November 2026. A free consultation now leaves time to plan the preparation before the assessment.
Book a free consultationKey Facts
| School Type | Independent co-educational day and boarding school |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 11-18 years |
| Location | Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, Surrey |
| Student Capacity | Approximately 999 pupils |
| Contact | +44 1883 343028 |
| Day fees (2026/27) | £9,665 (Years 7 to 13, i.e. 11+ entry) per term |
| Boarding fees (2026/27) | Not offered at 11+/Year 7 entry per term |
| Registration deadline | Monday 2 November 2026 (for September 2027 entry) |
| Assessment date | ISEB Common Pre-Test Saturday 14 November 2026; EDGE Experience Day Saturday 9 January 2027 |
Figures correct at the time of writing — always confirm current fees and deadlines with the school directly.
Key Information Summary
- School Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding school
- Age Range: 11-18 years
- Location: Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, Surrey
- Religious Affiliation: United Reformed Church
- Student Capacity: Approximately 999 pupils
- Day Fees: £7,445 to £7,805 per term
- Boarding Fees: £12,780 to £16,145 per term
- Headmaster: Mr Ceri Jones
- Contact: +44 1883 343028
About Caterham School
Founded in 1811, Caterham School has established itself as a prestigious independent institution nestled in the picturesque Surrey Hills. The school's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its consistently outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, with a significant proportion of graduates progressing to Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
The school's distinctive approach combines rigorous academic standards with exceptional pastoral care, fostering an environment where students develop both intellectual curiosity and personal resilience. Caterham's impressive facilities include a state-of-the-art science block, purpose-built performing arts centre, and extensive sports facilities that support the school's philosophy of nurturing well-rounded individuals.
The school's United Reformed Church heritage provides a strong moral foundation whilst embracing students from diverse backgrounds. Caterham's house system creates a supportive community atmosphere, with both day and boarding pupils benefiting from the school's flexible boarding options that accommodate modern family needs.
Fees and key dates for 2026/27
Caterham School publishes day fees of £9,665 (Years 7 to 13, i.e. 11+ entry) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at Not offered at 11+/Year 7 entry per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on Monday 2 November 2026 (for September 2027 entry). Assessment dates: ISEB Common Pre-Test Saturday 14 November 2026; EDGE Experience Day Saturday 9 January 2027. Candidates sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test (adaptive online English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning), attend an informal interview, and complete the EDGE Experience Day (a maths assessment and an EDGE paper covering writing, critical thinking and problem-solving), alongside a school reference. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.
The 11+ Assessment Process at Caterham School
Caterham School employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify pupils who will thrive in their academically demanding environment. The 11+ examination typically comprises:
- Mathematics: Problem-solving and mathematical reasoning skills
- English Language: Reading comprehension and written expression
- Verbal Reasoning: Logic and reasoning using language-based concepts
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition and spatial awareness
The assessment is carefully calibrated to evaluate not just current academic attainment but also potential for future growth. Caterham seeks pupils who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the ability to engage constructively with their learning community.
Additionally, the school may conduct interviews with prospective pupils to assess their suitability for the school's collaborative and supportive environment. This holistic approach ensures that successful candidates will benefit from and contribute to Caterham's distinctive educational ethos.
How to Apply
The application process for Year 7 entry at Caterham School follows these essential steps:
- School Visit: Attend one of Caterham's open mornings or arrange a personal tour to experience the school's atmosphere and facilities
- Registration: Complete the online application form via the school's website, submitting all required documentation including school reports
- Entrance Assessment: Candidates sit the 11+ examination, typically held in January for September entry
- Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates participate in individual interviews with senior staff members
- Admission Decision: The school communicates offers by early February, with parents required to confirm acceptance promptly
Caterham offers various scholarships recognising academic excellence, musical talent, sporting achievement, and artistic ability. Means-tested bursaries are also available for families requiring financial assistance, demonstrating the school's commitment to accessibility for deserving candidates regardless of economic background.
Preparing for the Caterham School 11+ with Taylor Tuition
Preparation for the Caterham School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.
The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.
Families in Surrey and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.
Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
- How much are the fees at Caterham School?
- Day Fees: £7,445 to £7,805 per term; boarding fees: £12,780 to £16,145 per term (correct at the time of writing). Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
- What type of school is Caterham School?
- Caterham School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school.
- How should my child prepare for the Caterham School 11+?
- Start structured preparation 12–18 months before the assessment: secure core English and maths beyond curriculum pace, introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types systematically (these are rarely taught at primary school), and build up to timed practice in the final months.
Enquire about 11+ preparation
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English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with mark schemes.
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