Charterhouse School: Comprehensive 13+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent coeducational day and boarding school
• Age Range: 13-18 years (Year 9 to Sixth Form)
• Location: Godalming, Surrey
• Founded: 1611
• Student Numbers: Over 900 pupils
• Entry Point: 13+ (Year 9)
• Registration Deadline: End of September in Year 6
• Assessment: ISEB Common Pre-Test, interview, and activity assessment
• Contact: [email protected]

About Charterhouse School

Charterhouse School, established in 1611, represents over four centuries of educational excellence in the heart of Surrey. Set across a magnificent 250-acre campus in Godalming, this prestigious institution has evolved from its historic London origins to a respected coeducational boarding and day school.

Under the leadership of Headmaster Dr. Alex Peterken, Charterhouse maintains its commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who excel academically whilst embracing the school's distinctive character-building ethos. The school's approach emphasises intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, and service to others - values that have shaped generations of leaders across diverse fields.

The school's extensive facilities reflect its commitment to holistic education, featuring state-of-the-art science laboratories, exceptional sports centres, and comprehensive health services. With over 900 pupils, Charterhouse maintains an intimate community atmosphere where each student receives personalised attention and support throughout their academic journey.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Charterhouse School publishes day fees of £16,369 (incl. VAT) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £21,015 (incl. VAT) per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 13+ round closes on 19 October 2026 (Year 8 pathway, for September 2027 Year 9/13+ entry, Year 6 and Year 7 pathways for this entry year are already closed). Assessment dates: ISEB pre-test window 23 October, 3 November 2026; Assessment Day 17 November 2026. ISEB Common Pre-test (online, adaptive: Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning) followed by an in-person Assessment Day of group activities, interviews and a creative writing task, plus a school reference; overseas candidates may interview virtually. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 13+ Assessment Process

Charterhouse School operates a 13+ entry system, welcoming students into Year 9 rather than the traditional 11+ entry point. This approach allows pupils to complete their preparatory school education fully before transitioning to senior school life.

Assessment Components

ISEB Common Pre-Test: Conducted online during the autumn term of Year 6, this adaptive examination evaluates:

• Mathematics: Based on Year 5 curriculum expectations, covering arithmetic fundamentals and problem-solving applications
• English: Comprehensive assessment of reading comprehension skills and grammatical understanding
• Verbal Reasoning: Evaluation of logical thinking capabilities and analytical problem-solving skills

Interview Process: All candidates participate in a personal interview designed to assess character, motivation, and compatibility with Charterhouse's educational philosophy.

Activity Assessment: Pupils engage in practical activities that reveal teamwork abilities, creativity, and approach to new challenges.

Scholarship Opportunities

Charterhouse offers merit-based scholarships across multiple disciplines, including academic excellence, sporting achievement, musical talent, and artistic ability. These awards recognise exceptional potential and provide enhanced opportunities for further development.

How to Apply

The application process for Charterhouse's 13+ entry follows a structured timeline:

Registration: Parents must complete registration by the end of September during their child's Year 6. Early registration is strongly recommended given the school's popularity amongst discerning families.

Assessment Period: The ISEB Common Pre-Test takes place during the autumn term of Year 6, providing ample time for thorough evaluation of each candidate.

Notification: Offers of places are communicated in March of Year 6, allowing families sufficient time to make informed decisions about their child's educational future.

Admissions Enquiries: For detailed information about the application process, specific requirements, or to arrange a school visit, contact the Admissions Office at [email protected].

Preparing for the Charterhouse School 13+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Charterhouse School 13+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, 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 13+. 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 13+ Common Entrance tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.