Key Information Summary
- Founded: 1552 by King Edward VI
- Location: Horsham, West Sussex
- Type: Independent boarding and day school
- Age Range: 11-18 years
- Pupils: Approximately 900 (coeducational)
- Fees: Day £7,220-£9,090 per term, Boarding £13,970 per term
- Bursaries: Available for over 630 pupils (largest bursary charity in UK)
- University Destinations: 98% of leavers progress to top universities
About Christ's Hospital
Christ's Hospital is a remarkable institution with nearly 500 years of educational heritage, uniquely positioned as Britain's largest bursary charity. Founded by King Edward VI in 1552, the school has maintained its founding mission of providing transformative education to talented children regardless of their family's financial circumstances. This commitment to social mobility sets Christ's Hospital apart in the independent school sector.
The school's stunning 1,200-acre campus in the Sussex countryside provides an inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically, socially, and personally. With its distinctive blue coat uniform and rich traditions, Christ's Hospital combines historical prestige with progressive educational approaches. The school's exceptional university progression rate of 98% to top institutions reflects its rigorous academic standards and comprehensive preparation for higher education.
Christ's Hospital's coeducational environment, with an equal balance of boys and girls, fosters collaboration and mutual respect. The school's house system creates a strong sense of belonging and community, whilst extensive co-curricular programmes develop well-rounded individuals prepared for leadership roles in their chosen fields.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Christ's Hospital operates a distinctive two-stage assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify academic potential and suitability for the school's challenging curriculum:
Stage 1: Initial Assessment (October)
All candidates undertake academic assessments in:
- Mathematics: Problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts at the higher end of Key Stage 2
- English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills demonstrating advanced literacy
Stage 2: Residential Assessment (January)
Candidates applying for bursary places participate in a residential assessment weekend, which evaluates:
- Social interaction and community integration skills
- Resilience and adaptability to boarding environment
- Leadership potential and collaborative abilities
- Interview discussions about interests and aspirations
Additional assessments may be required for specific scholarships in music, drama, art, or sport. The school seeks candidates who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also the character and potential to contribute meaningfully to the Christ's Hospital community.
How to Apply
The application process requires careful planning and early preparation:
Application Timeline
- Registration: Submit application form and registration fee by specified deadline
- October: Initial academic assessments conducted
- January: Residential assessment for bursary candidates
- Spring Term: Offers communicated to successful applicants
Required Documentation
- Completed application form with personal statement
- Current school reports covering recent academic performance
- Headteacher reference highlighting academic potential and character
- Financial information for bursary assessment (if applicable)
Given the school's popularity and competitive entry requirements, early application submission is strongly recommended. Prospective families should contact the admissions office well in advance to ensure they meet all deadlines and requirements.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition's comprehensive preparation programme for Christ's Hospital addresses the unique challenges of this prestigious school's assessment process:
Academic Preparation
- Mathematics Mastery: Advanced problem-solving techniques and reasoning skills development
- English Excellence: Creative writing workshops and comprehension strategies tailored to Christ's Hospital standards
- Assessment Familiarisation: Practise papers and mock assessments under timed conditions
Residential Assessment Coaching
- Interview Preparation: Confidence building and articulation of interests and aspirations
- Social Skills Development: Strategies for positive interaction and community integration
- Boarding Readiness: Preparation for independent living and collaborative environments
Application Support
- Strategic Planning: Timeline management and deadline tracking
- Personal Statement Guidance: Crafting compelling applications that reflect individual strengths
- School Liaison: Communication with admissions team and progress monitoring
Our experienced tutors understand Christ's Hospital's distinctive ethos and assessment criteria, providing personalised support that maximises your child's potential for success at this exceptional institution.
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