Christ's Hospital: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

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.

Preparing for the Christ's Hospital 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Christ's Hospital 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 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 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.