Churcher's College: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent, co-educational day school
• Age Range: 3-18 years
• Location: Petersfield (Senior School) and Liphook (Junior School), Hampshire
• Founded: 1722
• Headmaster: Simon Williams (since 2004)
• Affiliations: Member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC)
• Entry Points: 11+ for Year 7 entry
• Notable Features: Strong academic performance, extensive sports facilities, scholarships available

About Churcher's College

Churcher's College has been providing exceptional education in Hampshire for over three centuries, establishing itself as one of the county's most respected independent schools. Founded in 1722, the school operates across two distinctive campuses: the historic Senior School in Petersfield and the purpose-built Junior School in Liphook, creating a seamless educational journey from early years through to sixth form.

Under the leadership of Headmaster Simon Williams, who has guided the school since 2004, Churcher's College has developed a reputation for academic excellence whilst maintaining its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. The school's ethos centres on high expectations and achievement within a genuinely supportive environment, where each pupil is encouraged to discover and develop their unique talents.

The college's facilities reflect its commitment to providing outstanding educational opportunities. The Petersfield campus beautifully combines historic architecture with state-of-the-art modern buildings, whilst the extensive sports facilities include multiple playing fields, courts, and specialised training areas. This investment in infrastructure supports the school's comprehensive approach to education, which places equal emphasis on academic rigour, creative expression, and physical development.

As a member of the HMC, Churcher's College maintains the highest standards of independent education and benefits from collaboration with other leading schools across the country. The school's strong academic performance is complemented by an exceptional range of extracurricular activities, from competitive sports teams to outstanding music and drama programmes, ensuring pupils develop confidence and skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Churcher's College employs a comprehensive 11+ assessment process designed to identify pupils who will thrive in their academic environment and contribute positively to the school community. The entrance examination serves as the primary assessment tool, evaluating candidates across multiple disciplines to ensure a thorough understanding of each child's academic potential.

The assessment comprises four core components: Mathematics, which tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 level; English, focusing on reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills; Verbal Reasoning, which assesses logical thinking, vocabulary, and the ability to understand and manipulate language; and Non-Verbal Reasoning, examining spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking skills.

What distinguishes Churcher's College's approach is their commitment to identifying potential rather than just current achievement. The assessment process is designed to recognise pupils who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the capacity to flourish in a challenging academic environment. Selected candidates may be invited for an interview, which provides an opportunity for the school to understand each child's interests, motivations, and character traits.

Scholarship opportunities are automatically considered during the assessment process, with awards recognising both academic excellence and potential contributions to school life. This approach ensures that the most suitable candidates are identified whilst rewarding exceptional ability and commitment to learning.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Churcher's College is designed to be straightforward whilst ensuring the school can make informed decisions about each candidate's suitability. Parents should begin by visiting the admissions section of the school's official website, where comprehensive information about the process and requirements is readily available.

The first step involves completing the online application form, which requires detailed information about the candidate's academic background, interests, and any special circumstances that may be relevant to their application. This form should be submitted well in advance of the assessment date to ensure processing time and to demonstrate serious commitment to the application.

Following successful submission of the application, candidates will be invited to sit the entrance examination at the school. This assessment typically takes place during the autumn term for the following September's entry, allowing families adequate time to prepare and plan. The examination is conducted in a supportive environment designed to help candidates demonstrate their true abilities.

After the assessment and any required interviews, parents will receive notification of the outcome. Successful candidates will receive an offer of a place, often accompanied by information about any scholarships awarded. The school maintains clear communication throughout this process, ensuring families are well-informed about timelines and next steps.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in independent school admissions makes us the ideal partner for families seeking entry to Churcher's College. Our deep understanding of the school's assessment process, combined with our proven track record of successful placements, ensures your child receives the targeted preparation necessary to demonstrate their full potential.

Our specialist 11+ preparation programme is specifically tailored to Churcher's College's requirements, focusing on the four core assessment areas whilst developing the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills the school values highly. We provide comprehensive practice materials that mirror the school's examination style, alongside detailed feedback and guidance to help candidates build confidence and competence.

Beyond academic preparation, our consultants offer invaluable support with the application process itself. We guide families through the complexities of form completion, help identify and articulate your child's unique strengths, and provide interview preparation where required. Our knowledge of Churcher's College's values and ethos enables us to help candidates present themselves authentically whilst demonstrating their suitability for the school community.

For families new to the independent school system, Taylor Tuition provides essential guidance on understanding the broader admissions landscape. We help you navigate scholarship opportunities, plan appropriate timelines, and develop backup strategies whilst maintaining focus on your preferred choice. Our personalised approach ensures that each family receives support tailored to their specific circumstances and aspirations, maximising the likelihood of securing a place at this exceptional Hampshire school.