Cokethorpe School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent co-educational day school
• Age Range: 4-18 years
• Location: Witney, Oxfordshire
• Setting: 150 acres of parkland
• Headmaster: Mr D J Ettinger
• Student Numbers: Approximately 617 students
• Fees: £5,075 to £7,735 per term
• Scholarships: Academic, all-rounder, and bursary support available

About Cokethorpe School

Nestled within 150 acres of beautiful Oxfordshire parkland, Cokethorpe School provides a distinctive liberal education for students from age 4 through to 18. The school's impressive setting in Witney offers an inspiring environment where academic excellence flourishes alongside personal development.

With approximately 617 students across both prep and senior schools, Cokethorpe maintains a carefully balanced co-educational community that emphasises individual growth within a supportive framework. The school's commitment to liberal education ensures students develop critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and the confidence to pursue their passions.

Cokethorpe's extensive grounds provide exceptional opportunities for outdoor learning and recreation, whilst the school's comprehensive programme includes over 160 clubs and societies in the Senior School alone. This remarkable breadth of co-curricular activities allows every student to discover and develop their talents, whether in the arts, sciences, sports, or community service.

The school's academic programme is designed to challenge and inspire, preparing students for success at the next stage of their educational journey. Small class sizes and dedicated teaching ensure each pupil receives personalised attention, allowing them to maximise their potential across all subjects.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Cokethorpe School publishes day fees of £9,390 (First Form, i.e. Year 7 entry) per term for 2026/27, 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 Friday 30 October 2026. The assessment takes place on Friday 20 November 2026. Online assessments in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus a one-to-one interview, group interview and practical assessment. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Cokethorpe School's 11+ assessment process is carefully designed to identify students who will thrive within the school's liberal education environment. The evaluation focuses on assessing academic potential whilst recognising the diverse talents and qualities that contribute to the school community.

The assessment typically includes:

• English Assessment: Evaluating reading comprehension, writing skills, and verbal reasoning abilities
• Mathematics Assessment: Testing numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical understanding
• Interview Process: Personal discussions to understand the child's interests, character, and alignment with Cokethorpe's values
• School Report Review: Consideration of current academic performance and teacher recommendations

The school recognises that children develop at different rates and seeks to identify potential rather than simply current attainment. The assessment process is designed to be as stress-free as possible, allowing candidates to demonstrate their abilities in a supportive environment.

Cokethorpe values students who show intellectual curiosity, creativity, and the potential to contribute positively to the school community. The interview component allows the school to understand each child's unique qualities and ensures a good match between the student and the school's educational philosophy.

How to Apply

The application process for Cokethorpe School follows a structured approach designed to ensure the best possible match between prospective students and the school:

Step 1: School Visit
Attend one of Cokethorpe's open mornings or arrange a personal tour to experience the school's atmosphere and facilities firsthand. These visits provide invaluable insight into the school's culture and educational approach.

Step 2: Application Submission
Complete and submit the school's application form, available through their admissions office. Early application is recommended to secure your preferred assessment date.

Step 3: Assessment Day
Attend the scheduled assessment, which includes written evaluations and an interview. The school provides clear guidance on what to expect and how to prepare.

Step 4: Decision and Offer
Following the assessment, successful candidates receive an offer of admission. The school aims to provide feedback to all families regardless of the outcome.

For specific entry requirements, assessment dates, and deadlines, families should contact Cokethorpe's admissions team directly. The school's admissions staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the process.

Preparing for the Cokethorpe School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Cokethorpe School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. 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.