Cranleigh School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Co-educational independent school (day and boarding)
• Ages: 13-18 (Senior School), 11+ entry available through Cranleigh Prep
• Location: Cranleigh, Surrey, set on 280-acre campus
• Founded: 1865
• Headmaster: Mr Martin Reader
• Total Pupils: Approximately 695
• Day Fees: £12,635 per term
• Boarding Fees: £15,345 per term
• Recent ISI Rating: Excellent in every category

About Cranleigh School

Cranleigh School represents one of Surrey's most prestigious independent schools, combining over 150 years of educational excellence with a forward-thinking approach to 21st-century learning. Set within 280 acres of stunning Surrey countryside, the school creates an inspiring environment where academic rigour meets exceptional pastoral care.

The school's distinctive character stems from its commitment to developing confident, articulate young people who possess both intellectual curiosity and strong moral values. Cranleigh's holistic educational philosophy ensures students excel academically whilst developing resilience, leadership skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

What sets Cranleigh apart is its exceptional balance of academic achievement and co-curricular excellence. The school offers an impressive range of opportunities including outstanding sports facilities, a renowned music programme, and extensive dramatic arts provision. This comprehensive approach ensures every student discovers their talents and develops the confidence to pursue their passions.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Cranleigh School publishes day fees of £30,480 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £36,795 per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Assessment dates: ISEB Common Pre-Test: October/November of Year 6 (exact date not published); Cranleigh assessment/visit day follows, no specific date given. Written academic papers via the ISEB Common Pre-Test (maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning) plus an on-site interview and day visit, framed by the school as a "whole child" assessment. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Cranleigh at 11+ occurs through the school's preparatory school pathway, providing a seamless transition into the senior school environment. This two-year programme in the prep school allows students to develop strong foundational skills before progressing to the senior school at 13+.

The assessment process at Cranleigh emphasises identifying students who will thrive within the school's collaborative and supportive community. The school seeks academically curious children who demonstrate potential for growth rather than focusing solely on current attainment levels.

Assessment Components:

• Academic Evaluation: Assessments in English and Mathematics designed to evaluate understanding and problem-solving abilities
• Personal Interview: A conversation with senior staff to understand the child's interests, aspirations, and character
• School Report: Review of current academic performance and teacher recommendations
• Holistic Review: Consideration of the candidate's potential contribution to school life and alignment with Cranleigh's values

The school particularly values students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Cranleigh's assessment process is designed to identify children who will benefit from and contribute to the school's vibrant learning community.

How to Apply

The application process for Cranleigh requires careful planning and attention to detail. Families are strongly encouraged to begin the process well in advance of their desired entry date.

Application Steps:

• Initial Enquiry: Contact the admissions team at admissions@cranleigh.org or 01483 276377 to discuss your requirements
• School Visit: Attend an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience Cranleigh's environment firsthand
• Registration: Complete the registration form available on the school website with required documentation
• Assessment Day: Attend the scheduled assessment day including academic tests and interview
• Offer Decision: Receive notification of the admissions decision and next steps

Important Dates: The school regularly hosts Open Days throughout the year, with upcoming events including Open Days on Saturday 10th May and Sixth Form events on 20th September. Families planning 11+ entry should register early as places are highly sought after.

Scholarships and Bursaries: Cranleigh offers various scholarships recognising academic, artistic, musical, and sporting excellence. Means-tested bursaries are also available to support families who would benefit from financial assistance.

Preparing for the Cranleigh School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Cranleigh School 11+ 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 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.