Dunottar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Reigate, Surrey
• Type: Independent co-educational day school
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Students: Approximately 484 pupils
• Fees: £6,880-£6,970 per term
• Headmaster: Mr Mark Tottman
• Established: 1926
• Registration Deadline: 9 AM, 24th September

About Dunottar School

Nestled within a magnificent Palladian mansion and set across 15 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside, Dunottar School offers an exceptional educational experience for students aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1926, this distinguished co-educational day school has built a reputation for academic excellence whilst maintaining a strong commitment to nurturing each child's individual talents and character.

The school's unique philosophy centres on developing "warrior learners" - students who embody aspiration, creativity, tenacity, independence, curiosity, collaboration, and inclusivity. This distinctive approach ensures that pupils not only achieve outstanding academic results but also develop the resilience and character necessary for future success.

Located in the heart of Reigate, Dunottar benefits from excellent transport links whilst offering a peaceful, inspiring environment away from urban distractions. The historic setting provides a sense of tradition and continuity, whilst modern facilities ensure students have access to cutting-edge resources across all subject areas.

With approximately 484 students, Dunottar maintains an intimate community feel where every child is known and valued. The school's commitment to small class sizes enables personalised attention and ensures that each student can maximise their potential across academic, creative, and sporting pursuits.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Dunottar School publishes day fees of £8,960 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 2 October 2026 (for the Year 6/standard Year 7 entry round). The assessment takes place on Saturday 7 November 2026. Candidates attend an in-person Warrior Learner Assessment (individual and group activities assessing creativity and teamwork, plus an informal staff interview) alongside Academic Assessments in English, Maths, and an online Verbal/Non-Verbal/numerical test based on Year 6 National Curriculum content, with no tutoring or preparation required. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Dunottar School

Dunottar School's Year 7 entrance assessment is designed to identify students who will thrive within the school's dynamic learning environment. The comprehensive evaluation process assesses both academic ability and personal qualities that align with the school's "warrior learner" ethos.

Assessment Components

The entrance examination covers four key areas:

• Mathematics: Fundamental arithmetic skills, problem-solving capabilities, and mathematical reasoning appropriate for Year 6 level
• English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar, and vocabulary assessment
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic puzzles, word relationships, and analytical thinking using language-based questions
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and logical thinking through visual and diagrammatic problems

Assessment Format

The assessment process typically includes written examinations alongside an interview component. This holistic approach allows the school to evaluate not only academic potential but also personal qualities such as curiosity, creativity, and collaborative spirit that are central to Dunottar's educational philosophy.

Students are assessed on their ability to think independently, approach challenges with tenacity, and demonstrate the inclusive values that define the Dunottar community. The interview provides an opportunity for prospective pupils to showcase their interests, aspirations, and alignment with the school's distinctive approach to learning.

How to Apply

The application process for Dunottar School Year 7 entry follows a structured timeline designed to ensure fair and thorough consideration of all candidates.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Registration Deadline: 9:00 AM on 24th September
• Assessment Period: Autumn term (specific dates confirmed upon registration)
• Interview Invitations: Following initial assessment review
• Offer Notifications: December/January (prior to academic year)

Application Requirements

To secure a place in the assessment process, families must:

• Complete the official registration form available through the school's admissions office
• Submit the registration fee as specified in current fee schedule
• Provide previous school reports and academic references
• Attend any required information sessions or school visits

Given Dunottar's popularity and selective nature, early registration is strongly recommended. The school's admissions team is available to guide families through the process and answer any questions regarding requirements or procedures.

Preparing for the Dunottar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Dunottar 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.