Key Facts
| School type | Boys' independent boarding school |
|---|---|
| Age range | 13–18 years (13+ main entry) |
| Location | Windsor, Berkshire |
| Annual fees | £49,998 (2024/25) |
| Registration deadline | 30 June of Year 5 |
| Assessment | ISEB Common Pre-Test (Year 6) → Eton's online assessment → interview → conditional offer |
| Places per year | Approximately 260 |
Figures correct at the time of writing — always confirm current fees and deadlines with the school directly.
Key Information Summary
- School Type: Boys' independent boarding school
- Age Range: 13-18 years
- Location: Windsor, Berkshire
- Annual Fees: £49,998 (2024/25)
- Entry Points: 13+ (main entry)
- Application Deadline: 30th June of Year 5
- Assessment: ISEB Pre-Test, Eton tests, interview, Common Entrance
- Places Available: Approximately 260 per year
About Eton College
Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton College remains Britain's most prestigious boys' boarding school. Located in Windsor, Berkshire, opposite Windsor Castle, Eton educates approximately 1,300 boys aged 13-18 across 25 houses, each accommodating around 50 pupils.
Eton's unique house system creates intimate communities within the larger school, with each house led by a House Master who oversees pastoral care and academic progress. The school's distinctive traditions, including the famous tailcoats and white bow ties, reflect its rich heritage whilst maintaining relevance in modern education.
Academic excellence defines Eton's reputation, with consistently outstanding A-Level results and exceptional university destinations. Over 95% of leavers progress to Russell Group universities, with significant numbers securing places at Oxford and Cambridge. The school offers an extensive curriculum including modern languages, classics, sciences, and creative arts, supported by world-class facilities.
Beyond academics, Eton provides unparalleled co-curricular opportunities. The school boasts over 100 societies and clubs, from debating and drama to rowing and cricket. Many Old Etonians have achieved distinction in politics, business, arts, and public service, creating an influential alumni network.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Eton's admissions process begins exceptionally early, requiring registration by 30th June of Year 5 when boys turn 10. This three-year journey reflects the school's selectivity and allows comprehensive assessment of each candidate.
Stage 1: ISEB Common Pre-Test (Year 6)
All registered candidates sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test in October or November of Year 6. This computer-based assessment covers:
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• English comprehension and grammar
• Mathematics
Stage 2: Eton Assessment (Year 6)
Successful Pre-Test candidates progress to Eton's own online assessments in spring/summer of Year 6. These proprietary tests evaluate reasoning abilities and academic potential specific to Eton's requirements.
Stage 3: Interview Process
Boys performing well in Stage 2 receive invitations for interviews, typically conducted at Eton. Interviews assess personality, interests, and suitability for boarding school life, focusing on intellectual curiosity and potential contribution to the school community.
Stage 4: Conditional Offers
Successful candidates receive conditional offers, dependent on satisfactory performance in Year 8 assessments.
Stage 5: Final Assessment (Year 8)
Boys must achieve required standards in either:
• Common Entrance examinations
• Eton's own entrance examinations
• King's Scholarship examinations (for scholarship candidates)
How to Apply
Registration Requirements:
Register by 30th June of Year 5 through Eton's online portal. Registration requires completed application forms, birth certificate, current school report, and registration fee of £400.
Pre-Test Preparation:
Focus on developing strong foundations in English and mathematics, alongside reasoning skills. Practise papers help familiarise boys with computer-based testing formats and time constraints.
School Reports:
Eton requests regular school reports throughout the process, monitoring academic progress and teacher assessments of character and potential.
Interview Preparation:
Encourage broad reading, current affairs awareness, and articulation of interests and aspirations. Interviews assess natural ability rather than coached responses.
Year 8 Preparation:
Maintain consistent academic performance and engage fully with current school activities. Common Entrance preparation should begin in Year 7, covering core subjects plus chosen options.
Financial Planning:
Consider bursary applications early, with means-tested support available for families requiring financial assistance. Approximately 20% of boys receive fee assistance.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition's expertise in Eton admissions stems from deep understanding of the school's unique requirements and culture. Our comprehensive support addresses every aspect of this demanding process.
Early Assessment and Planning:
We evaluate your son's potential for Eton admission through diagnostic testing and academic review, creating personalised preparation timelines beginning in Year 4 or 5.
Pre-Test Excellence:
Our ISEB Pre-Test preparation combines targeted tuition with practice under exam conditions. We develop reasoning skills, strengthen mathematical foundations, and enhance English comprehension through engaging, age-appropriate methods.
Eton-Specific Preparation:
Our tutors understand Eton's proprietary assessments, providing specialised preparation unavailable elsewhere. We focus on the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills Eton values most highly.
Interview Coaching:
We prepare boys for Eton interviews through confidence-building sessions, discussion of interests and aspirations, and practice with typical interview scenarios. Our approach maintains authenticity whilst enhancing communication skills.
Common Entrance Mastery:
Our Common Entrance programme ensures boys meet Eton's required standards across all subjects. We provide subject specialist tutors and coordinate preparation with current schools for optimal results.
Holistic Development:
Beyond academic preparation, we guide families in developing the intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and character qualities Eton seeks. This includes recommendations for suitable activities, reading programmes, and cultural experiences.
Ongoing Support:
From initial registration through final assessments, we provide continuous guidance, monitoring progress and adjusting preparation strategies as needed. Our experience with Eton's evolving requirements ensures families remain well-informed throughout the process.
Frequently asked questions
- When do you need to register for Eton College?
- Registration closes on 30 June of Year 5, when boys are 10 years old — exceptionally early compared with most schools. Missing this deadline effectively closes the main 13+ route, so families should plan from Year 4.
- What is the Eton entrance test?
- Assessment happens in stages: all registered candidates sit the computer-based ISEB Common Pre-Test in October–November of Year 6 (verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths). Strong performers then take Eton's own online assessment, and the best candidates are invited to interview before conditional offers are made.
- How much does Eton College cost?
- Fees were £49,998 per year in 2024/25. Eton offers substantial means-tested bursaries — some covering full fees — so the headline figure should not deter families from exploring entry; confirm current fees and bursary criteria with the school.
- How many boys get into Eton each year?
- Approximately 260 places are available each year at 13+, drawn from a much larger registered field. Performance in the ISEB Pre-Test, Eton's own assessment and the interview determines selection.
- How should my son prepare for the Eton assessment?
- Build verbal and non-verbal reasoning fluency well before the Year 6 Pre-Test, keep English and maths ahead of curriculum pace, and practise articulating ideas confidently for interview. Preparation should start in Year 4–5 given the early registration deadline.
How Taylor Tuition can help
Expert, one-to-one support from specialist tutors.
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