Eton College: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

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.