Gresham's School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Gresham's School
• Location: Holt, Norfolk
• Founded: 1555
• Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding
• Age Range: 13-18 (Senior School), 3-13 (Prep School)
• Contact: +44 1263 714500
• Website: www.greshams.com

About Gresham's School

Gresham's School occupies a unique position in British independent education, having educated notable figures including poet W.H. Auden and composer Benjamin Britten. Set on a magnificent 200-acre campus in the Norfolk countryside near Holt, the school combines historic tradition with progressive educational philosophy.

The school's distinctive approach centres on nurturing individual talents whilst maintaining academic rigour. Gresham's operates an unusual honour system where students are trusted with considerable freedom, reflecting the school's belief in developing personal responsibility and integrity. This progressive ethos, combined with outstanding facilities including a recently opened science centre and extensive sports grounds, creates an environment where students flourish academically and personally.

Academic results consistently place Gresham's among Norfolk's top independent schools, with strong A-level performance and excellent university progression. The school's small class sizes and dedicated teaching staff ensure personalised attention for each pupil, whilst the extensive co-curricular programme develops leadership skills and creative talents.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Gresham's School

Gresham's School primarily admits students at 13+ to the Senior School, following the traditional independent school model. However, the school does accept some pupils at 11+ into Year 7 of their Middle School programme, which bridges the gap between Prep and Senior School education.

The assessment process for 11+ entry typically includes:

• Academic Assessment: Tests in English and Mathematics tailored to Year 6 level
• Reasoning Skills: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning components
• Creative Writing: A short piece demonstrating imagination and literacy skills
• Interview: Discussion with senior staff to assess character and potential fit
• School Report: Current academic performance and teacher recommendations

The school seeks pupils who will thrive in their distinctive environment, valuing intellectual curiosity, creativity, and the ability to embrace responsibility. Assessment day includes opportunities for candidates to experience lessons and meet current pupils.

How to Apply to Gresham's School

Applications for 11+ entry should be submitted well in advance, as places are limited:

• Registration: Complete online application form by October of Year 5
• School Visit: Attend an Open Day or arrange a personal tour
• Assessment Day: Participate in testing and interview process (typically January)
• Current School Report: Provide recent academic reports and references
• Assessment Fee: £150 testing fee required
• Offers: Decisions communicated by February
• Acceptance: Confirm place with deposit by specified deadline

The admissions team strongly recommends visiting the school before applying, as Gresham's distinctive culture and approach may not suit every family. Early registration is essential, particularly for boarding places.

Preparing for the Gresham's School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Gresham's School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in the East of England and further afield work with us online, 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.