King's Ely Junior School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: King's Ely Junior School
• Location: Barton Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DB
• Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding school
• Age Range: 2-19 years (Junior School covers 7-13)
• Pupils: Approximately 1,250 across all sections
• Head: Mr John Attwater
• Founded: 970 AD
• Contact: 01353 660700

About King's Ely Junior School

King's Ely Junior School forms part of one of the world's oldest educational institutions, tracing its roots back over 1,000 years to 970 AD. Located in the historic cathedral city of Ely, the school occupies a remarkable setting adjacent to the magnificent Ely Cathedral, creating an inspiring atmosphere for learning that combines academic rigour with spiritual reflection.

The Junior School, catering for pupils aged 7-13, operates within this ancient foundation whilst delivering thoroughly modern education. The school's ethos centres on developing confident, articulate young people who demonstrate respect, kindness and personal integrity. With its co-educational approach, King's Ely Junior School provides a balanced environment where boys and girls learn and grow together.

The school's commitment to academic excellence is matched by its dedication to broader personal development. Pupils benefit from small class sizes, ensuring individualised attention and support. The curriculum extends well beyond traditional subjects, incorporating extensive co-curricular programmes including music, drama, sport and outdoor education. The school's cathedral connection provides unique opportunities for choral education and spiritual development.

Academic Programme

King's Ely Junior School delivers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare pupils for senior school entrance examinations, including the 11+. The academic programme emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning skills. Pupils receive specialist teaching in core subjects whilst also exploring creative and practical disciplines.

The school maintains high academic standards, with recent Independent Schools Inspectorate reports grading the institution as excellent across all categories. This recognition reflects the quality of teaching, pastoral care and educational outcomes achieved by the school community.

The 11+ Assessment Process

King's Ely Junior School provides comprehensive preparation for 11+ examinations, recognising that many pupils will seek entry to selective grammar schools or independent senior schools. The school's approach to 11+ preparation is integrated seamlessly into the regular curriculum rather than requiring separate intensive coaching.

Assessment Areas

The 11+ examination typically covers four key areas, all of which are addressed within King's Ely's academic programme:

• English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar and vocabulary
• Mathematics: Arithmetic, problem-solving and mathematical reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic puzzles, word relationships and comprehension
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition, spatial awareness and visual logic

Preparation Approach

Teachers at King's Ely Junior School incorporate 11+ skills development into daily lessons, ensuring pupils develop confidence and competence gradually. The school provides practice papers and mock examinations to familiarise pupils with assessment formats and time constraints. Individual support is available for pupils requiring additional assistance in specific areas.

The school's extensive experience with senior school entrance requirements enables staff to provide targeted guidance on different examination formats and expectations. This expertise proves invaluable when advising families on suitable senior school options and application strategies.

How to Apply

Admission to King's Ely Junior School follows a straightforward process designed to assess each child's suitability for the school community:

Application Steps

1. Initial Enquiry: Contact the admissions team on 01353 660700 or visit www.kingsely.org
2. School Visit: Attend open events or arrange individual visits to experience the school environment
3. Application Form: Complete the comprehensive application form available online
4. Assessment Day: Participate in age-appropriate assessments covering academic skills and reasoning abilities
5. Interview: Meet with senior staff to discuss interests, aspirations and school fit
6. References: Provide academic references from current schools

Open Events

King's Ely regularly hosts open events throughout the academic year, providing opportunities for prospective families to explore the facilities, meet teaching staff and observe lessons in progress. These events offer valuable insights into the school's distinctive character and educational approach.

Entry Points

The Junior School welcomes new pupils at various points throughout the year, with main entry points in September, January and April. Early application is recommended, particularly for September entry, as places fill quickly.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's comprehensive support programme ensures your child maximises their potential for King's Ely Junior School admission whilst developing skills essential for future academic success.

Specialised 11+ Preparation

Our experienced tutors provide targeted preparation for King's Ely's assessment process, focusing on:

• Academic skills development in English and mathematics
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning techniques
• Practise with similar assessment formats and time constraints
• Interview preparation and confidence building
• Study skills and examination strategies

Ongoing Academic Support

Beyond entrance preparation, Taylor Tuition offers continued support for pupils at King's Ely Junior School:

• Subject-specific tutoring to maintain high academic standards
• Senior school entrance preparation for 13+ examinations
• Study skills development and homework support
• Scholarship preparation for academic, music and sports awards

Educational Consultancy

Our educational consultants provide strategic guidance on:

• Senior school selection and application timing
• Alternative independent school options
• Long-term educational pathway planning
• University preparation and career guidance

With deep understanding of King's Ely's educational approach and strong relationships with admissions teams, Taylor Tuition ensures your family receives expert guidance throughout the application process and beyond. Our proven track record of successful placements at leading independent schools demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for every pupil.