Magdalen College School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DZ
• School Type: Independent day school for boys (co-educational Sixth Form)
• Age Range: 7-18 years
• Total Pupils: Approximately 957 students
• Headmaster: Miss Helen Pike
• Annual Fees: £20,976 - £21,777 per year
• Entry Points: 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+
• Assessment: Entrance examinations in Mathematics, English, and reasoning

About Magdalen College School

Magdalen College School represents one of Oxford's most distinguished educational institutions, with a remarkable heritage dating back to 1480. Founded by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, the school has maintained its position amongst the country's leading independent schools for over five centuries. Located in the heart of Oxford's academic quarter, MCS occupies a unique position within the city's educational landscape, benefiting from close connections with Oxford University whilst maintaining its own distinct identity.

The school's academic reputation is exemplary, consistently ranking amongst the top independent schools nationally. Recent recognition includes seventh place nationally and third in the Southeast according to authoritative school guides. This academic excellence translates into exceptional university destinations, with over 25% of Sixth Form students securing places at Oxford and Cambridge annually, whilst others progress to leading Russell Group universities and specialist institutions.

MCS operates as a boys' school from ages 7-16, transitioning to co-education in the Sixth Form. This structure allows the school to tailor its educational approach to different developmental stages whilst benefiting from the academic and social advantages of co-education in the senior years. The school's commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through its substantial bursary programme, ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent academically gifted pupils from accessing this exceptional education.

The school's Oxford location provides unparalleled opportunities for intellectual enrichment, with pupils regularly engaging with university departments, attending lectures, and participating in academic competitions. The historic buildings and modern facilities create an inspiring environment where tradition and innovation combine to deliver outstanding educational outcomes.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Magdalen College School's 11+ assessment process is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's academically rigorous environment. The entrance examination takes place in January of Year 6, allowing families sufficient time to prepare whilst ensuring results are available for September entry decisions.

The assessment comprises three core components: Mathematics, English, and reasoning skills. The Mathematics paper evaluates problem-solving abilities, numerical reasoning, and mathematical understanding beyond the standard curriculum. Candidates should demonstrate fluency with fundamental concepts whilst showing capacity for logical thinking and analytical reasoning.

The English assessment focuses on comprehension skills, written expression, and language understanding. Pupils complete reading comprehension exercises that test inference, analysis, and critical thinking, alongside creative or analytical writing tasks that demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

Reasoning assessments include both verbal and non-verbal components, evaluating logical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical skills. These tests help identify pupils with strong cognitive abilities who can adapt to new challenges and think independently across different subject areas.

Following the written assessments, selected candidates may be invited for interviews with senior staff members. These conversations allow the school to understand each pupil's interests, motivations, and potential contribution to the school community, whilst providing families with opportunities to ask questions about school life and expectations.

How to Apply

The application process for Magdalen College School begins with online registration through the school's website. Families should complete this registration early in Year 5 or the beginning of Year 6 to ensure their child's place in the assessment process.

Following registration, the school provides detailed information about assessment dates, preparation expectations, and logistical arrangements. The entrance examinations typically occur in January, with results communicated by the end of February. This timeline allows families to make informed decisions about secondary school places before the national offer day.

Successful candidates receive conditional offers based on their assessment performance and interview outcomes. These offers may include specific requirements regarding continued academic progress or conduct during the remainder of Year 6. Families must respond to offers within specified timeframes, typically including deposit payments to secure places.

The school encourages prospective families to attend open days and individual visits to understand the school's culture, facilities, and educational approach. These opportunities provide valuable insights into whether MCS aligns with each family's educational aspirations and values.

For families requiring financial assistance, bursary applications should be submitted alongside admission applications. The school's means-tested bursary programme can provide substantial fee assistance for eligible families, ensuring that academic potential rather than financial circumstances determines access to this exceptional education.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in Magdalen College School admissions stems from our deep understanding of the school's academic standards, assessment format, and selection criteria. Our specialist tutors have extensive experience preparing pupils for MCS entrance examinations, combining subject-specific knowledge with strategic assessment preparation.

Our Mathematics preparation programme develops the problem-solving skills and analytical thinking that MCS values highly. We focus on extending pupils beyond standard curriculum requirements, encouraging mathematical reasoning and creative approaches to complex problems. This preparation ensures candidates can demonstrate the intellectual curiosity and academic potential that the school seeks.

English preparation emphasises critical reading skills, analytical writing, and sophisticated language use. Our tutors help pupils develop the comprehension abilities and written expression skills necessary for success in MCS assessments, whilst fostering the love of literature and language that characterises the school's English programme.

Reasoning skills development forms a crucial component of our preparation approach. We provide targeted practice in verbal and non-verbal reasoning, helping pupils understand question formats whilst developing the underlying cognitive skills that these assessments evaluate. This preparation builds confidence and ensures pupils can demonstrate their true academic potential.

Beyond academic preparation, we provide comprehensive interview coaching and school-specific guidance. Our team understands MCS's educational philosophy and can help families articulate why the school represents the ideal choice for their child's secondary education. We also provide ongoing support throughout the application process, ensuring families navigate requirements effectively and meet all necessary deadlines.

For families considering MCS alongside other leading independent schools, our strategic guidance helps optimise application portfolios and assessment scheduling. Our experience with Oxford's educational landscape enables us to provide informed advice about school selection and preparation prioritisation.