Manor House School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Manor House Lane, Bookham, Surrey, KT23 4EN
• Age Range: 2-16 years (girls only from Reception onwards, co-educational nursery)
• School Type: Independent day school
• Religious Affiliation: Church of England
• Student Numbers: Approximately 273 pupils
• Fees: £1,609 to £6,878 per term
• Head Teacher: Ms Tracey Fantham
• Founded: 1920

About Manor House School

Manor House School has been nurturing confident young women in the heart of Surrey for over a century. Established in 1920, this independent girls' day school combines academic excellence with a distinctive focus on developing each pupil's individual potential in a supportive, family-orientated environment.

Set in beautiful grounds in Bookham, the school offers a unique educational experience that balances rigorous academics with extensive co-curricular opportunities. The school's ethos centres on fostering independence, creativity, and resilience - qualities that prepare pupils exceptionally well for their next educational steps and beyond.

Manor House School's commitment to small class sizes ensures personalised attention for each pupil, whilst the school's strong pastoral care system creates an environment where girls feel confident to take intellectual risks and develop their own voice. The school particularly excels in encouraging pupils to pursue their passions, whether in STEM subjects, the arts, or sport.

The school's location in leafy Surrey provides an ideal setting for learning, with excellent transport links making it accessible to families across the region. The combination of traditional values and modern educational approaches makes Manor House School particularly appealing to families seeking a nurturing yet academically challenging environment.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Manor House School

Manor House School's 11+ assessment process is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's supportive yet academically rigorous environment. The school takes a holistic approach to assessment, looking beyond purely academic ability to identify girls who will contribute positively to the school community.

The assessment typically takes place in the autumn term prior to entry and consists of:

• Mathematics Assessment: Evaluates problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and numerical confidence appropriate to Year 6 level
• English Assessment: Tests reading comprehension, creative writing ability, and language skills through varied exercises
• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking, vocabulary knowledge, and ability to manipulate language concepts
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical problem-solving using visual puzzles

The school recognises that some pupils may have specific learning differences and makes appropriate accommodations during the assessment process. Manor House School values potential alongside achievement, seeking girls who demonstrate curiosity, resilience, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Following the formal assessments, shortlisted candidates are invited for an informal interview, allowing the school to understand each applicant's interests, motivations, and how they might contribute to school life.

How to Apply

The application process for Manor House School Year 7 entry follows a structured timeline designed to give families adequate preparation time:

• Registration: Submit the completed application form along with the registration fee by the specified deadline (typically in September of Year 5)
• School Visit: Attend one of the school's regular open mornings or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment firsthand
• Assessment Day: Participate in the 11+ assessment process, usually held in November of Year 6
• Interview: Successful candidates from the assessment stage are invited for an informal interview with senior staff
• Offers: The school communicates decisions by early December, with families having until mid-January to accept places

Manor House School encourages early registration as places are limited and competition is strong. The admissions team is available throughout the process to answer questions and provide guidance to prospective families.

Previous school reports and references form part of the application, helping the school understand each candidate's academic progress and approach to learning. The school values character and potential alongside academic achievement when making admission decisions.

Preparing for the Manor House School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Manor House School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, 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.