Mount Kelly College: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Mount Kelly College
• Location: Parkwood Road, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0HZ
• Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding school
• Age Range: 3-18 years
• Head: Mr Guy Ayling
• Students: Approximately 594
• Boarding: Day, weekly/flexible boarding, and full boarding available
• Fees: Day £3,850-£6,990 per term, Boarding £7,580-£12,320 per term
• Founded: 1877 (merged with Mount House School in 2014)

About Mount Kelly College

Mount Kelly College occupies a spectacular position on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, offering students an extraordinary natural environment alongside exceptional educational facilities. This independent co-educational school combines academic excellence with outstanding pastoral care, creating a nurturing community where students aged 3-18 can flourish.

The school's unique setting provides unparalleled opportunities for outdoor education and character development. Students benefit from access to Dartmoor's wilderness whilst enjoying world-class facilities including a 50-metre Olympic Legacy swimming pool, extensive sports fields, and modern academic buildings. The school's Christian ethos underpins a strong sense of community and moral development.

Mount Kelly's academic programme emphasises both intellectual rigour and creative expression. The school offers a broad curriculum with particular strengths in sciences, humanities, and the arts. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention, whilst the school's extensive co-curricular programme develops leadership, teamwork, and individual talents. Notable features include the school's equestrian centre, sailing programme on nearby reservoirs, and Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The boarding community creates a home-from-home environment with experienced houseparents providing excellent pastoral support. Day students are fully integrated into school life, participating in all activities and benefiting from the extended school day.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Mount Kelly College publishes day fees of £6,120 (£7,344 inc. VAT) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £8,840 per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. For Year 7/8 entry the school runs written tests plus a review of prior school reports, scheduled individually per family rather than on a fixed round date. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Mount Kelly College

Mount Kelly College employs a comprehensive assessment process for Year 7 entry that evaluates both academic ability and personal suitability for the school community. The assessment is designed to identify students who will thrive in the school's supportive yet challenging environment.

Academic Assessment Components:

• English paper focusing on comprehension, creative writing, and language skills
• Mathematics assessment covering key Stage 2 curriculum with some extension work
• Reasoning skills evaluation including verbal and non-verbal elements

Personal Assessment Elements:

• Individual interview with senior staff to discuss interests, aspirations, and motivations
• Group activities to observe social skills and collaborative abilities
• Current school reference providing insight into academic progress and character

The school particularly values students who demonstrate curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to contribute to the broader school community. Assessment takes place in a relaxed, supportive environment designed to allow candidates to perform at their best.

How to Apply

The application process for Mount Kelly College is straightforward and designed to support families throughout their journey:

Step 1: Initial Contact
Contact the admissions team to discuss your child's needs and arrange a school visit. The school encourages families to attend open events or arrange individual tours to experience the Mount Kelly community firsthand.

Step 2: Application Submission
Complete the online application form and submit required documentation including current school reports and any relevant certificates or assessments. A registration fee is required at this stage.

Step 3: Assessment Day
Attend the assessment day, typically held in the spring term before intended entry. This includes academic tests, interviews, and informal activities designed to showcase your child's abilities and interests.

Step 4: Decision and Offer
The school aims to communicate decisions within two weeks of assessment. Successful candidates receive a formal offer with detailed information about next steps, including preparation suggestions and uniform requirements.

Key Dates:
Registration typically opens 18 months before intended entry, with assessment days held between January and March. Early registration is strongly recommended due to the school's popularity.

Preparing for the Mount Kelly College 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Mount Kelly College 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.