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.

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.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in Mount Kelly College admissions ensures your child is thoroughly prepared for this distinctive school's assessment process. Our consultants understand the school's unique position within the Devon independent school landscape and the specific qualities Mount Kelly seeks in prospective students.

Tailored Academic Preparation:
Our specialist tutors provide focused preparation for Mount Kelly's English and mathematics assessments, incorporating the reasoning elements that form part of the evaluation. We ensure students are confident with the curriculum expectations whilst developing the analytical thinking skills the school values.

Interview and Personal Development Coaching:
We prepare students for Mount Kelly's interview process, helping them articulate their interests in outdoor activities, sports, and co-curricular pursuits that align with the school's ethos. Our coaching develops confidence in discussing their aspirations and demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for the Mount Kelly community.

School-Specific Insights:
Our deep understanding of Mount Kelly's culture, expectations, and assessment criteria enables us to provide invaluable guidance on presenting your child's application effectively. We help families understand how Mount Kelly's unique Devon location and outdoor education philosophy might benefit their child's development.

Comprehensive Support:
From initial application strategy through to assessment day preparation, Taylor Tuition provides end-to-end support tailored to Mount Kelly's specific requirements. Our track record of successful placements at Mount Kelly reflects our commitment to understanding each school's distinctive character and matching it with suitable families.