Prior Park College: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent Day and Boarding School
• Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Bath, Somerset
• Pupil Numbers: Approximately 600 students
• Boarding Places: 150 students
• Campus: 57-acre site overlooking UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath
• Head: Mr Ben Horan
• Contact: +44 1225 835353

About Prior Park College

Prior Park College occupies a truly exceptional position in British independent education, nestled on a magnificent 57-acre campus that commands breathtaking views across the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. Founded in 1830, this distinguished Catholic college has cultivated an unparalleled reputation for academic excellence whilst maintaining its commitment to nurturing the whole child through its holistic educational philosophy.

The college's unique setting within the historic city of Bath provides students with an inspiring environment that seamlessly blends educational excellence with cultural enrichment. The campus itself reflects the architectural grandeur of its Georgian surroundings, creating an atmosphere that naturally encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

As a Catholic institution, Prior Park College places spiritual development at the heart of its educational mission, fostering values of compassion, integrity, and service that prepare students for leadership in an increasingly complex world. The college's approach ensures that each of its 600 students is known individually, valued personally, and supported comprehensively throughout their educational journey.

The school's commitment to academic rigour is matched by its dedication to co-curricular excellence, with students regularly achieving outstanding results in national examinations whilst developing talents across a diverse range of sporting, artistic, and cultural pursuits. The college's boarding community adds a rich international dimension to school life, with students from around the world contributing to a vibrant and inclusive community atmosphere.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Prior Park College

Prior Park College employs a carefully designed assessment process that evaluates prospective students across multiple dimensions, ensuring the identification of children who will thrive within the college's academically demanding yet supportive environment.

Academic Assessment Components

The entrance examination focuses on core academic skills essential for success in the college's rigorous curriculum:

• English Assessment: Evaluates reading comprehension, creative writing abilities, and grammatical understanding
• Mathematics Examination: Tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level
• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking, vocabulary knowledge, and analytical capabilities
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking skills

Personal Interview Process

Beyond academic assessment, Prior Park College conducts comprehensive interviews designed to understand each candidate's character, motivation, and alignment with the college's Catholic ethos. These conversations explore students' interests, aspirations, and potential contributions to the school community, ensuring that successful candidates will flourish within the college's distinctive educational environment.

Assessment Timeline

The assessment process typically occurs during the autumn term preceding entry, allowing families sufficient time to make informed decisions about their child's educational future. The college provides clear guidance throughout the process, ensuring that both students and parents understand expectations and feel supported during this important transition.

How to Apply to Prior Park College

The application process for Year 7 entry at Prior Park College has been designed to be straightforward whilst ensuring thorough evaluation of each prospective student.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Initial Registration: Complete the comprehensive registration form available through the college's admissions portal
2. School Visit: Attend one of the college's regular open events or arrange a personalised tour to experience the campus and meet key staff members
3. Entrance Examination: Sit the 11+ assessment at the college, typically scheduled for a Saturday morning
4. Personal Interview: Participate in an individual interview with members of the admissions team and senior leadership
5. Admissions Decision: Receive notification of the admissions outcome, with successful candidates offered places for the following September

Key Application Deadlines

Prospective families should note that Prior Park College operates on a rolling admissions basis, though early application is strongly recommended to secure preferred boarding or day places. The college welcomes applications throughout the year, with assessment dates scheduled regularly to accommodate families' needs.

Supporting Documentation

The application requires submission of recent school reports, teacher references, and any relevant educational assessments. International applicants may need to provide additional documentation regarding English language proficiency and academic transcripts.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's extensive experience with Prior Park College admissions positions us uniquely to guide your family through this important educational transition. Our deep understanding of the college's distinctive Catholic ethos, academic expectations, and assessment processes enables us to provide targeted preparation that maximises your child's potential for success.

Comprehensive Assessment Preparation

Our specialist tutors provide focused preparation across all components of Prior Park College's entrance assessment, including subject-specific tutoring in English and Mathematics, targeted practice in verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and comprehensive mock examinations that replicate the actual assessment conditions.

Interview Skills Development

Understanding the significance of the personal interview within Prior Park College's admissions process, we provide dedicated coaching to help students articulate their interests, demonstrate their alignment with the college's values, and present themselves confidently during this crucial conversation.

Holistic Application Support

Beyond academic preparation, Taylor Tuition offers comprehensive guidance on the entire application process, from initial registration through to final decision-making. Our consultants work closely with families to ensure applications effectively communicate each child's unique strengths and potential contributions to the Prior Park College community.

Our track record of successful placements at Prior Park College, combined with our understanding of the school's commitment to academic excellence and personal development, ensures that families receive the expert guidance necessary to navigate this competitive admissions process with confidence.