Prior's Field: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent girls' boarding and day school
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Guildford, Surrey
• Founded: 1902
• Campus: 42 acres of parkland
• Academic Offering: 9 GCSEs, 24 A-level subjects
• Scholarships: Academic, art, drama, music, science/technology, sport
• Activities: Over 40 clubs including silversmithing and philosophy

About Prior's Field

Founded in 1902 by Julia Huxley, Prior's Field has established itself as a premier independent girls' school in the heart of Surrey. Set within 42 acres of beautiful parkland in Guildford, the school provides an inspiring environment where academic excellence meets personal development.

The school's commitment to holistic education is evident in its extensive co-curricular programme, featuring over 40 clubs and activities that range from traditional pursuits to unique offerings such as silversmithing and philosophy. This breadth of opportunity ensures that each student can explore her interests whilst developing new passions.

Academically, Prior's Field maintains exceptionally high standards, with students typically studying nine GCSEs before progressing to choose from 24 A-level subjects. This extensive curriculum allows for both depth and breadth of study, preparing students thoroughly for university entrance and beyond.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Prior's Field

Entry to Prior's Field at Year 7 requires successful completion of the school's entrance assessment, designed to identify students who will thrive in the school's challenging academic environment. The assessment process evaluates candidates across multiple disciplines to ensure they possess the necessary skills and aptitude.

Assessment Components

The entrance examination comprises three core elements:

• English: Reading comprehension exercises and creative writing tasks that assess literacy skills, analytical thinking, and written expression
• Mathematics: Problem-solving questions and numerical reasoning challenges that evaluate mathematical understanding and logical thinking
• Reasoning: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tasks designed to assess cognitive ability and analytical skills

These assessments are carefully designed to align with the National Curriculum whilst identifying students who demonstrate the intellectual curiosity and academic potential to succeed at Prior's Field.

How to Apply

The admissions process at Prior's Field is selective and requires careful preparation. Prospective families are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of their desired entry date.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Academic references from current school
• Entrance assessment (as outlined above)
• School visit and interview

The admissions team at Prior's Field is committed to supporting families throughout the application process and encourages prospective students to visit the school to experience the community firsthand. These visits provide valuable insight into the school's culture and help families determine whether Prior's Field aligns with their educational aspirations.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Prior's Field recognises academic excellence and talent through its comprehensive scholarship programme. Awards are available across multiple disciplines, including academic achievement, art, drama, music, science and technology, and sport. These scholarships celebrate exceptional ability whilst making the school's outstanding education more accessible to deserving students.

Preparing for the Prior's Field 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Prior's Field 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. 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.