Radley College: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent full boarding school for boys
• Age Range: 13-18 years (Year 9 entry)
• Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire (3 miles from Oxford)
• Founded: 1847
• Pupil Numbers: Approximately 760 boys
• Campus: 800-acre estate
• Religious Affiliation: Church of England
• Headmaster: Mr John Moule
• Annual Fees: £51,150 (2024/2025)
• Entry Requirements: Assessment at 13+ for Year 9

About Radley College

Radley College occupies a unique position amongst Britain's leading independent schools, combining academic excellence with a distinctive collegiate atmosphere on its magnificent 800-acre Oxfordshire campus. Founded in 1847, this prestigious boys' boarding school has cultivated generations of confident, capable young men who excel both academically and in their chosen fields beyond education.

The school's proximity to Oxford provides exceptional opportunities for intellectual enrichment, whilst the extensive grounds offer unparalleled facilities for sport, outdoor education, and personal development. Radley's house system creates a strong sense of belonging and community, with each of the ten boarding houses fostering individual character development within a supportive environment.

Academic standards are exceptionally high, with consistently outstanding A-level and GCSE results. The school offers a broad curriculum encompassing traditional subjects alongside innovative programmes in technology, creative arts, and modern languages. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention, enabling each boy to realise his full potential across all areas of school life.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Radley College

Whilst Radley College primarily admits boys at 13+ for Year 9 entry, understanding the 11+ pathway is crucial for families planning their educational journey. Many Radley pupils transition from preparatory schools following 11+ preparation, making this foundational assessment highly relevant to the admissions process.

For families considering Radley College, the 11+ serves as an important stepping stone, developing the academic skills and examination technique essential for later success in the school's rigorous 13+ entrance assessments. The analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and time management skills honed during 11+ preparation directly benefit candidates approaching Radley's own entrance requirements.

The school values candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the ability to thrive in a challenging academic environment. These qualities, often first evident during 11+ preparation, continue to be assessed throughout Radley's comprehensive admissions process.

How to Apply to Radley College

The admissions process at Radley College is designed to identify boys who will flourish within the school's distinctive environment and contribute meaningfully to its community.

Registration Process:

• Initial registration should be completed well in advance, ideally by Year 6
• Prospective families are encouraged to attend Open Days or arrange private tours
• Registration forms and supporting documentation must be submitted by specified deadlines

Assessment Components:

• Academic Testing: Comprehensive examinations in Mathematics, English, and additional subjects
• Interview Process: Personal interviews assess character, motivation, and suitability for boarding life
• School Reports: Current school references provide insight into academic progress and personal development
• Additional Assessments: Potential scholars may undergo further testing in their areas of excellence

Key Dates and Deadlines:

• Registration deadline: October of Year 7
• Assessment days: January/February of Year 8
• Offers confirmed: March of Year 8
• Entry: September of Year 9

Contact Information:
Director of Admissions: Sophie Langdale
Email: admissions@radley.org.uk
Telephone: 01235 543000

Preparing for the Radley College 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Radley College 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in Oxfordshire and further afield work with us online, 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.