Reed's School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Cobham, Surrey
• School Type: Independent day and boarding school
• Age Range: Boys 11-18, co-educational Sixth Form 16-18
• Total Pupils: Approximately 790 (700 day, 100 boarders)
• Founded: 1813
• ISI Rating: Excellent for academic achievement and personal development
• Recent Results: 87% A Level grades A*-B, 80% GCSE grades 9-7 (2023)

About Reed's School

Reed's School in Cobham represents over two centuries of educational excellence, having transformed from its origins as the London Orphan Asylum in 1813 into one of Surrey's most respected independent schools. Set within 50 acres of beautiful parkland, the school serves boys aged 11 to 18, with a thriving co-educational Sixth Form that welcomes both male and female students.

The school's distinctive character is built upon six core values: Integrity, Compassion, Curiosity, Resilience, Responsibility, and Independence. These principles permeate every aspect of school life, creating an environment where academic excellence flourishes alongside personal development. The Independent Schools Inspectorate has recognised this holistic approach with an 'Excellent' rating for both academic achievements and personal development.

Reed's maintains a strong focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals through its comprehensive programme of academic study, sporting excellence, and creative pursuits. The school's sports academies in rugby, hockey, and cricket have gained national recognition, whilst the extensive extracurricular programme ensures every pupil can discover and develop their individual talents.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Reed's School publishes day fees of £9,705 (Years 7 & 8) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £13,230 (Years 7 & 8) per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on Thursday 15 October 2026 (for September 2027 Year 7 entry). Assessment dates: ISEB pre-tests completed by 30 November 2026; interviews on 4 to 5 January 2027. Candidates sit the online, age-standardised ISEB Common Pre-Tests (English, Maths, Non-Verbal and Verbal Reasoning), then attend a group activity and interview, alongside a reference from their current school. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Reed's School employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify boys who will thrive within the school's academic and pastoral environment. The 11+ assessment typically takes place in January for September entry and consists of several components:

Academic Assessments:

• Mathematics: Evaluating numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical understanding appropriate to Year 6 level
• English: Assessing reading comprehension, creative writing ability, and command of grammar and vocabulary
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning: Testing logical thinking and pattern recognition skills

Interview Process:
All candidates participate in an individual interview with senior staff members. This conversation explores the boy's interests, motivations, and alignment with Reed's values, allowing the school to assess character and potential contribution to the community.

School Report:
Reed's requests a comprehensive report from the candidate's current school, providing insight into academic progress, behaviour, and participation in school life.

How to Apply

The application process for Reed's School follows a structured timeline, with early registration strongly recommended:

Registration:
Families should register their interest as early as possible, ideally by Year 4 or 5. Registration can be completed online through the school's website, accompanied by the registration fee.

School Visits:
Reed's encourages prospective families to attend Open Days or arrange private tours. These visits provide invaluable insight into the school's culture and allow families to experience the community atmosphere firsthand.

Application Submission:
Complete applications, including school reports and any additional documentation, must be submitted by the specified deadline, typically in early autumn for the following September entry.

Assessment Day:
Candidates attend the assessment day in January, participating in written examinations and interviews. The school creates a welcoming environment to help boys feel comfortable and perform to their best ability.

Offers and Acceptance:
Successful candidates receive offers of places, with families required to confirm acceptance within the specified timeframe. Reed's also maintains a waiting list for exceptional candidates when places are initially unavailable.

Preparing for the Reed's School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Reed's School 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 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.