Repton School: Comprehensive 13+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Co-educational independent school
• Age Range: 13-18 years (Years 9-13)
• Location: Repton, Derbyshire
• Founded: 1557
• Entry Points: Primarily 13+ (Year 9)
• Assessment: Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT), subject assessments, interview
• Application Deadline: Early registration recommended
• Examination Period: January preceding entry year

About Repton School

Repton School represents nearly five centuries of educational excellence in the heart of Derbyshire. Founded in 1557, this distinguished co-educational independent school has evolved into a modern institution whilst preserving its rich heritage and traditions. Under the leadership of Headmaster Mr. Mark Semmence, Repton focuses on developing well-rounded individuals through its unique five-pillar approach: Pastoral Care, Academia, Sport, Extra-Curricular Activities, and the Spirit of Place.

The school's beautiful campus in Repton village provides an inspiring environment where students from Years 9 to 13 can flourish academically and personally. Repton's commitment to holistic education ensures that whilst academic excellence remains paramount, students are equally encouraged to explore their talents in sport, the arts, and numerous co-curricular activities.

What sets Repton apart is its emphasis on character development and community values. The school's pastoral care system creates a supportive environment where students develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills essential for success in higher education and beyond. Many Repton graduates progress to leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, testament to the school's outstanding academic standards.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Repton School publishes day fees of £14,370 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £19,375 per term, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration dates for the next 13+ round are published by the school's admissions office. 13+ candidates sit GL Assessment's online CAT4 test, provide a satisfactory reference from their current school, and attend an interview with the Deputy Head, Admissions. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 13+ Assessment Process

Repton School primarily admits students at 13+ for entry into Year 9, reflecting the traditional independent school structure. The assessment process is designed to identify students who will thrive in Repton's challenging yet supportive academic environment.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT)

The cornerstone of Repton's assessment is the Cognitive Abilities Test, which evaluates developed abilities across four key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assessing language comprehension and verbal problem-solving skills
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Testing spatial awareness and pattern recognition abilities
• Quantitative Reasoning: Evaluating mathematical thinking and numerical problem-solving
• Spatial Awareness: Measuring three-dimensional thinking and visual processing skills

Subject-Specific Assessments

Candidates may also face assessments in core subjects, particularly:

• Mathematics: Testing numerical competency and mathematical reasoning
• English: Evaluating reading comprehension, writing skills, and language understanding

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews designed to assess personal qualities, motivation, and alignment with Repton's values. The interview explores the candidate's interests, aspirations, and potential contribution to the school community.

How to Apply

The application process for Repton School requires careful planning and attention to detail:

Step 1: Initial Registration

Begin by visiting Repton School's official website to access comprehensive information about the admissions process. Early registration is strongly recommended, ideally two years before intended entry.

Step 2: Complete Application Form

Submit the detailed application form, available online or by requesting a paper version from the admissions office. This includes personal information, academic history, and extracurricular interests.

Step 3: Supporting Documentation

Provide essential supporting documents including:

• Previous school reports covering the last two years
• Headteacher's reference from current school
• Any relevant additional references or testimonials

Step 4: Entrance Examination

Attend the entrance examination, typically held in January of the year preceding entry. This includes the CAT assessment and any required subject-specific tests.

Step 5: Interview

Successful candidates from the examination stage will be invited for an interview with senior members of staff, usually taking place shortly after the written assessments.

Preparing for the Repton School 13+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Repton School 13+ 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 13+. 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 13+ Common Entrance tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.