Royal Hospital School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Holbrook, Suffolk - 200-acre campus overlooking River Stour
• Type: Co-educational independent boarding and day school
• Age Range: 11-18 years (Years 7-13)
• Pupils: Approximately 650 students
• Founded: 1712 - over 300 years of naval heritage
• Boarding: Full, weekly, and flexible boarding options available
• Day Fees: £6,373-£7,413 per term
• Boarding Fees: £9,150-£13,767 per term
• Headmaster: Mr Irfan Latif

About Royal Hospital School

Royal Hospital School holds the distinguished title of "The Cradle of the Navy," reflecting its profound naval heritage since 1712. Set within a magnificent 200-acre campus in Holbrook, Suffolk, the school overlooks the scenic River Stour and offers an exceptional educational environment that combines academic rigour with character development.

The school's naval traditions permeate every aspect of school life, fostering leadership qualities, discipline, and service that prepare pupils for success in all walks of life. RHS maintains strong connections with the Royal Navy whilst embracing modern educational practices and cutting-edge facilities.

Academic excellence is pursued through a broad and balanced curriculum that challenges pupils to achieve their full potential. The school's commitment to co-curricular activities includes outstanding sporting facilities, creative arts programmes, and the renowned Combined Cadet Force, which provides unique leadership development opportunities.

The pastoral care system ensures each pupil receives personalised support within a nurturing community that values tradition, integrity, and mutual respect. With both boarding and day options available, families can choose the arrangement that best suits their circumstances whilst accessing the same exceptional education.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Royal Hospital School publishes day fees of £7,509 (Year 7 day) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £13,229 (Year 7 full boarding) 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 Friday 27 November 2026 (closing date for registration for 2027 entry). The assessment takes place on Saturday 16 January 2027 (Years 7 to 10 Entrance Assessments); Scholarship Assessments w/c 18 January 2027. Entrance assessment comprises internally set and marked Maths and English papers tailored to the year of entry, plus a Verbal Reasoning paper using GL Assessment materials, with free practice/familiarisation resources provided. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Royal Hospital School employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify pupils who will thrive within its unique educational environment. The school's entrance examination evaluates both academic ability and potential for personal development.

Academic Assessment Components:

• Mathematics paper focusing on problem-solving and numerical reasoning
• English assessment including comprehension, creative writing, and grammar
• Verbal reasoning to evaluate logical thinking and language skills
• Non-verbal reasoning testing spatial awareness and pattern recognition

Interview Process:

Candidates participate in interviews with senior staff members to assess character, interests, and alignment with the school's values. These conversations explore leadership potential, teamwork abilities, and enthusiasm for the school's naval traditions and co-curricular opportunities.

Reference Requirements:

Current school reports and teacher references provide essential insights into academic performance, behaviour, and suitability for the RHS community. The school particularly values evidence of resilience, curiosity, and collaborative spirit.

How to Apply

Application Timeline:

• Applications open in September for the following year's entry
• Registration deadline typically in November/December
• Assessment day scheduled for January/February
• Offers communicated by March
• Acceptance deadline in April

Application Process:

1. Complete the online registration form via the school website
2. Submit required documentation including school reports
3. Pay the registration fee
4. Attend the assessment day including examinations and interview
5. Await decision and respond to any offer received

Required Documentation:

• Completed application form
• Most recent school report
• Teacher references (typically from English and Mathematics teachers)
• Copy of birth certificate or passport
• Any relevant reports (SEN, medical, etc.)

Early registration is strongly recommended as places are highly sought after. The school welcomes visits throughout the year, allowing families to experience the unique atmosphere and facilities firsthand.

Preparing for the Royal Hospital School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Royal Hospital 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.