Key Facts
| School Type | Independent day and boarding school for girls |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 11-18 years |
| Location | Winchester, Hampshire |
| Entry Points | 11+ and 13+ (main entry at 13+) |
| Assessment | ISEB Common Pre-test and school-specific assessments |
| Registration Deadline | End of Year 6 for 13+ entry |
| Registration Fee | £250 (non-refundable) |
| Day Fees | £8,452 per term (at time of writing) |
Figures correct at the time of writing — always confirm current fees and deadlines with the school directly.
Key Information Summary
- School Type: Independent day and boarding school for girls
- Age Range: 11-18 years
- Location: Winchester, Hampshire
- Entry Points: 11+ and 13+ (main entry at 13+)
- Assessment: ISEB Common Pre-test and school-specific assessments
- Registration Deadline: End of Year 6 for 13+ entry
- Registration Fee: £250 (non-refundable)
- Day Fees: £8,452 per term
- Boarding Fees: £14,217 per term
- Contact: 01962 835700
About St. Swithun's School
St. Swithun's School occupies a magnificent 45-acre campus in Winchester, Hampshire, providing an exceptional educational environment for girls aged 11-18. Founded on the core values of Caritas, Humilitas, Sinceritas (Kindness, Humility, Sincerity), the school has established itself as a leading independent institution that combines academic rigour with pastoral excellence.
The school's Winchester location offers unique advantages, situated in one of England's most historic cities with excellent transport links to London and the surrounding counties. This prestigious setting provides students with access to Winchester's rich cultural heritage whilst maintaining the close-knit community atmosphere that characterises St. Swithun's approach to education.
St. Swithun's offers both day and boarding options, allowing families flexibility in their educational choices. The school's commitment to developing confident, capable young women extends beyond academic achievement to encompass personal growth, leadership skills, and community engagement through an extensive programme of extracurricular activities.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Whilst St. Swithun's primary entry point is at 13+, the school does consider 11+ applications for exceptional candidates. The assessment process is designed to identify girls who will thrive in St. Swithun's academically challenging yet supportive environment.
Assessment Components
The school utilises the ISEB Common Pre-test as part of its assessment process, evaluating candidates across four key areas:
- Mathematics: Problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning
- English: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression
- Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking and language skills
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition and spatial awareness
Beyond standardised testing, St. Swithun's places significant emphasis on school references and additional assessments that allow candidates to demonstrate their potential across the school's diverse curriculum, including modern foreign languages, sciences, computing, and creative subjects.
How to Apply
The application process for St. Swithun's School requires careful planning and attention to specific deadlines. For families considering 13+ entry, registration must be completed by the end of Year 6.
Application Steps
1. Registration: Complete the online registration form and submit the non-refundable fee of £250 by the specified deadline.
2. ISEB Pre-test: Your daughter will take the ISEB Common Pre-test during the Autumn Term of Year 7.
3. School Reference: A comprehensive reference from your child's current headteacher is required as part of the assessment process.
4. Additional Assessments: Successful candidates from the pre-test stage will be invited for further school-specific assessments during Year 8.
5. Final Decision: The school will communicate final admission decisions following completion of all assessment stages.
Financial Support
St. Swithun's offers scholarships and bursaries to support families who may require financial assistance. These awards recognise academic excellence, talent in specific areas, or provide means-tested support to ensure that a St. Swithun's education remains accessible to deserving candidates regardless of family circumstances.
Preparing for the St. Swithun's School 11+ with Taylor Tuition
The St. Swithun's School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.
Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much are the fees at St. Swithun's School?
- Day Fees: £8,452 per term; boarding fees: £14,217 per term (correct at the time of writing). Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
- What type of school is St. Swithun's School?
- St. Swithun's School is an independent day and boarding school for girls.
- What does the St. Swithun's School 11+ assessment involve?
- ISEB Common Pre-test and school-specific assessments. Check the school's admissions pages for the current year's format and dates.
- When do you need to apply to St. Swithun's School?
- Registration Deadline: End of Year 6 for 13+ entry. Registering well ahead of the deadline gives your child the longest possible preparation runway.
- How should my child prepare for the St. Swithun's School 11+?
- Start structured preparation 12–18 months before the assessment: secure core English and maths beyond curriculum pace, introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types systematically (these are rarely taught at primary school), and build up to timed practice in the final months.
Enquire about 11+ preparation
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English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with mark schemes.
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