Woldingham School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18
• Location: Surrey, within the stunning 700-acre estate of the Surrey Hills
• Entry Points: 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), 16+ (Sixth Form)
• Assessment: Online ATOM tests in English, maths and science, plus interview
• Application Deadline: November assessments for following September entry
• Academic Results: 51% of A Level grades at A*/A in 2024
• Notable Features: Sacred Heart education tradition, exceptional STEM programme, extensive 700-acre campus

About Woldingham School

Woldingham School occupies a unique position amongst Surrey's independent schools, set within a magnificent 700-acre estate in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Founded in 1842 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart, the school has evolved into a leading educational institution whilst maintaining its core mission of empowering young women through academic excellence and character development.

The school's Sacred Heart tradition emphasises intellectual rigour combined with spiritual and social awareness, creating confident, articulate young women prepared for leadership roles. Woldingham's stunning campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, a purpose-built Sixth Form centre, and extensive sports facilities that maximise the natural beauty of the Surrey countryside.

Academic achievement remains exceptional, with 51% of A Level grades achieved at A*/A in 2024. The school's STEM programme has received particular recognition in the Tatler Schools Guide 2024, reflecting the institution's commitment to preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The school's approach balances rigorous academics with extensive co-curricular opportunities, ensuring each student develops both intellectual capability and personal confidence.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Woldingham School publishes day fees of £8,660 (ex. VAT) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at Full boarding (7 nights) £15,270 ex. VAT / £18,252 inc. VAT; weekly boarding (5 nights) £13,420 ex. VAT / £16,032 inc. VAT 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: "11+ & 13+ entry register by 30 September" (no year stated on the page; standing annual deadline, next occurrence 30 September 2026 for September 2027 entry per school's admissions cycle). Assessment dates: Not published with an exact date on the school's own site (only in an Issuu-hosted PDF, off the school's domain); site states assessments are "held in the autumn term" / "in November the year before the student is due to join". Online ISEB test in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, plus a short creative writing task and an interview. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Woldingham School's 11+ assessment process reflects the school's commitment to identifying students who will flourish in their academically demanding yet nurturing environment. The assessment takes place in November of the year preceding entry, allowing families adequate time for preparation whilst ensuring students are assessed at an appropriate developmental stage.

Assessment Components:

• Online ATOM Tests: Standardised assessments in English, mathematics and science designed to evaluate academic potential and current attainment levels
• Personal Interview: A conversation with senior staff members to assess the candidate's personality, interests, and suitability for the school's ethos
• School Report: Comprehensive evaluation from the candidate's current school, providing insight into academic progress and character

For international applicants, Woldingham accepts the UKiset (UK Independent Schools Entry Test) to support the admissions process. When UKiset is not feasible, the school administers Clarity online English placement tests to ensure accurate assessment of language capabilities.

The school's selective admissions process ensures each student can engage fully with Woldingham's challenging academic programme whilst contributing positively to the school community.

How to Apply

The application process for Woldingham School requires careful planning and attention to detail. Families should begin preparations well in advance of the November assessment period.

Application Timeline:

• Year 6: Initial application submission and registration
• November of Year 6: Assessment day including ATOM tests and interview
• December: Offers communicated to successful candidates
• Following September: Entry into Year 7

Required Documentation:

• Completed application form with detailed information about the candidate
• Current school report demonstrating academic progress and behaviour
• Registration fee payment
• Any additional documentation for international applicants or those with special educational needs

The school encourages prospective families to attend open events and arrange individual visits to experience Woldingham's unique atmosphere and meet key staff members. These opportunities provide valuable insights into whether the school aligns with the family's educational aspirations and the child's personality.

Preparing for the Woldingham School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Woldingham 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.