Yarm School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: The Friarage, Yarm, North Yorkshire, TS15 9EJ
• School Type: Co-educational independent day school
• Age Range: 3-18 years (Nursery through Sixth Form)
• Pupils: Over 1,100 students
• Headmaster: Dr. Huw Williams
• Class Size: 18-22 pupils in Senior School
• Annual Fees: £9,603 - £16,203 per year
• Phone: 01642 786023
• Website: www.yarmschool.org

About Yarm School

Founded in 1978, Yarm School has established itself as one of North Yorkshire's premier independent schools, guided by its motto "Educating for Life." The school occupies a historic site at The Friarage in the charming market town of Yarm, providing a unique blend of modern educational excellence within a setting rich in heritage.

Yarm School's rapid growth from its founding to over 1,100 pupils reflects its reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive pastoral care. The school's four distinct divisions - Nursery, Preparatory School, Senior School, and Sixth Form - ensure seamless progression and age-appropriate learning environments. The school particularly excels in creating a supportive community atmosphere whilst maintaining rigorous academic standards that consistently produce outstanding results.

The school's location in Yarm offers pupils the advantages of a close-knit community environment combined with excellent transport links to major cities including Newcastle, Leeds, and Manchester. This strategic position allows families from across the North East and Yorkshire to access Yarm School's exceptional educational provision.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Yarm School

Yarm School employs a comprehensive 11+ assessment designed to identify pupils who will thrive within their academic environment and contribute positively to the school community. The examination process is carefully structured to evaluate both academic potential and personal qualities that align with the school's ethos.

The assessment comprises three core components:

• English Assessment: Evaluates reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression through carefully crafted tasks that reveal analytical thinking and communication skills
• Mathematics Assessment: Tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 pupils transitioning to secondary education
• Reasoning Skills: Includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning components to assess logical thinking, pattern recognition, and cognitive flexibility

The school designs its assessments to be challenging yet fair, focusing on potential rather than extensive preparation. Candidates are evaluated holistically, considering their performance across all components alongside their individual circumstances and educational background.

How to Apply to Yarm School

Applications for Year 7 entry open during the autumn term of Year 6, typically in September. The admissions process follows a structured timeline designed to provide families with clarity and adequate preparation time.

Application Steps:

• Complete the comprehensive application form, providing detailed information about the pupil's academic history and interests
• Submit required documentation including recent school reports and references
• Attend the entrance assessment on the designated date
• Participate in an individual interview with senior staff members
• Await admission decision and fee information

Yarm School recognises that exceptional pupils come from diverse backgrounds and offers a range of scholarships and means-tested bursaries to ensure accessibility for families who would benefit from the school's educational provision. These financial assistance programmes are reviewed annually and can provide significant support towards school fees.

The school encourages early registration to ensure adequate time for assessment preparation and to secure a place in what is typically an oversubscribed year group.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's extensive experience with Yarm School admissions enables us to provide targeted preparation that maximises your child's potential for success. Our deep understanding of the school's assessment format and expectations allows us to create personalised programmes that address individual strengths and development areas.

Our Yarm School Preparation Programme includes:

• Diagnostic Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of your child's current abilities across all test components to identify specific preparation priorities
• Targeted English Tuition: Enhancement of reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and structured writing techniques that align with Yarm School's expectations
• Mathematics Mastery: Focused practice on problem-solving strategies and mathematical reasoning skills essential for success in the numerical assessment
• Reasoning Skills Development: Systematic training in verbal and non-verbal reasoning techniques, including pattern recognition and logical analysis
• Mock Assessments: Regular practice under timed conditions using materials that mirror the actual assessment format and difficulty level
• Interview Preparation: Coaching to develop confidence and articulation skills for the individual interview component

Our tutors possess intimate knowledge of Yarm School's academic culture and can provide invaluable insights into the qualities the school values most highly. We work closely with families to ensure preparation is thorough yet sustainable, maintaining your child's enthusiasm for learning whilst building the skills necessary for 11+ success.

With our proven track record of successful Yarm School placements, Taylor Tuition provides the expertise and support your family needs to navigate this important educational transition with confidence.