Our Admissions Process
There are approximately 72 places available to join First Form (Year 7) each year.
Our friendly and experienced Admissions Department will be happy to answer any enquiries you have and to guide you through each stage of the process. They are contactable via the links below:
We encourage all families to get to know St Albans School better by visiting us.
We welcome prospective families to visit the School at our Open Mornings which we run three times a year. Our next Open Mornings are on Saturday 28 September 2024 and Saturday 9 November 2024 and they will both be open for booking in June.
We also offer a number of daytime tours to prospective families looking for 11+ entry in 2025. These tours are a great opportunity to visit us during a typical school day and will provide you with first-hand experience of life at St Albans School. The tour is led by one of our Senior prefects and lasts approximately 60 minutes with the option of meeting with the Admissions Team afterwards.
Please contact Admissions via the links below to arrange your daytime tour:
If you would like to apply for an 11+ place for entry in September 2025 onwards, please complete our online application form:
Click here to complete the 11+ online application form
There is a non-refundable £150 registration fee payable when you submit your application and you will be directed to our online payment facility when you have completed the form.
Upon receipt of an application, we will request a confidential academic reference from each candidate’s current school.
Bursary applicants should contact the Admissions Department in advance of applying.
At our 11+ Assessment we use an online adaptive testing process. This system is bespoke for St Albans School and seeks to discover a candidate’s potential in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning as well as creative and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and problem-solving. This is a modern and efficient testing process which is fair, clear, robust and accessible to candidates from all schools and backgrounds. The adaptive aspect of the tests provides for greater differentiation and results in a more precise evaluation of ability for high-ability candidates than standard tests. The tests are based on the National Curriculum which allows candidates in both state and independent schools to have equal accessibility.
The testing is completed online at St Albans School during the 11+ Assessment Day and candidates have the chance to undertake a familiarisation task before each test begins. There are seven parts to the assessment including Maths, English, Non-verbal Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Puzzles and Problem Solving and Creative Comprehension. There is no change to our interview process and all candidates still have a 1:1 individual interview with a member of staff on the Assessment Day.
Assessments for 2025 entry will take place on Tuesday 7 January 2025 and Thursday 9 January 2025.
Click here to read a useful FAQ’s document which will hopefully answer any questions you may have.
At 11+ entry, we offer Choral, Music and Academic scholarships.
A scholarship is awarded for outstanding performance or potential and carries a small amount of financial remission. The majority of Academic scholarship awards are in the region of up to 25% of the fees. Choral and Music scholarships are up to 20% of the fees.
All boys registered for entry at 11+ will be automatically considered for Academic scholarships and a separate application is not required.
If you have any questions about Scholarships please contact our Admissions Department via the links below:
At 11+ entry we offer Choral and Music Scholarships awarded on the basis of an audition. Choral and Music Scholars must meet the 11+ academic standard required for entry to St Albans School in the 11+ Examination.
Auditions take place at the end of January during the second stage of the admissions process. All candidates who have been successful at the 11+ Assessment Day are invited to spend a morning or afternoon at the School.
Those to whom awards are made will be expected to play a full part in the musical life of the School.
The award value is up to 20% of the annual school fee to commence at the beginning of the First Form.
Applying for an 11+ Music Scholarship
Candidates should prepare a short programme of 3-5 minutes duration, which may include one or more pieces, and will be expected to undertake some basic aural tests. As a guideline most of the larger awards go to candidates beyond Grade 5 standard, however offers are made to candidates who are between Grades 3 and 5 or those who have taken no examinations at all.
Applying for an 11+ Choral Scholarship
Candidates should prepare a short programme of 3-5 minutes duration, which may include one or more pieces. Candidates will have good musical skills which they will be happy to demonstrate. Candidates will have a short discussion of 3-5 minutes duration where they will be asked about their musical interests and involvement in music. As a guideline most of the larger awards go to candidates beyond Grade 5 standard, however many offers are made to candidates who are between Grades 3 and 5, or those who have taken no examinations at all. Choral Scholarships are also available to candidates who have a place in a professional organisation such as a Cathedral choir.
Click here to register for an 11+ Choral or Music Scholarship
I’m interested in a St Albans School education for my son, where do I start?
The best place to start is to tour the School and find out more about us. We offer three Open Mornings a year and daytime tours during the week with one of our prefects. Contact the Admissions Department to arrange your visit.
I came to an Open Morning, can I come back and visit the School again?
Yes, you can attend another Open Morning or can book a daytime tour during the working week by contacting Admissions Department. Daytime tours take place three times per week with one of our prefects.
What is the difference between a Bursary and a Scholarship?
A Bursary is means-tested funding provided by the School to assist pupils in obtaining a place at St Albans School when it wouldn’t otherwise be accessible. A Scholarship is awarded for outstanding performance or potential and carries a small amount of financial remission (10% to 20%).
I am interested in applying for a Bursary, what do I need to do?
You can indicate when completing your online registration form that you would like to be considered for a Bursary. The Admissions Department will be in touch to discuss the next steps. The level of funding award is usually between 40-100%.
I’ve completed the registration form, when will I hear from the School again?
The 11+ Assessment Day information is sent to parents at the beginning of December via email.
Will my son have an interview?
Yes, all boys will have a short individual interview at the 11+ Assessment Day and no preparation is required.
How many boys will sit the exam and what are my son’s chances of being offered a place?
We usually see approx 300 boys at the 11+ Assessment Day, with 72 places available. However, a few additional places may be awarded at the Headmaster’s discretion if the cohort is academically strong.
Approximately 50% of applicants will be invited to the second-round call back sessions.
What is the pass mark?
We don’t release any of our pass marks or pupils’ results however individual feedback may be sought following the assessments from the Registrar.
How do I apply for a Scholarship at 11+?
All boys are automatically eligible to be considered for an Academic Scholarship as they are awarded to the top performing boys. Choral and Music Scholarships are available and application forms will be sent to all those who have expressed an interest. The majority of Academic scholarship awards are in the region of up to 25% of the fees. Choral and Music scholarships are up to 20% of the fees.
When will we find out if my son has been invited to the second-round call back sessions?
Boys successful in the first stage at our 11+ Assessment Day will be notified by the first Friday following the assessment.
What happens during the call back sessions?
During the call back sessions, boys will be invited to take part in two trial lessons with a group of other boys. During this time, parents will be invited to stay with us for a tour of the School and a few short presentations.
When and how will we find out if my son has been offered a place?
For entry in September 2025, in accordance with the North London Consortium offers will be made on Friday 14 February 2025.