Our admissions process takes a holistic view so that we get a detailed sense of the potential of every child who applies to us. We welcome applications from both local maintained and independent preparatory schools. We thoroughly review every application within its own context, paying careful attention to school reports and references to gather as full a view as possible of whether the pupil is likely to flourish with us.
The process encompasses an interactive group observation activity and creative writing task, as well as the ISEB online assessments. Our group observation takes place mid-November and provides us with valuable insights into each pupil’s evidence-based thinking and collaborative skills. Through the group observation activity, we see every pupil in action, offering a richer insight than a formal interview. In the group observation, pupils participate in an interactive and engaging activity centred around a specific theme. This theme is then further developed in the 25-minute creative writing task that they complete on the same day.
All applicants are required to take the ISEB assessment between November to December, but no later than the deadline of Monday 8 December 2025. Applicants are encouraged to sit the ISEB assessment at their current school, where possible, or at another school that administers the test. We do offer the option for pupils to sit the assessment at SCHS on Saturday 6 December.
Each application is subject to a non-refundable registration fee (refer to School Fees for further details). School references are required alongside admissions assessments to help us form a holistic view of whether a pupil is likely to thrive at SCHS. Once you have registered, we will contact your child’s current school in early November to request a confidential reference. It is essential that you inform your child’s school of your plans by this time and ensure they fully support your child’s application to SCHS.
The offer of a place is made by the Head on the evidence of:
- the candidate’s performance in the entrance examination; group assessment and creative-writing submission
- a copy of the candidate’s end of Year 5 school report
- a confidential reference from the Head of your child’s present school
- a copy of valid proof of residency (where applicable)
We select girls who we believe will flourish at our school, taking into consideration all information available before making any offers.
