10+ Entry

Entrance Exams

Testing will consist of a computer-based assessment comprising the following elements: 

• Mathematics 
• English (non-adaptive)
• Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning 
• Problem-Solving Skills 

The computer-based sections will be largely multiple choice and will not require typing or keyboard skills.  A familiarisation test can be found here.

Written testing will cover the following: 

• English - Creative Writing 
•  Maths - Problem Solving 

Sample Exam Papers

Past papers are not released, but there are some sample papers available here. Please note we do not have sample papers for Critical Thinking Skills.

Interview

Students who are being considered for an offer will be invited to attend an interview with a Senior Member of staff. The interview provides an opportunity for us to meet your son, to continue to assess his academic suitability and to hear more about his interests and activities beyond the classroom. The student interview is followed by a short meeting with parents/guardians with the same Senior Member of staff.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

If English is not the first language spoken at home, boys may be required to sit an EAL exam paper. This will be decided in consultation with the Head of EAL.

International Students

Whitgift welcomes applications from self-sponsored international students. Find out more about International Students.

For further information, please contact the admissions department via admissions@whitgift.co.uk

Find out more about our scholarships

Whitgift's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision is designed to support neurodiverse students as well as those with specific needs that require additional support, whatever their nature. In order to fairly access our entrance exams applicants may be supported with Access Arrangements, any requests will be assessed by our Head of Learning Support in line with JCQ guidelines. 

If your son receives Learning Support or any intervention at his current school, we require additional documentation from you.  This will help us to determine what (if any) Access Arrangements we can provide, and to ensure that Whitgift has all of the appropriate resources to meet their needs.

Required Documents:

1. EHCP (Education Healthcare Plan) and/or specific written recommendations from a qualified professional (e.g. Educational Psychologist report/diagnosis from an HCPC registered psychologist, Consultant or a specialist teacher assessor ). This report must be dated within 3 years and ideally less. 

2. A supporting letter from their current school confirming the current Access Arrangements and any intervention they receive.  If you are applying for Sixth Form, we require a JCQ Form 8 from their current school.

You will be prompted when to upload these documents when completing the application form.

Find out more about our Learning Support Department

Please read the Application Guidance below in full prior to making an application.

Applications for entry in September 2026 are not yet open

Please allow 45 minutes to complete the form, as it must be completed in one session. If you close the session before submitting your completed application, your information will not be saved.  Applications for scholarships are included in the form; please prepare the relevant documents (see below) before starting should you wish to apply.

The following documents must be pre-scanned, in readiness to upload during the process: 

• A copy of your son’s passport (see note)
• A passport photograph of your son. The file must be in GIF or JPEG format and less than 1 MB in size. The photo must be a passport-style headshot
• Copies of your son’s last two school reports
• Scholarship Application Form(s) and supporting documents (if applicable) *
• SEND documents, including Educational Psychologist report (if applicable) **

Note: Non-UK passport holders will need to supply a copy of their E-Visa. For full boarders requiring student visa support, please refer to the guidelines.

* Scholarship(s) supporting documents should be added in the relevant ‘upload document’ sections of the application. Refer to the Scholarship pages to ensure that your son meets the required criteria for each Scholarship prior to applying.

** SEND information must be provided at the time of application, including any supporting evidence; Educational Psychologist report dated within the last 3 years, Specialist Assessor Reports, Medical Reports, Statement of Need or Educational Health Care Plan, along with a letter from your son’s current school stating his current exam concessions and usual way of working. Your son’s current SEND contact details will also be required. If information regarding SEND requirements or other special needs are not disclosed during the admissions process, this may lead to a review of any place offered and may result in the withdrawal of an offer. Learn more about Learning Support at Whitgift.

If you would like to apply for a Bursary, please complete the Bursary Registration of Interest form online at the John Whitgift Foundation. Registration dates will be published here once confirmed by the Foundation. Bursaries are only available for Day places. You can learn more here.

You will need to read our Conditions of Admission, Privacy Notice and Information for International Applicants (if applicable) prior to completing the application.

In completing and digitally signing the online application, you are certifying that the information and statements contained are correct.