The Process

Full boarders are immersed in life at Whitgift. With structured days and evenings throughout the week to help them make the most of their time, they enjoy a mix of school and House activities on Saturdays, followed by a trip on Sunday.

Full boarders make up over 70% of the House. This allows them to build up close friendships that last beyond their time at Whitgift. Full Boarding at Whitgift, in this sense, can be lifechanging.

Weekly boarding includes four nights’ accommodation, usually Monday to Thursday. This option relieves any arduous daily commute and gives students more time for studying and to be involved in co-curricular activities while still allowing for family time at the weekend. A fifth night, depending on school demands, is an available option.

Weekly boarders will have their own living space and their school possessions will be kept secure when they are not on site. They normally depart after their last commitment on Friday afternoon, and return to the School before 8:00am on Monday morning. However, participation in School events may require weekly boarders to remain at School for Friday night, or return early on Sunday evening.

Please refer to the Key Information section of the following pages for detailed guidance and the link to apply: 

• 13+ & 14+
• 16+

Boarding applicants who are based in the UK should sit their entrance examinations on Saturday 8 November at Whitgift School. 

Overseas applicants can sit their entrance examinations at 1) their local British Council or 2) the offices of one of our authorised agency partners. Instructions for arranging invigilation will be sent once the application has been processed. 

Please refer to the main Admissions page (13+ & 14+ / 16+) for details on the papers that applicants will sit.

Applicants considered for an offer will be sent an invitation to interview in the week of 10 November.

The invitation will contain an online booking calendar with which families can book a time suited for them to interview between 19 to 26 November.

Overseas applicants will attend the interview online via Microsoft Teams. UK-based applicants are expected to attend the interview in-person at Whitgift School. 

Scholarship assessments will occur concurrently and are invitation-only. Overseas applicants who cannot attend in-person will be asked to send in footage or other evidence if necessary. 

Decision letters will be emailed to parents on 5 December.

The letter will detail the outcome of the application, together with any scholarship/fee remission that is awarded to the applicant. 

For an offer to be considered accepted, we require: 

• A signed Form of Acceptance with both parents' signatures
• Evidence of payment for the deposit amount (outlined in the Form of Acceptance)

• March 2026 - Right to Study Check and preparation for Child Student Visa application (if applicable)
• May 2026 - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued; Visa application
• June 2026 - New Boarders Webinar and New Parents Information Evening