How To Apply

We are delighted you are considering Culford as a school for your child. Applications for all schools are dealt with by our Admissions team. Places are normally offered by entrance assessment or examination, dependent on your child’s age, interview and reference from your child’s previous school, where applicable.

How to Apply

The majority of pupils will join Culford at the start of the academic year in September, although we welcome enquiries at any time. The application process has been designed for simplicity:

Contact the Admissions Office to check on the availability of places and to arrange a personal visit.
Once you have decided to apply for a place at Culford, complete and return a Registration Form with a non-refundable registration fee of £150.
Speak with the Admissions Office to arrange an entrance assessment, which will be appropriate for your child’s age and year group.

Offers

Each formal offer is made subject to our Standard Terms and Conditions. Your child’s place will be secured upon receipt of the signed acceptance form, medical form and the non-refundable acceptance fee. A copy of the Standard Terms and Conditions will accompany the formal offer of a place.

Entrance Assessments

Nursery (1-4)

Culford Nursery (1-3)

Our stand-alone Nursery is open Monday to Friday for 50 weeks of the year. There are two separate playrooms (for 1-2 and 2-3 year olds) and a lovely outdoor play area and garden.

Pre-Reception (3-4)

Pre-Reception is based at the Pre-Prep School.

Entry

Before joining us, you and your child will be invited to attend a session to ensure that your child will settle well and will thrive within our caring environment.

Pre-Prep (4-7)

Assessment

Admission to the Pre-Prep School is determined by an informal assessment. Your child will spend a morning or day in the classroom with pupils of the same age while we observe their interaction and social skills. In Years 1 (PP1) and 2 (PP2) they will spend a day in class, while we assess their reading, writing and numeracy skills. Transfer to the Prep School is on the basis of informal assessment in the Spring term of the year of entry, along with a satisfactory school report.

Prep (7-13)

Assessment & Entrance

Our entrance process has been designed to make the experience less stressful for your child, with the results provided within a week. Online entrance exams are completed individually in a welcoming and supportive environment with breaks and snacks provided.

Scholarships

Applications for Scholarships should be received at least one month before the Culford Scholarship Examinations, and a supporting reference must be received from the Head of the pupil’s current school before he/she sits those examinations. Scholarships are awarded as an honour on the basis of merit:

• Scholarships are reserved for candidates who show a breadth of strong talents and exceptional potential.

• Exhibitions are awarded to candidates who show strength in a particular area, or whose talents are broad.

There is a monetary value to each award, expressed as a discount on school fees. Awards made at age 11+ are expected to apply until the end of Prep School, subject to satisfactory progress. All Scholarships and Exhibition awards are reviewed on entry to Culford Senior School.

Senior (13-16)

All applicants are required to complete a Registration Form in order to sit Entrance and Scholarship examinations or assessments and may also be asked to attend an interview. Applications for Scholarships should be received at least one month before the Culford Scholarship Examinations, and a supporting reference must be received from the Head of the pupil’s current school before he/she sits those examinations.

Entry at 13+ Fourth Form (Year 9)

Our admissions procedure is both personalised and friendly. Applicants to Culford complete online entrance assessments on an individual basis in a welcoming and supportive environment. Successful candidates will be invited to the Culford Discovery Day, which provides an exciting and fun opportunity to learn what our School has to offer.

Entry at Lower & Upper Fifth (Years 10 & 11)

Entry is based on online examinations in English and mathematics, verbal and non-verbal aptitude tests, current school reports and references. The Admissions Office will arrange your child’s entrance examinations. Candidates may also be interviewed by a member of the Senior Management Team and, along with their parents, invited to a meeting with the Head.

Sixth Form (16-18)

Admission to the Sixth Form (At Age 16+)

Pupils entering the Sixth Form should achieve at least six GCSE subjects at grade 5 or above, including maths and English. For most subjects pupils will need a grade 6 in the three subjects they will study at A Level. Additional criteria for specific subjects are in place to ensure success at A Level.

Book your Visit

Admissions Office

01284 385308

admissions@culford.co.uk

Fees

An investment in their future.