Joining Leweston School

Choosing a senior school is one of the more consequential decisions a family makes, and it is rarely straightforward. The school that looks right on paper is not always the one that turns out to be right for a particular child. The one that seems like a stretch sometimes turns out to be exactly the fit. Most parents find that a visit settles more than any amount of research.

We are glad you are here. Get in touch when you are ready and we will take it from there.

Email the admissions team at admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk

For Year 7 and Year 9 entry, earlier is generally better, not because the process is complicated, but because having a confirmed place early removes a source of anxiety that most families could do without. Many families visit when their child is in Year 5 and register at that stage. Others come to us much later and we accommodate them where we can. If you are uncertain whether it is too early or too late to make contact, it is not. Ring us and we will tell you honestly where things stand.

A visit first, so you can see the school and we can meet you. Then registration. Then a taster day, which is a day for your child in the year group they would join, real lessons, a current pupil alongside them throughout, and a short assessment in English and Maths that shapes their academic programme rather than deciding their place. If everyone is happy afterwards, we make a formal offer.

All the ways to visit, including Experience Leweston, are on our Visit page.

Year 7, age 11

Our main entry point. We encourage families to visit when their child is in Year 5 and to register at that stage, which gives you time and, if the fit is right, the reassurance of a confirmed place well in advance. All registered families are invited to a summer activity afternoon in Year 5. Taster days are typically held in the Autumn Term of Year 6, though they are available throughout the year. 

Year 9, age 13

A second main entry point, when we usually open an additional form. We encourage the same early timeline, visiting and registering in Year 5 if possible, when early offers can be made giving you piece of mind that a place is available. Scholarship assessments for Year 9 entry take place in January of Year 8. Common Entrance is not required, though pupils from prep schools that offer it may sit it if they wish.

Year 8 and Year 10

Places at Year 8 and Year 10 are offered subject to availability. Please contact the admissions team to discuss your situation.

If you need to move quickly, see the Fast Track Admissions page

All prospective pupils typically spend a day at Leweston with their potential year group before a place is confirmed. 

What the day involves

• Your child joins a normal day of lessons with the year group they would enter
• They are accompanied throughout by a current Leweston pupil
• Your child sits age-appropriate assessments in English and Maths, these inform their academic programme when they join, not the offer decision
• They meet the Head of Year and a range of staff
• We will ask for a reference from their current headteacher and sight of recent school reports at this stage

Tasters are held in small groups. For Year 7, they typically take place in the Autumn Term of Year 6, though dates are available throughout the year. For Year 9, the same applies. If you are joining at Year 8 or Year 10, or joining mid-year, please contact the admissions team and we will arrange a suitable date.

Boarding tasters

If boarding is something you are considering, your child is welcome to combine the taster day with an overnight stay in the boarding house. This gives a far more realistic sense of what boarding at Leweston involves than any amount of description can. Please mention this when contacting the admissions team and we will arrange it.