Joining Year 7

Our admissions process is designed to ensure that we are the right match for your family and to welcome you into the Leweston community. The Admissions Team are available throughout to answer questions, explain the different steps and make sure that you have all the information you need.

Leweston is a thriving, busy community that has high expectations of its pupils. Whilst we test all the pupils who apply to join us our assessment process is not based entirely on academic performance. We welcome well-rounded pupils with a genuine interest in education in the broadest sense of the word, with interests that stretch beyond the confines of the academic curriculum. The school has strong traditions in music, drama, art, debating, community activities and sport. There are many co-curricular activities, all of which are important in developing a well-balanced, confident individual.

If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, it is possible for candidates to be unsuccessful in their application or placed on a waiting list until a space becomes free. When deciding upon the allocation of places into the school, offers will be made to those pupils who perform well across the school assessments, have positive references and are generally a good fit for the school.

Visit Us

We encourage everyone to visit the school as early as possible.

Guided tours are available throughout the year and include the opportunity to meet the Headmaster, Mr Paget-Tomlinson.

Registration

The first step in the process for any admission is to complete and return the registration form, along with a registration fee of £100 which is non-refundable. We encourage families to register when their child is in Year 5. Applications will be acknowledged and you will continue to receive updates and news from the school. Registrations are considered in the order they are received, which can have an impact on any selection decision.

Year 5 Activity Day

Everyone who has expressed interest in joining Leweston is invited for an activity day when they are in Year 5. The day is a great opportunity for pupils to experience a fun day at the school and meet the other children who will be in their year group in the future.

ISEB Common Pre-Tests

Pupils are asked to complete the Independent Schools Examinations Board Common Pre-Tests (ISEB Pre-Tests). The ISEB Pre-Tests are online, multiple-choice assessments that incorporate Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, English and Maths. Some pupils sit these tests in their Preparatory Schools, for pupils not able to do this, an invitation will be extended to sit the tests at Leweston in the November of Year 6. At this point we will ask for a reference from your current headteacher and need to see previous school reports.

Applicant Activity Day

Once the ISEB tests are complete, pupils are invited to our Activity Day which takes place on a Saturday morning in early January. The morning consists of a range of team building and group activities and ends with lunch. Pupils who apply after this event may be invited to a personal Assessment Day when they join one of the current classes and experience a normal timetable of lessons as well as sit the assessment papers. This option will be offered subject to availability.

Offer and Acceptance

If you and the school are happy to progress after the Activity Day we will offer a place. We will email you with our Parent Contract and Acceptance Form. Offers are typically open for a limited time only. You will be asked to secure your place by completing the Acceptance Form and paying a deposit (which is returned against your final school bill).

Scholarships

Leweston offers scholarships for Academic Excellence, Art and Design, Drama, Music, Pentathlon, Equestrian and Sport. The application deadline is in January of Year 6 for 11+. Assessments take place later that month.

Induction

Joining information is shared you well ahead of your child’s start date and all new pupils are invited for a 'Move Up Day' in June so they can start to acclimatise to their new school.

Joining Year 8

Offers for places in Year 8 are subject to availability. Pupils interested in Year 8 will be invited to spend a day at the school with the year group they will be joining. Your child will participate in a normal timetable of lessons and be accompanied throughout by a nominated pupil guardian. Your child will sit an age appropriate school assessment and attend a short informal interview with the Headmaster. After the day if you and the school are happy to progress we will formally offer a place.