Joining at 11+

Joining at 11+, pupils enter a world of opportunity - the start of a journey that lasts a lifetime.

Our entry assessments are designed to identify boys who are intellectually curious and capable of thriving in a fast-paced academic environment, as well as those who are eager to engage in the wide array of co-curricular opportunities on offer at Taylors’.

At Merchant Taylors’ we look for academic potential in candidates as well as a keen desire to get fully immersed in the life of the school

Dr. Jane Evans

Deputy Head Academic

Admissions Journey

1.Visit Us

We encourage prospective pupils and their families to visit Taylors’ at either an Open Morning or an individual tour where they can meet pupils and staff and get a sense of what the school is really like.

Book Your Place at Our Next Open Morning

2.Registration

You can submit your initial application at any point by completing the form here. Applications for 11+ must be registered by 31st October when your child is in Year 6.

3.Assessments

Registered candidates will be invited to the School to sit an exam early December in Year 6. The entrance exam consists of three papers in English, Mathematics and the Merchant Taylors’ General Paper. The General Paper is unique to Taylors’ and specimen papers are not published.

Boys who have particularly impressed us in the entrance papers will be invited to a scholarship assessment day in late January.

Example English and Mathematics papers

4.Reference

A reference from the applicant’s current head teacher will be requested from the school.

5.Interviews

Shortlisted candidates are invited to Taylors’ for an interview in January. This 20-minute session is an opportunity for us to get to know applicants better, explore their aspirations, interests and hobbies, and discuss their academic passions. It’s also a chance for candidates to learn more about our School.

6.Acceptance

In mid February, we will let candidates know if they have received a place at Merchant Taylors’ School. Offers are sent via email and post and must be accepted by early March.

Key Dates for 2026 Entry

11+ Open Days

Saturday 27 September 2025

Registration, Bursary and Scholarship Deadline

Friday 31 October 2025

Entrance Exams

Early December 2025

Interviews

January-February 2026

Practical Scholarship Assessments

January 2026

Academic Scholarship Assessment Day

January 2026

Offers sent out by email

Mid February 2026

Offer holders event

Late February 2026

Acceptance deadline

Early March 2026

97%

of students achieved grades A*-B at GCSE

Future Destinations

At Merchant Taylors’, the university application process starts in the Lower Sixth year. Students receive guidance on how to start their research into courses and universities, which includes formal assessments and information shared through assemblies and the school’s virtual learning platform.

Many of our students progress to some of the most competitive courses at leading global universities.