Your Journey to MTS
There is a lot to consider when it comes to making the step to secondary education with your son. Our admissions process is transparent and as stress free as possible giving you peace of mind and ensuring that you have all the time you need to plan and consider your future with Merchant Taylors’ School.
If you have any questions or would like more information get in touch with our admissions team.
Taking the next step
Taking the next step
Key Dates for Entry at 11+
31st October 2025 - Closing date for 11+ applications including Practical Scholarship and Bursary Applications
You can submit your initial application at any point by completing the form here. We cannot guarantee any applications submitted after this date will be considered.
Practical Scholarships include: Art; Drama; Design, Engineering & Technology (DET); Music and Sport. You can find more information on our practical scholarships program here.
The closing date for completed Bursary Applications also falls on this date, though early completion is recommended. Bursaries can be applied for independently of scholarships and more information can be found here. You will need to complete the registration form ahead of applying for a Bursary. The registration form can be found here. Once registered please email the Admissions Office who will send you the link to the Bursary Application site.
29th November & 1st December 2025 - 11+ Exam days
Saturday 29th November
Applicants whose current school is not located within
HA or WD postcode
Monday 1st December
Applicants whose current school is located within the
HA or WD postcode
Tuesday 2nd December
Examination Reserve Day
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The 11+ entrance exam consists of three papers:
- English
- Mathematics
- The MTS General Paper
The MTS General Paper is unique to Merchant Taylors' School and as such, specimen papers are not published. You can download example English and Mathematics papers here.
January 2026 - 11+ Interviews
After the written exams, top performing candidates are invited to the school to be interviewed by a member of our admissions team or a senior member of the teaching staff. During this interview we are looking to get to know applicants and learn more about their aspirations, interests and hobbies. They will also discuss areas of academic interest.
In place of an individual interview, potential Academic Scholars will be invited to an Academic Scholarship Assessment Day. This will include a series of activities as well as a short interview.
Mid-January 2026 - Practical Scholarship Assessments
If your son is shortlisted for a practical scholarship, they will be invited to showcase their skill and interest in the subject. Further details of what is looked for in potential scholars and how the selection process runs can be found on our scholarships page here.
13th February 2026 - Place offers sent
At this point you will be notified whether your child has received a place at Merchant Taylors' School. Offers are sent via email and post.
4th March 2026 - Closing date for acceptance of offers
Upon acceptance of your place at Merchant Taylors' School you will be asked to pay an acceptance deposit to secure your place. More information about this deposit and fees can be found here.
Key Information for Entry at 16+
Visiting the School
Parents are strongly advised to visit the School prior to application.
Open Mornings take place twice a year, in May and September – a place can be booked here.
Individual tours hosted by a Sixth Former may also be arranged, more details here.
Registration and Deposit
Applicants are normally expected to be 16 years of age by 1st September of the year of entry.
The deadline for registration is October 7th in the year preceding entry.
The Registration Fee is £180 (inc. VAT) and the form can be accessed here→.
Assessment Procedure
Assessment has three components:
- Written assessments in four subjects intended for study at A level, sat in early November of Year 11. Candidates will be sent a choices booklet in October and asked to nominate the subjects they wish to study. The assessments will test aptitude for A level study at Merchant Taylors’.
- A reference from the applicant’s current school. This will be requested directly from the school and is completed on a Merchant Taylors’ form. Applicants must also supply a copy of their most recent school report.
- There will be interviews with specialists in the subjects that they wish to study at A Level and a general interview with a senior member of staff. The interviews will test academic aptitude and questions may also focus on strengths and weakness that became evident through the examination process. These are held in early December.
Offers and confirmation of place
Conditional Offers are made on the basis of performance in all three elements of the assessment process and parents will be informed of the outcome in December of Year 11. Offers are confirmed on receipt of final GCSE (or equivalent) results in August. Conditional offers will specify the grades necessary for entry to be confirmed.
We do not discriminate against children on the basis of ethnicity, culture or religion, home language, family background, disability, SEND, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, or other attributes, as stated in the Equality Act 2010.
The school is obliged to check the identity of each pupil and parents are requested to provide the original of each applicant’s birth certificate so that we can take a copy. This, along with other necessary records, will be stored securely and confidentially.
Practical Scholarships
To register your interest in Art, DE&T, Music and Sports Scholarships, please contact the Admission Office in the first instance, who will arrange for you to have an informal meeting with the relevant Head of Department.
Bursaries
The School welcomes applications from parents whose sons would benefit from attending Merchant Taylors’ School, and who contribute strongly to the life of the community, but who require financial assistance. Means tested bursarial support is available up to the value of 100% fees. Parents should request an application form from the Admissions Office and return it with the necessary supporting documentation no later than 30th September in the year preceding entry. Applications will be forwarded to Bursary Administration Limited for assessment.