Joining at 11+

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

11+ Entry 16+ Entry

The registration deadline for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is 31 October 2025.

Complete your registration now

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 sit the Entrance Exams at the School in Year 6:

Saturday 29 November 2025 – Applicants whose current school postcode does not begin with HA or WD
Monday 1 December 2025 – Applicants whose current school postcode does begin with HA or WD

The assessment consists of three written papers in English, Mathematics and the Merchant Taylors’ General Paper, each lasting one hour, together with a short online test.

The General Paper is unique to Taylors’ and is designed to encourage creativity and lateral thinking; specimen papers are not published.
The online assessment comprises a 20-minute Maths test and a 10-minute Verbal Reasoning test. A familiarlisation test is available below to help candidates get used to the format.

Boys who perform particularly well in the entrance assessments will be invited to an Academic Scholarship Assessment Day in late January.

Example English and Mathematics Papers

Online Familiarisation Test

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

Saturday 29 November & Monday 1 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.