Year 7 (11+) Entry
Year 7 or Upper 3 is a very exciting time, as the pupils start Key Stage 3 and become more independent.
While most of their academic subjects will still be taught in Upper 3 form rooms, they visit the Science and DT laboratories and the Art block for lessons. The teaching from Upper 3 onwards is very much subject-based rather than form teacher-based, so their lessons will be taught by subject specialists.
For Year 7 (11+) entry we consider three things:
- entrance examinations in English, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning;
- group activities and an individual interview;
- a confidential report from your child's current school.
Below we set out the process for applying for Year 7 (11+). If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Team on 01372 822423 or email admissions@freemens.org
Key Dates for applying for Year 7 (11+)
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| March, May, September and October | Open Events (including Discover Freemen's for current Year 5 students looking to join in Year 7) |
| 8 October (when child is in Year 6) | Deadline to apply |
| 13 November | Entrance Assessments in English, Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning, group activities and interviews |
|
26 November |
11+ and 13+ Music Scholarship Auditions |
| 27 November | 11+ and 13+ Academic Scholarship Exams (by invitation) |
| 17 December | Decision letters are sent |
| 7 March | Deadline to accept offers |
| June | Induction Day for all new pupils and welcome evening for new parents |
| September | Start at Freemen's |
HOW TO Apply
To apply, simply complete the online Registration Form and pay the £200 fee. The deadline to apply is 8 October in the year prior to entry (eg 8 October 2022 for September 2023 entry). You can download a Registration Form if you prefer.
Once we have received notification of your registration and fee, we will send you an acknowledgement detailing what happens next.
Entrance Assessments
Guidance for prospective parents and current teachers
Entrance Assessments
Entrance assessments will take place on 13 November. Assessments will comprise written examinations in Maths, English and Non-Verbal Reasoning papers, a carousel of assessed activities and an individual interview. We will provide more detailed information nearer the time.
If your child is entitled to extra time, or special considerations, or has any Special Educational Needs, please inform us prior to the examinations and provide us with any supporting information, e.g. Educational Psychologist's report, to enable us to make the necessary arrangements.
Specimen papers are not available for these examinations and no preparation is necessary.
Interviews
Candidates will have an individual interview with a member of staff. The interview allows us to find out more about your child, their hobbies and interests, views and opinions. Interviews for candidates residing overseas can be conducted via Facetime or Skype.
School Report
We will request a report from your child's current school. The school report is an integral part of our assessment for each candidate and provides us with a wider picture of their academic and non-academic abilities and interests. We may also contact the Head of your child's current school for more information.
In accordance with HMC guidelines, we will be unable to reach a decision on an application for entry until we have received this report.
Overseas Candidates
Candidates applying from overseas who are unable to attend the entrance examinations at Freemen's in November, may be able to sit the exams at their current school, at an approved agents’ office, if appropriate, or at a local British Council Office. Interviews can be arranged via Skype or FaceTime. Please make it clear on the Exam Confirmation Form or Registration Form that you wish to sit overseas.
offers of places
Decision letters will be sent by email on 17 December.
You will receive one of the following decisions:
- an unconditional offer
- a place on the waiting list
- a decline
Feedback
We regret, given the large number of applicants, that we are unable to give feedback on examination results.
Accepting a place
Once we have sent your offer, you will have until 7 March to make your decision.
If you choose to accept the place, we will ask you to confirm your decision by return of a signed acceptance form, acceptance deposit and completed medical questionnaire.
We will then send you a link to the New Starter Pack, usually in May or June.This has all the information you need before starting with us.
In June, we will invite all new starters to a taster day, so that they can meet the rest of their class and their teacher. We also invite all new parents to join us in the evening for a reception where you will have the opportunity to meet your child's Head of Year and class teachers, and to meet with other new parents.
Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Admissions FAQs
We know that you will have a lot of questions when choosing a school. We are always happy to answer your questions. You can call us directly on 01372 822423 or you can email admissions@freemens.org. Here are some of the questions we get asked most frequently. (Click on the small red arrows to reveal the answers.)