What are the Admission Requirements for Oundle School?

For 11+ entry to Oundle School (First Form, Year 7), families register with the Admissions Office. The closing date for 2027 entry was Monday 2 November 2026. Children then take entrance papers in mathematics, English and a Cognitive Ability Test, usually in mid-January. Those sitting the papers at Oundle have an informal interview, and boarders enjoy an overnight stay. Oundle recommends registering early, ideally in Year 5. 

Thinking about Oundle School for your child at age 11? This guide explains the 11+ admission requirements. You will see the key dates, what happens in the entrance assessment, how the interview works and how to help your child feel ready.

What are the admission requirements for Oundle School at 11+?

Oundle School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Northamptonshire. Many parents hope for a simple checklist, like "your child needs this score". Oundle does not publish a pass mark. Instead, places are offered after your child completes the school's own entrance process.

For 11+ entry, the main steps are:

• Register your child and pay the registration fee.

• Take the entrance papers in mathematics, English and a Cognitive Ability Test.

• Meet the school through an informal interview, plus an overnight stay for boarders.

• Receive a decision if your child is successful.

Oundle School 11+ entry: Who can apply?

Children join Oundle at 11+ in the First Form, which is Year 7. Oundle says its First and Second Form, which are Years 7 and 8, are shaped around the needs of younger pupils, while staying part of the life of the whole school.

Oundle School 11+ registration deadline 

Registration is the first requirement. Here is what the school tells us.

Please check with Oundle's Admissions Office for the form and deadline.

Registering does not guarantee a place. It tells the school that your child would like to be considered, and it starts the admissions process. If you also need financial help, tell the school when you register, because bursary requests are handled early (more on that below).

Oundle School 11+ entrance assessment: What is tested?

Oundle runs its own entrance assessment, usually in mid-January. Here is what the school's 11+ page says.

The school says that the 11+ entrance takes place in January of Year 6. The Cognitive Ability Test looks at how children think and solve problems, rather than what they have been taught. That is why games, puzzles and reading are good preparation.

Oundle 11+ interview and boarding stay

The written papers are only one part of the picture. Oundle says children who sit the papers at the school have an informal interview. The school describes the interview as a chance to understand the whole child, beyond academic results.

Children who plan to board also enjoy an overnight stay in the junior boarding house. This helps your child see what daily life would be like, and meet other children.

Oundle School 11+ timeline for 2027 entry

Here are the key stages for a child who is in Year 6 now and wants to join in September 2027.

Oundle School bursaries and 11+ awards

Oundle offers financial help and awards, and there are some important points to know at 11+.

Is your child in Year 5? Plan for later entry

If your child is in Year 5 now, you have a very helpful head start. Oundle recommends early registration, ideally in Year 5, to allow a personalised and well-supported journey. The closing date for a later year will be different, so please check the school's admissions page for the new date.

• Visit the school: Oundle holds open days, and you can ask the Admissions Office about a visit.

• Register early: Early registration gives you more time and more choice.

• Build skills gently: Reading, maths and puzzle games all help.

• Plan the summer: The summer before Year 6 is a great chance to sharpen skills without school pressure.

Our 11 plus summer courses bring the key topics together in a focused, friendly block, so children start Year 6 feeling ready and calm.

How to prepare for the Oundle 11+ assessment

Oundle runs its own papers, so no practice paper matches them exactly. The best plan is to build strong skills in English, maths and reasoning, and to practise in a relaxed way. Here are five ideas.

1. Start with a free check

Try our 11+ free practice papers to see which topics feel easy and which need more time.

2. Practise the question styles

Our 11+ past papers help children get used to the style of English, maths and reasoning questions. They are not the Oundle papers, but they build the same skills.

3. Get used to sitting a test

Our 11+ mocks let children practise working calmly with a timer in a quiet room, so assessment day feels familiar.

4. Read widely and write for fun

Reading builds vocabulary and comprehension. Let your child write stories, diaries and letters, with no marks.

5. Practise talking about ideas

Chat at home about books, news and hobbies. Ask, "What do you think, and why?" It builds the confidence children need for the interview.

How Pass 11 Plus Grammar helps students prepare for Oundle School admissions

At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, our 11+ tuition builds the English, maths and reasoning skills that selective schools look for. We help children understand each topic, practise at a gentle pace and walk into assessments feeling relaxed. Our tuition is available online across the UK.

If you would like friendly advice, you can book a free assessment with our 11 plus tuition in Birmingham, and we will happily talk through your options.

Final thoughts

The 11+ admission requirements for Oundle School come down to a few clear steps. Register by the closing date, which was Monday 2 November 2026 for 2027 entry, take the entrance papers in mathematics, English and the Cognitive Ability Test, and meet the school through an informal interview. Ask early about bursaries, and check the school's own pages for the latest details.

Stay calm, keep practice light and help your child feel curious and confident. At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we are always here to help you plan the next step.