Year 7 Admissions Process
We are a selective school which means that every candidate is required to take an entrance assessment. However, our key objective throughout the Admissions process is to ensure that your child will benefit positively from the curriculum, facilities and opportunities we offer, and enjoy academic and personal success in the future.
We recommend that applicants are registered a minimum of one year prior to joining. The entrance assessment process takes place in the first term of Year 6. For those seeking entry in September 2026, you may wish to download our Year 7 2026 Key Admissions Dates.
Register
To register your child please complete the online registration form and pay the relevant non-refundable registration fee. The closing date for registration is at the end of October, the year before your child is due to start. Late applications may be considered, subject to the availability of places. Please contact the Admissions Team if you would like to discuss this.
If your child has any SEN/Learning Support needs, this should also be indicated on the registration form and submitted with supporting documentation. The Admissions team will contact you to discuss further the appropriate access arrangements for the entrance assessment.
Please note that if you wish to apply for a means-tested bursary, the application must be submitted by the end of September prior to the year before your child is due to start.
Experience
Once your child is registered, they will be invited to attend a Dunbar Experience Day in the Michaelmas term of their Year 6. Whilst these days are not compulsory, they are a fantastic opportunity for your child to spend some time in school, taking part in some sample lessons and activities. With the emphasis on fun and getting to know Pangbourne a little better, the day will help your child to become more familiar with the College prior to attending their assessment day.
Assessment
The assessment day takes place in mid-November and is designed to be an enjoyable experience for your child. Whilst some of the day will involve a computer-based assessment, the remainder of the day involves interactive, team-building type activities to enable us to gauge how they adapt and use their natural skills and abilities.
The entrance assessment will consist of a computer-based assessment that measures Verbal, Non-verbal and Mathematical skills that form the foundations of learning. The assessments are designed to enable your child to demonstrate their academic potential and ability without the need for coaching and excessive preparation. The assessments support developed abilities in reading and maths that rely on genuine understanding rather than repetitive learning. The computer-based assessment lasts around one hour, but will vary by candidate.
As part of our assessment process, we will request copies of your child’s latest school reports and contact their school for a confidential report in advance of the assessment day.
Applications for Scholarships must be submitted by the end of November and auditions/assessments for those take place in advance of the closing date for accepting the offer.
Reflection and decision
Once the assessment process is complete, we will notify parents in writing with the outcome of their application.
On receiving an offer, you have the opportunity to reflect and consider whether you feel that Pangbourne is the school where your child will flourish. If you have any unanswered questions, or need more information our Admissions team will be happy to help. Whether it’s a simple question, speaking to a key member of staff or visiting us again we will ensure you have all you need to make your decision.
When we make an offer of a place, we firmly believe that Pangbourne is the right school for that child. Offers need to be formally accepted together with a deposit payment.
Join
Starting a new school is a big step for the whole family, our Admissions team will keep you informed and guide you through to the point your child joins school in September.
You will be invited to a welcome event, where you can meet other families who will be joining Pangbourne. You will also meet the Head of Dunbar Division (Year 7 and Year 8) and key members of the teaching and pastoral team.
Your child will take part in a series of induction activities, focussed on helping them settle into their new community and surroundings.
