Admissions Process and Entry Requirements
Take the first step towards a bright future at Aldwickbury.
Begin Your Journey
Choosing the right school is a big step, and we’re here to guide families through it. Whether your child joins at Nursery or you’re considering an in-year transfer, the Aldwickbury private school admissions process is designed to be straightforward and supportive from start to finish. Our team are always here to help at any stage of the process.
From September 2026, our Nursery (ages 3+) will become our main entry point.
Subject to availability, we welcome pupils at other points throughout the year:
- Girls: Reception to Year 2 (Year 3 from September 2026)
- Boys: Reception to Year 8
Pupils joining outside of the usual entry points may be invited to take part in a short assessment. The criteria for each age group varies and can be found below.
To check availability or discuss next steps, please contact our Admissions Team via email at admissions@aldwickbury.org.uk or phone on 01582 713022.
When Can My Child Start at Aldwickbury?
We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from your first visit to your child’s first day at Aldwickbury. Enter your child’s date of birth to find out when they can start and to explore the admissions process for each year group.
Select the academic year you wish your child to join us:
Nursery
We’re excited to be opening a Nursery in September 2026, offering a warm and nurturing environment for children aged 3 – 4.
The Nursery will give children the opportunity to begin their Aldwickbury journey a year earlier, helping them to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning from the very start.
Visit
Choosing the right nursery and school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning, Stay & Play and/or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
As we are non-selective at Nursery, places are allocated on a first come, first served basis from the date of application.
Offer and Acceptance
You will receive an offer for a place in Nursery. Accept the offer and make payment of the non-refundable deposit. For September 2026 entry, the deadline for acceptance is Friday 13th February.
Familiarisation
During the spring term of the year preceding entry, families are invited to attend a familiarisation visit. Children will enjoy some playtime, a story and an ‘adventure’ with staff and other Nursery children joining us in September, whilst you meet with staff and other parents.
Observation
Our staff will visit your child at home or in their nursery to observe them in a familiar setting. We will also request a reference from your child’s nursery, if relevant.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to an Induction Morning in June when they will meet their Nursery Teacher, Early Years Assistants and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee.
Start in Nursery
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Nursery and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Reception
Most of our pupils begin their journey at Aldwickbury in Reception. With unrivalled class sizes of a maximum of 16 pupils, we provide personalised care that will nurture your child’s academic growth and personal confidence.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning, Stay and Play and/or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
As we are non-selective at Reception, places are allocated on a first come, first served basis from the date of application. The application deadline will be shared with you.
Offer and Acceptance
In the autumn term you will receive an offer for a place in Reception, please accept the offer and make payment of the non-refundable deposit. The acceptance deadline will be shared with you.
Familiarisation
During the spring term of the year preceding entry, families are invited to attend a familiarisation visit. Children will enjoy some playtime, a story and an ‘adventure’ with Pre-Prep teaching staff and other children joining us in September, whilst you meet with staff and other parents.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s nursery. Our staff will also visit your child in their nursery setting to observe them in a familiar setting and chat with their key worker, to assist with their transition to Aldwickbury.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to an Induction Morning in June when they will meet their class teacher, teaching assistant and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Reception
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Reception and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Year 1
Pupils joining Year 1 quickly feel at home, supported by our caring and attentive teachers and teaching assistants. With small, unrivalled class sizes of just 16, we provide personalised care that encourages curiosity, nurtures academic growth and builds lasting confidence.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
Assessment
Children are invited to join a class for a morning, where they will be informally assessed by an experienced early years practitioner and includes social interaction, phonics, literacy, numeracy as well as speaking and listening skills. There is absolutely nothing to prepare for, we would just like children to be themselves.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s current school.
Offer and Acceptance
On successful completion of the assessment morning, an offer will be made by the Headmaster. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s place.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to a ‘Move Up Morning’ in June when they will meet their class teacher and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Year 1
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Year 1 and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Year 2
Pupils joining Year 2 quickly settle in, supported by our caring and attentive teachers and teaching assistants. With small, unrivalled class sizes of just 16, we provide personalised care that fosters curiosity, strengthens academic skills and builds confidence.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
Assessment
Children are invited to join a class for a morning, where they will be informally assessed by an experienced early years practitioner and includes social interaction, phonics, literacy, numeracy as well as speaking and listening skills. There is absolutely nothing to prepare for, we would just like children to be themselves.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s current school.
Offer and Acceptance
On successful completion of the assessment morning, an offer will be made by the Headmaster. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s place.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to a ‘Move Up Morning’ in June when they will meet their class teacher and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Year 2
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Year 2 and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Year 3
Several new pupils join us in Year 3 each year. With unrivalled classes of just 18, our teachers are able to nurture every child’s individual journey, giving them the support and space they need to thrive academically, grow in confidence, and flourish personally.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
Assessment
Children are invited to attend an assessment morning with the Head of Juniors. This assessment is relaxed and aimed to familiarise the children with the school setting. The morning includes a tour of the school and an opportunity to play with our current pupils.
The assessment covers the following areas: social interaction in the classroom, spellings, literacy, numeracy, speaking and listening skills as well as an informal discussion about hobbies and interests. There is absolutely nothing to prepare for, we would just like children to be themselves.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s current school.
Offer and Acceptance
On successful completion of the assessment morning, an offer will be made by the Headmaster. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s place.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to a ‘Move Up Morning’ in June when they will meet their class teacher and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Year 3
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Year 3 and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Year 4
New pupils are warmly welcomed into Year 4. In small, unrivalled classes of just 18, children receive tailored support to grow academically, build confidence and enjoy their learning. Junior pupils also access the Senior School timetable early, helping them to develop independence as they move up through the school.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
Assessment
Children are invited to attend an assessment morning with the Head of Juniors. This assessment is relaxed and aimed to familiarise the children with the school setting. The morning includes a tour of the school and an opportunity to play with our current pupils.
The assessment covers the following areas: social interaction in the classroom, spellings, literacy, numeracy, speaking and listening skills as well as an informal discussion about hobbies and interests. There is absolutely nothing to prepare for, we would just like children to be themselves.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s current school.
Offer and Acceptance
On successful completion of the assessment morning, an offer will be made by the Headmaster. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s place.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to a ‘Move Up Morning’ in June when they will meet their class teacher and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Year 4
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Year 4 and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Year 5
Pupils joining in Year 5 are warmly welcomed and quickly settle in. Joining Aldwickbury at this stage provides excellent preparation for entry into a wide range of outstanding senior schools, while also giving pupils the chance to develop independence and broaden their interests.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
Assessment
Children are invited to attend an assessment morning with the Head of Years 5 and 6. This assessment is relaxed and aimed to familiarise the children with the school setting. The morning includes a tour of the school and an opportunity to take part in a lesson with our current pupils.
We use CAT4 computer-based assessments to measure verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning skills and there will also be an informal discussion about hobbies and interests. There is absolutely nothing to prepare for, we would just like children to be themselves.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s current school.
Offer and Acceptance
On successful completion of the assessment morning, an offer will be made by the Headmaster. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s place.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to a ‘Move Up Morning’ in June when they will meet their class teacher and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Year 5
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Year 5 and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Year 6
Pupils joining Year 6 are warmly welcomed and quickly settle in, with focused support designed to prepare them for entry into a wide range of outstanding senior schools. Alongside this, they continue to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning, while enjoying opportunities to explore interests both inside and outside the classroom.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
Assessment
Children are invited to attend an assessment morning with the Head of Years 5 and 6. This assessment is relaxed and aimed to familiarise the children with the school setting. The morning includes a tour of the school and an opportunity to take part in a lesson with our current pupils.
We use CAT4 computer-based assessments to measure verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning skills and there will also be an informal discussion about hobbies and interests. There is absolutely nothing to prepare for, we would just like children to be themselves.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s current school.
Offer and Acceptance
On successful completion of the assessment morning, an offer will be made by the Headmaster. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s place.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to a ‘Move Up Morning’ in June when they will meet their class teacher and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Year 6
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Year 6 and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Year 7
New pupils joining Year 7 are made to feel at home from day one. These are special years for them to grow in confidence, develop leadership skills and enjoy new learning opportunities. Supported by a strong curriculum and extended school day, we ensure every pupil is fully prepared to thrive at their senior school of choice.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
Familiarisation and Assessment
Children are invited to attend an assessment morning with either the Director of Studies and/or the Deputy Head. This assessment is relaxed and aimed to familiarise the children with the school setting. The morning includes a tour of the school and an opportunity to take part in a lesson with our current pupils.
We use CAT4 computer-based assessments to measure verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning skills and there will also be an informal discussion about hobbies and interests. There is absolutely nothing to prepare for, we would just like children to be themselves.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s current school.
Offer and Acceptance
On successful completion of the assessment morning, an offer will be made by the Headmaster. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s place.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to a ‘Move Up Morning’ in June when they will meet their class teacher and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Year 7
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Year 7 and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Year 8
When your child joins Year 8, they are welcomed and supported to settle in quickly. This year builds on their confidence and leadership skills while providing opportunities to stretch
academically and explore new interests. Supported by a strong curriculum and extended school day, we ensure every pupil is fully prepared to thrive at their senior school of choice.
Visit
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. The best way to experience what Aldwickbury has to offer is to visit us in person, where you can explore our facilities and meet our staff and pupils.
You can join us for an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you.
If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team first, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Apply
Start your application by setting up a parent account on our secure and easy-to-use admissions platform, where you can complete the online form and pay the registration fee.
Familiarisation and Assessment
Children are invited to attend an assessment morning, with either the Director of Studies and/or the Deputy Head. This assessment is relaxed and aimed to familiarise the children with the school setting. The morning includes a tour of the school and an opportunity to take part in a lesson with our current pupils.
We use CAT4 computer-based assessments to measure verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning skills and there will also be an informal discussion about hobbies and interests. There is absolutely nothing to prepare for, we would just like children to be themselves.
Reference
We’ll request a reference from your child’s current school.
Offer and Acceptance
On successful completion of the assessment morning, an offer will be made by the Headmaster. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s place.
Induction
You and your child will be invited to a ‘Move Up Morning’ in June when they will meet their class teacher and new classmates whilst you chat to key staff, current and new parents over coffee. You will also be able to peruse and purchase second-hand uniform.
Start in Year 8
Welcome to Aldwickbury! Your child starts in Year 8 and the whole family join the Aldwickbury community.
Fully Co-Educational by 2031
In September 2025, Aldwickbury took its next exciting step by beginning our transition to co-education, welcoming girls into our Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2). We are proud to now offer girls the same exceptional, forward-thinking education and wealth of opportunities that Aldwickbury boys have enjoyed for generations.
With girls progressing through the school year by year, Aldwickbury will be fully co-educational by 2031.
What Are the Entry Requirements?
Pupils with a range of ability levels are accepted through the Aldwickbury admissions process, however, the academic standard is such that they can reach the entry requirements of various senior schools (both day and boarding) at 13+.
It is important that pupils attending Aldwickbury can participate in, and benefit from, the balanced and broad curriculum. Pupils should be willing to contribute to, and be involved with, what is offered both inside and outside the classroom. Aldwickbury has strong traditions of involvement in many areas outside of the curriculum, all of which are important in developing well-balanced, confident individuals and parents should be supportive of this ethos.
All places at Aldwickbury are offered at the discretion of the Headmaster, and there are certain preconditions of entry:
- The applicant’s family will support our ethos and objectives and will abide by the terms and conditions
- The applicant is of the appropriate age and maturity
- The applicant should enjoy satisfactory health enabling them to attend lessons and participate fully in all aspects of life at Aldwickbury
- Within the constraints of the normal operation, Aldwickbury is able to provide adequate support that may be needed by a pupil such that they can benefit from the education available
All pupils must meet certain criteria, and these are listed below:
- All pupils must have a competent grasp of the basic skills at a level appropriate to their age
- All pupils beyond Reception will be assessed in order to ensure that they will be able to engage with our curriculum and style of education
- A report from each child’s current school, if applicable, will be required and should include comments on the applicant’s academic ability, talents, interests, attitude, behaviour and any other special circumstances which may be relevant
- Any reports that relate to a child’s specific needs (including Educational Psychologist, Medical or Speech and Language) should be given to the school at the assessment stage
Transfer through the school will be automatic unless a pupil is struggling to engage with the increasing demands of higher years or is unable to meet the expectations set out in our Promoting Positive Behaviour policy. In such a situation, there will be extensive consultations with parents.
What Is the Assessment Criteria?
Assessment criteria for each age group varies and can be found by using the admissions timeline above.
At all levels of assessment, the behaviour of each child will be monitored and should be in line with our expectations.
Although all pupils must meet the entry requirements, there are some situations which may lead to special consideration at entry:
- A sibling already attends Aldwickbury
- The father of the pupil is an Old Boy of Aldwickbury
On occasions where the Headmaster feels more information is required, the child in question may be requested to return for a second assessment in normal lessons with current pupils.
Places based on the assessment above will then be offered by the Headmaster after discussion with the relevant staff leading the assessment.
The Head of Admissions will arrange a convenient time for the Headmaster to verbally feedback to families on this process.
Make an Enquiry
To find out more about Aldwickbury School, please fill in our enquiry form. Our Admissions Team will be in touch, answer your questions and guide you through the admissions process.
