Brighton College (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

Brighton College is a co-educational selective independent school located in Brighton, East Sussex. Established in 1845, it serves 1,200+ pupils aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Ranked among the best independent schools in UK, the school consistently delivers stellar academic results. ISI also rates the school as "Excellent" in the Brighton College ISI inspection report.

Recognised as the 'United Kingdom School of the Decade', Brighton College balances elite academic standards with deep pastoral care. Students engage in the proprietary 'Story of Our Land' curriculum and benefit from the world-class School of Science and Sport, ensuring a uniquely forward-thinking education.

In this guide, I provide definitive education consultancy advice to help parents navigate the Brighton College 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions journey successfully.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School
• Boarding Type: Day and Boarding
• Gender Type: Co-educational (Boys and Girls)
• Religion: Church of England
• Age Range: 3 to 18 years
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1170+
• Brighton College GCSE Results (2025): 98% achieved Grades 9–7 (A*–A)
• Brighton College A-Level Results (2025): 85% achieved Grades A*–A

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 120–140 (approx. 40–50 external places)
• Exam Board: Internal / ISEB
• Number of Stages: 2 (Orientation Day & Main Papers)
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

Preparing for the Brighton College open day and coordinating the test schedule requires meticulous planning. I have compiled the definitive calendar of Brighton College 11 plus exam dates to guide your family through every stage of the admissions process. These 11+ Exam date milestones are arranged chronologically to help you plan the academic year effectively.

Brighton College manages the 11+ Exam entry process for Year 7 places commencing in September 2026. Parents should carefully follow the official guidelines found on the Brighton College Admissions Policy page. This institution is one of the leading independent schools in Brighton and Hove.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Submit the online registration form by the 1st of December 2025 to officially start the application.
• Pay the required registration fee to finalize the 11 plus exam registration before the strict deadline.
• Candidates must sit the ISEB common pre test between October and late November at their current school.
• Detailed information regarding these eleven plus exams is provided to families upon application submission.
• Successful applicants from the iseb test are invited to the Orientation Day in January.

In this section, we detail the Brighton College 11 Plus Test format for prospective families. The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is rigorous and holistic.

Candidates will sit their entrance examinations in early December 2025. This ensures that students are selected based on their current academic ability and potential.

As stated in the Brighton College Admissions Policy, the school invites all registered candidates to sit the assessment. The day is designed to be welcoming, allowing children to demonstrate their true capabilities.

11+ English

The 11+ English paper assesses a candidate’s reading fluency and writing ability. It is designed to test core literacy skills required for the Key Stage 3 curriculum.

• The paper typically lasts 45 to 50 minutes.
• Students must answer 11 plus exam questions based on an unseen comprehension passage.
• Questions require candidates to infer meanings and analyse the writer's choice of language.
• A creative writing section tests spelling, punctuation, and the ability to structure a narrative.

11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics paper evaluates numeracy and problem-solving skills. It is based on the National Curriculum for Year 6 students.

• The duration of the paper is approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
• Questions cover arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and basic geometry.
• It includes multi-step word problems to test logical application of concepts.
• Working out must be shown, as marks are often awarded for the correct method.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Brighton College includes these papers to identify potential beyond learned knowledge. These tests measure a child's critical thinking and logic.

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests the ability to solve problems using words and letters.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logic through visual patterns and diagrammatic sequences.
• These papers are usually multiple-choice and strictly timed to measure processing speed.

The 11+ Interview

A vital part of the process is the interview with a senior staff member. This takes place shortly after the written papers or on the same day.

The session is conversational and explores the child's hobbies and reading interests. Parents should review 11+ interview questions to help their child prepare for this interaction.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

What exam board does Brighton College follow?

The Papers are set internally by the school.

How long is the 11+ Exam for Brighton College?

The assessment involves four distinct papers taken over the course of a single day.

​Brighton College does not publish a specific pass mark for the eleven plus exam. Instead, admission depends on strong performance across the Stage One Test and Stage Two Test.

While the school does not have an official pass mark, if the child is able to achieve 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, they will be able to ace the Brighton College 11 plus exam.

​Brighton College is widely considered the leading co-educational school in the UK. However, with intense competition for limited Year 7 places, reliance on a single option is risky. Most academically ambitious families need a robust backup plan.

I have guided Sussex parents through this process for nearly two decades. I frequently see families fixate solely on Brighton College, only to face disappointment due to the unpredictable nature of the "General Paper". I always advise parents to curate a portfolio of three Grammar (or high-performing state) options and two Private options.

This strategic approach ensures your child secures a place in an elite learning environment, regardless of the final Brighton College decision.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

When families target Brighton College, they often look at local independent rivals or commute to the Sutton Grammar Consortium. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

*Results estimated based on 2024/2025 academic trends.

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Brighton College

• Roedean School: Located just minutes away, Roedean offers a comparable holistic education for girls. It is less academically pressured than Brighton College but boasts impressive facilities and rising exam results.
• Lancing College: Lancing is a strong co-educational alternative for parents prioritising pastoral care. While the academic entry threshold is slightly lower, it offers a prestigious "public school" ethos and stunning grounds.
• Burgess Hill Girls: This school is an excellent backup for families seeking a nurturing environment. It consistently delivers strong value-added scores, ensuring students often outperform their baseline predictions.
• Wilson's School (Sutton): For parents willing to commute, Wilson's is the closest academic match to Brighton College in the state sector. It rivals the top private schools for Oxbridge success rates.
• Nonsuch High School (Sutton): As part of the Sutton SET, this is a premier grammar option for girls. It provides a rigorous academic environment similar to Brighton College but without the school fees.

​Brighton College assesses candidates using the ISEB Common Pre-Test for Year 7 entry. This online assessment covers Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of the ISEB practice papers reveals a significant weighting on Number topics. This breakdown clearly shows that Numbers and Geometry account for the majority of questions in the 11 Plus Test.

We recommend practicing with 11+ maths topics using our comprehensive resources. Our 11+ Maths ISEB Practice Papers Pack 1 is specifically designed to match this format.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

Based on the exam analysis, Reading Comprehension and Grammar are critical components. Questions test a student's ability to identify errors and understand texts efficiently.

Students should focus on 11+ English past papers to improve their speed. For targeted preparation, use our 11+ English Independent Practice Papers Pack 1.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of 11 plus verbal reasoning papers for Brighton College shows that Word Meanings and Codes are primary focus areas. These sections collectively account for a significant portion of the total marks.

Elevate your score with our 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers. This resource is essential for mastering the ISEB pre-test practice papers free style questions.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of 11 plus non verbal reasoning exams shows that Analogies, Series, and Matrices are critical focus areas. Each section requires strong spatial awareness and pattern recognition.

Prepare for success with our 11+ NVR Practice Papers. Consistent practice helps students visualise complex shapes and sequences.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for Brighton College?

Our targeted 11+ practice papers are based on the actual questions of top schools. They help students familiarize themselves with the exam pattern well in advance.

We recommend the following resources for the Brighton College ISEB Common Pre-Test. These packs provide detailed solutions to help you score top marks.

Best 11+ Mock Exam for Brighton College

To simulate real exam conditions, we highly recommend the 11+ ISEB Pre-Test Mock Pack 1(Maths, English, NVR & VR). This pack covers all four subjects and mirrors the difficulty of the actual ISEB Pre-Test.

​Brighton College is highly selective, so thorough preparation is key to securing a place. Sitting a Brighton College 11 plus mock exam helps students acclimatise to the pressure of the real exam environment. These practice runs are crucial for spotting weak topics and improving time management skills.

As the school uses the ISEB Common Pre-Tests, we recommend specific resources to match this format. We suggest the best mock exams for this school using the following table:

You can try our free 11 plus mock test to gauge your child's current ability level first. Booking an 11 plus mock test Brighton and Hove ensures your child is ready for this competitive assessment.

​For the 2024/25 academic year, the Year 7 day fee is £9,212 per term. This figure generally covers tuition, school lunches, and essential educational resources. Boarding options are available at a higher rate for older pupils.

The school awards Brighton College Scholarships to celebrate excellence in academic and co-curricular disciplines. Families requiring financial support may also apply for a means-tested Brighton College bursary. These Brighton College bursaries ensure that talented pupils can attend regardless of financial background.

Please check our blog on the most expensive Private Schools UK to see how these costs compare with other elite institutions.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Thursday 4^th September 2025 to Friday 17^th October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3^rd November 2025 to Wednesday 9^th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: Monday 5^th January 2026 to Wednesday 11^th February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 23^rd February 2026 to Wednesday 18^th March 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: Monday 13^th April 2026 to Thursday 21^st May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1^st June 2026 to Friday 26^th June 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Brighton College Official Website.