FREE Download: City of London Freemen's School 2026 11+ Exam & Year 7 Entry 11 Plus Guide

City of London Freemen's School is a co-educational selective independent school in Ashtead Park, Surrey. Established in 1854, it educates pupils aged 7 to 18, covering from Key Stage 2 (KS2) till sixth form.

Recognised among the best independent schools in UK, City of London Freemen's delivers excellent academic results. You can check out its latest ISI inspection report here.

City of London Freemen's School fosters exceptional student development, recently celebrating the Hopeful Horizons team's WOHAA Award win for social enterprise. The school also champions intellectual and personal growth through initiatives like the Free Minds Graduation programme, ensuring pupils are confident and compassionate.

In this guide, I leverage my 6+ year education consultancy background to simplify City of London Freemen's School 2026 11+ Exam admissions for every parent.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent
• Boarding Type: Day and Full Boarding (from Year 9)
• Gender Type: Co-educational
• Religion: No
• Age Range: 7 to 18 years
• Number of Pupils: 940+
• GCSE Results (2025): 82% of grades were 7, 8 and 9s
• A-Level Results (2025): 71% of grades at A – A*

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 50 - 60
• Exam Board: ISEB
• Number of Stages: 2
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: Yes
• Pass Mark guidance: Aim for 90%

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and City of London Freemen's School Official Website.

Navigating the admissions process for City of London Freemen's School can feel like a significant undertaking for parents. To assist you in planning, I have compiled the key official dates for the 11 plus exam entry.

Understanding these City of London Freemen's School 11 plus exam dates, from the initial City of London Freemen's School open day to the crucial 11+ Exam date, is vital for a smooth application journey.

Please note that these dates are subject to change, so always verify with the school's official admissions page.

For September 2027 entry to City of London Freemen's School, the 11+ Exam application process typically commences in 2026. As stated in the City of London Freemen's School Admissions Policy, parents should utilise the online admissions portal.

How to register for 11+ exam

• Create an account on the school's admissions portal and complete the online registration form for the 11 plus exam.
• Submit the non-refundable £200 registration fee to confirm your 11 plus exam registration.
• Candidates will sit the entrance examinations, comprising aptitude tests. 
  
• Shortlisted pupils proceed to an interview and group activities. Interviews and activities take place in early November. A confidential headteacher reference is also sought.
• Offers are sent in mid-December, with scholarship results in January. Offer-holder taster events run in January and February.

As an independent school, City of London Freemen's School does not operate a traditional catchment area for admissions. Instead, entry is highly selective and based on a comprehensive assessment of each applicant.

The admissions process for City of London Freemen's School is criteria-led, focusing on a candidate's performance in entrance examinations, their interview, and a confidential report from their current school. This ensures that pupils admitted are those who will thrive within the school's academic and co-curricular environment, regardless of their specific postcode.

For Year 7 applicants, this means that geographical proximity is not a primary factor in securing a place. Families considering City of London Freemen's should focus on preparing their child for the selective entrance assessments and understanding the school's ethos, rather than relying on a specific residential area.

Given the highly competitive nature of admissions to top independent schools like City of London Freemen's School, it is always a prudent strategy for parents to consider a range of alternative options. Oversubscription pressure means that even the brightest candidates may not secure a place, making a robust backup plan essential.

This strategy should ideally include a mix of independent schools that align with your child's needs and, where geographically viable, selective grammar schools.

• Epsom College: Located relatively close to City of London Freemen's, Epsom College offers a similar co-educational, full-boarding and day school experience with a strong academic reputation and a wide array of extracurricular activities. Its admissions process is rigorous, often involving the ISEB Pre-Test for earlier entry points and school-specific exams.
• Reigate Grammar School: A highly regarded co-educational day school, Reigate Grammar is known for its excellent academic results and vibrant community. It's a popular choice for families in Surrey and surrounding areas, offering a challenging curriculum and diverse opportunities, making it a strong alternative to City of London Freemen's.
• St John's School, Leatherhead: Another excellent co-educational independent school in Surrey, St John's provides a nurturing environment with a focus on holistic development alongside academic rigour. Its proximity to City of London Freemen's and similar ethos make it a compelling option for parents seeking comparable educational outcomes and pastoral care.

City of London Freemen's School does not publicly disclose the exact number of applications received for Year 7 entry each year. Many independent schools, including Freemen's, do not publish these specific figures.

However, it is widely understood that entry into City of London Freemen's School for Year 7 is competitive. The admissions process involves entrance examinations in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, followed by an interview with a senior member of staff, indicating a selective intake.

Parents considering an application are encouraged to contact the school's admissions team directly for the most current information regarding the application process and any insights they may be able to provide.

As stated in the City of London Freemen's School Admissions Policy, the school uses a comprehensive assessment model. Candidates must sit the ISEB common pre test, participate in an Activities Day, and attend a friendly interview.

The 11+ Entrance Examination

The primary academic assessment for the City of London Freemen's School 11 Plus Test is the ISEB Pre-Test. This is an adaptive, multiple-choice online examination that candidates must complete by the last day of November 2025. The test adjusts its difficulty based on the child's responses to accurately measure their academic potential.

11+ English

• This section evaluates reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar over approximately 25 minutes.

• Candidates will answer 11 plus exam questions based on unseen texts.

• The test assesses their ability to deduce meaning, identify literary devices, and understand character motivations.

• Spelling and punctuation skills are also strictly evaluated.

11+ Mathematics

• The maths section lasts roughly 50 minutes and aligns with the National Curriculum up to Year 5.

• It starts with foundational arithmetic to assess numerical fluency and calculation speed.

• Students then tackle multi-step problem-solving questions.

• Key topics include fractions, decimals, basic geometry, and data handling.

Verbal Reasoning

• This 36-minute module tests the ability to process and reason with written information.

• Questions cover vocabulary-based logic, such as antonyms, synonyms, and word patterns.

• It measures a child's linguistic potential and critical thinking skills.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Taking about 32 minutes, this section focuses on visual-spatial intelligence.

• Students must identify patterns, complete sequences, and manipulate 2D and 3D shapes.

• It helps the school assess underlying logic independent of language skills.

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Additional Assessment: Activities Day and Creative Writing

Beyond the online iseb pre test, candidates are invited to an Activities Day. This forms a crucial part of the holistic assessment process.

• Students will complete a bespoke Freemen's creative writing task.

• This task evaluates their imagination, narrative structure, and vocabulary in a handwritten format.

• The day includes group tasks to observe teamwork, curiosity, and social interaction.

The 11+ Interview

The admissions process includes a friendly one-to-one interview with a staff member. This conversational session aims to understand the candidate's personality, interests, and potential. Parents should review 11+ interview questions to help their child prepare effectively and feel more confident during this round.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

• What exam board does City of London Freemen's follow?
  City of London Freemen's School uses ISEB Pretest as an entrance examination.
• How long is the 11+ Exam for City of London Freemen's?
  The exact duration of each paper for the City of London Freemen's School 11 Plus Test is not publicly disclosed by the school.

City of London Freemen's School does not publish an official 11 Plus pass mark. However, children consistently achieving 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers are better positioned. To maximise their chances, prospective pupils for City of London Freemen's should aim to achieve the highest possible scores across all tested subjects in the eleven plus exam.

Our analysis of the City of London Freemen's 11+ exam past papers reveals distinct trends. The ISEB Pre-Tests are adaptive and multiple-choice.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

The Mathematics examination at City of London Freemen's School assesses a child's numerical ability, problem-solving skills, and understanding of key mathematical concepts. A solid grasp of arithmetic and the ability to apply mathematical reasoning to various problems are essential.

Try our 11 Plus Maths topics-wise Questions with more than 15,000+ Questions. Used by 20,000+ Students. It includes the complete 11+ Maths Past Papers planner and helpful worksheets.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

Based on our analysis of ISEB 11 plus past papers, Reading Comprehension is highly important. Vocabulary questions also carry a significant weightage in the exam.

The English paper for City of London Freemen's School generally evaluates a child's comprehension, writing, and verbal reasoning skills. Strong inference skills and a broad vocabulary are often key to success in this section.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Reviewing 11+ verbal reasoning test with answers pdf materials shows specific trends. Maths, Making Words, and Missing Words are the core focus areas.

Elevate your score with our 11 plus verbal reasoning resources. This pack includes a complete planner, answer hints, and worksheets covering key topics.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non - Verbal Reasoning topics

Looking at 11 plus non verbal reasoning papers pdf with answers, distinct patterns emerge. Odd One Out, Analogies, 2D Views, and Block Counting are vital focus areas.

Each section is equally important for securing a high score.

Prepare for success with our expert-designed 11 plus non verbal reasoning pack. It provides instant access to 3D Shapes guides and block counting practice.

Best Resources for City of London Freemen's School 11+ Preparation​

To prepare effectively for the City of London Freemen's School 11+ entrance exam, a structured approach using relevant practice materials is crucial. PiAcademy offers a comprehensive range of resources tailored for independent school entrance exams, including specific sample papers where available. 

Recommended English Resources

Recommended Mathematics Resources

Recommended Reasoning Resources

City of London Freemen's School, a highly sought-after independent school in Surrey, requires thorough preparation for its competitive 11+ entrance exams. Engaging in mock tests is paramount for prospective pupils. These simulated exam conditions help children familiarise themselves with the structure, manage their time effectively, and build confidence, significantly reducing exam day anxiety.

For City of London Freemen's, which sets its own bespoke assessments in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, targeted practice is essential. Our comprehensive 11 plus mock test Surrey options are specifically designed to mirror the independent school examination experience.

Parents can also access a free 11 Plus diagnostic assessment to pinpoint areas for further development.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Thursday 3rd September - Friday 16th October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 2nd November - Tuesday 15th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: Wednesday 6th January - Friday 12th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 22nd February - Wednesday 24th March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: Tuesday 13th April - Friday 28th May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 7th June - Wednesday 7th July 2027

Independent school admissions involve direct applications, distinct registration deadlines, and bespoke pre-testing. Review these official inspection reports and testing guidelines to prepare your child for City of London Freemen's School.

• UK Govt. - Get Information on City of London Freemen's School Page
• City of London Freemen's School ISI Report
• City of London Freemen's School Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data
• City of London Freemen's School - Charity Commission

Understanding the financial commitment is a key consideration for parents applying to City of London Freemen's School. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the Termly School fees (inclusive of VAT) scale by age group, starting at £7,864 for Years 3–6, rising to £8,736 for Years 7–8, £10,556 for Years 9–11, and peaking at £11,030 for the Sixth Form (Years 12–13).

Additionally, City of London Freemen's provides support through means-tested bursaries offering up to 100% fee remission, alongside scholarships for excellence in academics, music, and sport.

For a broader perspective on independent education costs, you might be interested in our article on the most expensive Private Schools UK.