FREE Download: King Edward's School 2026 11+ Exam & Year 7 Entry 11 Plus Guide

King Edward's School is a Co-educational selective independent school in Bath. Founded in 1552, it educates pupils aged 3 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Ranked among the best independent schools in UK, King Edwards is renowned for academic excellence. The ISI awarded a 'Significant Strength' for pupil development; its ISI report reflects high standards.

King Edward's School stands out as the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West (Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026). King Edwards also received a rare 'Significant Strength' for pupil development in its 2026 ISI Report, reflecting its commitment to an outstanding all-round education and fostering adventurous minds.

In this guide, I leverage my 18-year education consultancy background to simplify King Edward's School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent, Co-educational Day School
• Boarding Type: Day School
• Gender Type: Co-educational
• Religion: Not specified
• Age Range: 3 to 18
• Number of Pupils: 1,100+ pupis
• GCSE Results (2025): 76.6% of grades at 9-7
• A-Level Results (2025): 90% of grades at A*-B

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 120+ places
• Exam Board: School's own entrance examinations.
• Number of Stages: Application, non-refundable fee, school reference, interview, and entrance exams.
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark guidance: Aim for 90%

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and King Edward's School Official Website.

Navigating the admissions process for King Edward's School can feel like a significant undertaking for parents. To assist you, I have compiled the essential King Edward's School 11 plus exam dates and other important milestones for prospective Year 7 pupils.

While King Edward's School offers various opportunities to visit, including Autumn Open Events and individual tours throughout the year, understanding the key deadlines is crucial. The 11+ Exam date is a pivotal moment, and being well-informed about all 11 plus exam dates ensures a smooth application journey for your child.

Here is a summary of the important dates to keep in mind:

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Begin your preparation early, focusing on English, Maths & Reasoning. Attending an open event or arranging a visit will provide invaluable insight into King Edward's School.

For September 2026 entry to King Edward's School, Bath, the 11 plus exam process typically begins in 2025. As stated in the King Edward's School Admissions Policy, the application journey identifies pupils who will thrive. The 11+ Exam involves a comprehensive assessment. King Edwards is one of the leading independent schools in Bath and North East Somerset.

How to register for 11+ exam

• Complete the online application form via the King Edward's School website.
• Pay the non-refundable application fee to finalise your 11 plus exam registration.
• The school will request a headteacher reference from your child's current school.
• Applicants will be invited for an interview and to sit the entrance examinations.

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Familiarise your child with independent school assessments. Early preparation for the eleven plus exams builds confidence and reduces anxiety.

As an independent day school, King Edward's School, Bath, does not operate a formal catchment area in the same way state schools do. This means there are no specific postcode zones or geographical boundaries that determine eligibility for admission to King Edwards.

Instead, entry to King Edward's School is highly selective and based on a comprehensive assessment process. This typically includes entrance examinations, an interview, and a review of a candidate's current school report. Pupils are welcomed from Bath and the wider region of Bath and North East Somerset, reflecting the school's broad appeal.

​Applying for a place at a highly sought-after independent school like King Edward's School, Bath, is a significant decision for any family. Given the competitive nature and oversubscription pressure for places, it is always a wise strategy for parents to explore strong alternative options.

Building a robust backup plan, which might include other leading independent schools or, where geographically viable, selective grammar schools, ensures your child has excellent educational pathways regardless of the outcome of their primary application.

This approach helps manage expectations and provides peace of mind, knowing that several outstanding schools could be a perfect fit for your child's future.

• These schools are all located in or very near Bath, offering a similar independent school experience to King Edward's School. They share a commitment to academic excellence alongside a rich co-curricular programme, fostering well-rounded individuals.
• Like King Edward's, these schools prioritise not just academic achievement but also personal growth, leadership, and a wide range of sporting, artistic, and cultural opportunities. This ensures a balanced education that prepares pupils for future success.
• While King Edwards is co-educational, Royal High School offers a strong single-sex option for girls, providing choice for parents. Prior Park and Kingswood also offer co-educational environments, with varying sizes and specific strengths, allowing families to find the best fit.
• When considering alternatives, factors like daily commute, the specific exam board and stage style (e.g., written vs. online, interview focus), and the level of oversubscription pressure are crucial. These schools offer diverse options to help manage these practical decision points and secure strong academic outcomes.

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Visit these alternative schools, attend open days, and speak to admissions teams. Understanding their unique ethos, exam styles, and commute implications will help you make an informed decision and build a confident backup strategy for your child's future.

​King Edward's School, Bath, does not publicly disclose the exact number of applications it receives for Year 7 entry each year. As a selective independent school, Year 7 is a significant entry point, and competition for places is generally high.

Prospective pupils undergo an entrance examination, an interview, and the school requests a report from their current headteacher. A non-refundable application fee of £120 is required to register for entry, indicating a formal and competitive admissions process for this popular Bath school.

As stated in the King Edward's School Admissions Policy, a non-refundable application fee of £120 is required for all applications. The entrance examinations for Year 7 entry typically take place in January of Year 6.

The King Edward's School 11 Plus Test is a single-stage assessment designed to evaluate a candidate's academic potential across core subjects. There are no separate "Stage One" or "Stage Two" tests; all subjects are assessed on the same day.

11+ English

The 11+ English paper assesses both comprehension and writing skills. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their ability in inference, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Marks are also awarded for imaginative and creative writing, focusing on purpose, organisation, cohesion, and sentence structure. The format requires written answers rather than multiple-choice selections.

11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics exam evaluates problem-solving abilities and arithmetic skills. The paper may include 11 plus exam questions covering various topics such as number, measurement, geometry, algebra, and statistics. Like English, this paper typically requires candidates to write in their answers.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning paper is designed to test logical thinking, the use of the English language, and vocabulary. This section assesses a child's ability to work with words, letters, and numbers to solve problems.

King Edward's School 11+ Resources

Interview Guidance

Upon registration, candidates for King Edward's School are invited for an interview with a senior staff member, often the Head or Head of Year 7. This meeting provides an opportunity for the school to get to know the child beyond their academic performance. To prepare, encourage your child to discuss their interests and experiences confidently. For more insights, explore common 11+ interview questions.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

• What exam board does King Edwards follow?
  King Edward's School, Bath, uses its own bespoke entrance examinations for Year 7 admissions.
• How long is the 11+ Exam for King Edwards?
  The King Edward's School 11 Plus Test consists of three papers, each 50 minutes long, making the total examination time around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Practical Tip: To excel in the King Edward's School 11 Plus Test, consistent practice is key. Focus on developing strong foundational skills in English and Mathematics, and regularly engage with Verbal Reasoning exercises to enhance logical thinking. Simulating exam conditions will also help manage time effectively.

King Edward's School, Bath, has no official 11 plus exam pass mark. Children should target 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, maximising scores across all tested subjects.

King Edward's School, Bath, a leading independent school, conducts its own 11+ entrance examination for Year 7 entry. This assessment is a single stage, typically held in January of Year 6, and is designed to identify pupils with strong academic potential across core subjects.

The examination comprises papers in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning, each lasting approximately 50 minutes. Following the exams, candidates are invited for an interview with a senior staff member as part of the admissions process.

English Paper Analysis

The English paper for King Edward's School assesses both comprehension and creative writing skills. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of texts, alongside the ability to express themselves clearly and imaginatively in written form. Key areas include:

• Comprehension: Evaluating understanding of a given passage, including inference, identifying main ideas, and understanding vocabulary in context.
• Writing Skills: Demonstrating proficiency in creative writing, focusing on imagination, structure, purpose, organisation, cohesion, and accurate use of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

While specific topic weightings are not published, a balanced approach to both comprehension and creative writing is crucial for success in the King Edward's 11+ English paper.

Mathematics Exam Analysis

The Mathematics exam evaluates a child's problem-solving abilities and arithmetic skills, covering the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The paper typically includes questions across various mathematical domains:

• Number: Operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, and proportion.
• Measurement: Units, time, money, and problem-solving involving measurements.
• Geometry: Properties of shapes, position, and direction.
• Algebra: Introduction to simple algebraic concepts and patterns.
• Statistics: Interpretation of data, charts, and graphs.

The King Edward's 11+ Mathematics paper requires not just computational accuracy but also the ability to apply mathematical reasoning to solve multi-step problems.

Verbal Reasoning Paper Analysis

The Verbal Reasoning paper is designed to assess a child's logical thinking, vocabulary, and proficiency in the English language. This section often includes a variety of question types that test:

• Word Relationships: Identifying synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and odd one out.
• Code Breaking: Deciphering patterns and codes involving letters and numbers.
• Logical Deduction: Solving problems based on given statements or sequences.
• Vocabulary: Understanding and applying a broad range of words.

Success in Verbal Reasoning for King Edward's School relies on strong linguistic skills and the ability to identify underlying patterns and relationships.

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Best Resources for King Edward's School 11+ Exam Preparation

Effective exam preparation is key for the King Edward's School 11+ exam. Utilising high-quality practice materials can significantly boost your child's confidence and performance.

PiAcademy offers a range of resources tailored to the independent school examination style, which are ideal for preparing for the King Edward's 11+ assessment. For comprehensive preparation, explore our 11 plus exam papers.

​Preparing for the King Edward's School 11 Plus entrance exam is a crucial step for prospective pupils in Bath and North East Somerset. As a highly competitive independent school, King Edwards requires thorough preparation in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning.

Utilising an 11 plus mock test Bath and North East Somerset is invaluable for familiarising your child with the exam format, managing time effectively, and building confidence.

Mock exams help identify areas for improvement, ensuring your child is fully prepared for the actual assessment at King Edward's School. For a comprehensive understanding of your child's current standing, consider our free 11 Plus diagnostic assessment.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Thursday 3rd September 2026 - Friday 16th October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 2nd November 2026 - Wednesday 16th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: Wednesday 6th January 2027 - Friday 12th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 22nd February 2027 - Wednesday 24th March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: Tuesday 13th April 2027 - Friday 28th May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: Tuesday 8th June 2027 - Wednesday 7th July 2027

​Navigating independent school admissions requires understanding direct application processes, specific registration deadlines, and bespoke entrance assessments. To support your journey, we've compiled essential official resources. Review these inspection reports, admissions policies, and governance details to confidently prepare your child for King Edward's School, Bath.

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

Understanding the financial commitment for King Edward's School is an important consideration for families. The 2026-2027 fees scheduled by the school for Years 7 to 11 is £7,530 Per Term (inclusive of VAT).

The school offers a robust bursary programme, with means-tested financial assistance supporting 1 in 5 pupils in the Senior School, ensuring talented pupils can attend regardless of their financial circumstances. Academic Scholarships and Special Talent Awards in Art, Sports, Drama, and Music are also available, recognising exceptional abilities.

For detailed and up-to-date fee information, including application fees and deposits, please visit the school's official admissions page.