FREE Download: Radley College 2026 (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

Radley College is a selective independent school for boys aged 13-18 in Oxfordshire. This traditional boarding school holds a strong ISI rating, reflecting its commitment to excellence.

Admissions for 2026 entry are competitive, featuring a two-stage 11+ Exam process. This includes a Stage One Test, then a Stage Two Test at the school. Understanding these requirements is vital.

Radley College, a distinguished independent school, fosters "Greatness & Goodness" by nurturing intellectual entrepreneurs with drive, kindness, and integrity. As a proud member of the Radley Schools Group, it benefits over 2,300 children across eight schools, further enhancing its broad educational impact and reach.

In this guide, I apply 6+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate Radley College 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with confidence.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent, Boarding School
• Boarding Type: Full Boarding
• Gender Type: Boys only
• Religion: Christian ethos (Chapel is a key part of school life)
• Age Range: 13-18 years
• Number of Pupils: 750+
• GCSE Results highlight: 87% students achieved grades between 9 - 7
  
• A-Level Results highlight: 87% students achieved grades between A* - B

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Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Academically selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): No direct Year 7 (11+) entry; the main entry point is at 13+ (Year 9).
• Exam Board: Bespoke
• Number of Stages: 1
• School Catchment Area: No 
• Sibling Policy: No 
• Pass Mark guidance: Aim for 90%

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

​Navigating the admissions process for a prestigious school like Radley College can feel daunting, but understanding the key milestones is essential. While Radley College's main entry point is at 13+, the crucial pre-assessment journey often begins around the 11+ stage.

To assist prospective parents, I have compiled the important Radley College 11 plus exam dates and other significant admissions events. These dates are vital for planning your son's application, from attending a Radley College open day to sitting the 11+ Exam date itself.

Please note that these 11 plus exam dates and deadlines are based on the typical admissions cycle and are subject to change, so always verify with the school's official admissions page.

For September 2026 entry, Radley College's admissions process begins with an 11+ assessment in Year 6. As stated in the Radley College Admissions Policy, this initial stage leads to 13+ entry.

How to register for 11+ exam

To navigate the 11 plus exam process for Radley College:

• Complete your 11 plus exam registration by the Summer Term of Year 5.
• Your son will sit Radley College 11+ Pretest in Year 6, typically before November's end. This includes aptitude tests.
• A headteacher reference is also required.
  

Radley College is among the distinguished independent schools in Oxfordshire.

Radley College, a full boarding school for boys aged 13-18 in Oxfordshire, does not operate a formal catchment area. As a highly selective independent school, admissions are based on a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's academic potential and suitability for the school's unique boarding environment.

The school seeks boys who are kind, talented, ambitious, and eager to contribute fully to Radley life.

Families are advised to engage with the Admissions team well in advance to understand the specific timeline for their son's entry year.

Gaining entry to a highly sought-after independent school like Radley College is incredibly competitive, making a robust backup strategy essential for parents. With significant oversubscription pressure, even the most promising candidates may not secure a place.

Therefore, exploring a range of excellent alternatives, including other top independent schools and potentially strong grammar schools if relevant to your location and preferences, ensures your son has a clear path to a high-quality education.

Considering factors such as commute, specific exam boards, assessment styles, and overall school ethos will help you identify the best fit.

• These schools are considered top alternatives due to their shared commitment to academic excellence, traditional full boarding environments, and a strong emphasis on holistic development for boys.
• Like Radley, they offer extensive extracurricular programmes, fostering leadership, sport, music, and arts, preparing students for top university destinations and future careers.
• All utilise the ISEB Common Pre-Test as a crucial initial assessment, streamlining the application process for families applying to multiple similar institutions.
• While each has its unique character and traditions, they all provide a rigorous and nurturing environment for ambitious boys, making them excellent choices for parents seeking a comparable educational experience to Radley College.

For its entry, Radley College does not publicly disclose the exact number of applications received each year. As a highly selective independent boarding school, competition for places is significant.

While specific application figures are not published, the rigorous selection process indicates a high level of demand for places at the school.

Radley College is a prestigious boarding school for boys with its main point of entry at 13+ (Year 9). However, the admissions process begins earlier with an assessment in Year 6, commonly referred to as the The Radley Keys Award or 11+ pre-test. This initial assessment helps the school identify suitable candidates who will thrive in their academic and boarding environment.

As stated in the Radley College Admissions Policy, the entry assessment starts in Year 6, with registration encouraged by the Summer Term of Year 5.

The Radley College 11 Plus Test covers the following subjects:

• 11+ English: This section assesses reading comprehension, sentence completion, spelling, and punctuation.
• 11+ Mathematics: Questions are in line with the National Curriculum up to Year 5, testing problem-solving and numerical skills.
• Verbal Reasoning: This evaluates a boy's ability to understand and reason with words, including common words, antonyms, and word combinations.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses problem-solving skills using diagrams, shapes, and patterns.

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Radley College 11+ Pre-Test Format Overview

The interview is a crucial part of the admissions process, allowing the school to get to know your son beyond his academic scores. It's an opportunity for him to demonstrate his personality, interests, and enthusiasm for joining Radley. Preparing for 11+ interview questions can help build confidence.

Radley College does not publish a fixed 11 Plus pass mark. Children aiming 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers are better positioned. Maximise scores in all subjects.

Radley College is a prestigious boarding school for boys aged 13-18, with its main entry point at 13+ (Year 9). The admissions process begins in Year 6 with an assessment designed to identify boys who will thrive in their academic and boarding environment.

While the entry is for 13+, the initial assessment is an 11+ style examination, the Pre-Test, taken in Year 6. This is followed by an assessment day for shortlisted candidates.

The Radley Keys Award or 11+ Pretest

Mathematics

The Mathematics paper aligns with the National Curriculum up to the end of Year 5. It covers a broad range of topics, testing problem-solving skills, numerical reasoning, and understanding of mathematical concepts.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning assesses a child's ability to understand and reason with words, language, and text. This includes identifying patterns, codes, and relationships between words.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-Verbal Reasoning tests problem-solving skills using diagrams, shapes, and patterns, without relying on language or mathematical calculations. It assesses logical thinking and spatial awareness.

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Best Resources for Radley College 11+ Entry

PiAcademy offers a comprehensive range of resources tailored to the Radley college Exam format, helping boys build confidence and master key skills. For a wider selection of practice materials, explore our 11 plus exam papers.

Stage One: 11+ Pretest

Radley College, a prestigious boarding school in Oxfordshire, requires prospective pupils to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test for 13+ entry. Success in this highly competitive assessment hinges on thorough preparation, and 11 plus mock test Oxfordshire are invaluable.

Mock tests familiarise your child with the online, adaptive format, timing, and question styles across English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They highlight areas for improvement, building confidence and reducing exam day anxiety.

For a comprehensive understanding of your child's current standing, consider a free 11 Plus diagnostic assessment.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 07th September 2027 to 15th October 2027
• Autumn Half Term 2: 31st October 2027 to 14th December 2027
• Spring Half Term 1: 05th January 2027 to 12th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: 21st February 2027 to 23rd March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: 12th April 2027 to 28th May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: 06th June 2027 to 03rd 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 Radley College.

• UK Govt. - Get Information on Radley College Page
• Radley College ISI Report
• Radley College Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data
• Radley College - Charity Commission

Radley College is a full boarding school, and its fees reflect the exceptional education and facilities offered. Their fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £21,216 per term, inclusive of VAT.

The school is committed to attracting talented boys regardless of financial circumstances, offering a range of scholarships and bursaries. These financial aid options can significantly reduce the cost for eligible families. Radley College is often considered among the most expensive Private Schools UK, making early exploration of funding opportunities advisable.