Whitgift School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Whitgift School is a leading selective independent school for boys in South Croydon. Founded in 1596, it provides an exceptional education to 1,550+ students aged 10 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Regarded as one of the best independent schools in UK, Whitgift School Croydon achieves outstanding academic outcomes. The ISI rates the school "Excellent," while its boarding provision holds a strong ofsted rating.

In this guide, I leverage my 18-year education consultancy background to simplify Whitgift School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School
• Boarding Type: Boarding (Full, Weekly and Flexi)
• Gender Type: Boys
• Religion: Christian
• Age Range: 10-18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1550+
• GCSE Results (2025): 87% achieved Grade 9-7
• A-Level Results (2025): 59% achieved A*-A

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Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): ~180
• Exam Board: School's Own
• Number of Stages: 2
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

Preparing for the Whitgift School open day and managing the application timeline requires careful attention. I have compiled the essential calendar of Whitgift School 11 plus exam dates to guide your family through the admissions process. This schedule highlights the critical 11+ Exam date and other deadlines, ensuring you stay organised throughout the academic year. Refer to these 11 plus exam dates to plan effectively.

​As one of the most prestigious independent schools in Croydon, Whitgift manages its own admissions for Year 7 entry in September 2026. Parents must carefully follow the 11 plus exam process outlined on the official Whitgift School 11+ Admissions Page.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Submit the online application form via the whitgift school croydon website between August and November 2025.
• Pay the £160 application fee to formally confirm your son's 11 plus exam registration.
• Upload digital copies of the applicant’s unabridged birth certificate and passport during the process.
• Clearly indicate any interest in Music Scholarships or Bursaries on this form to ensure inclusion in relevant assessments.
• The school will automatically request a confidential reference from your son's current Headteacher to support the 11+ Exam application.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at Whitgift School. The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is designed to identify academic potential and independent thought. Boys entering in 2026 will sit their entrance examinations in early January 2026.

As stated in the Whitgift School Admissions Policy, the school uses a comprehensive assessment day to evaluate candidates. All registered applicants are invited to the school to sit these formal papers.

11+ English

The 11+ English assessment is a 45-minute paper designed to test literacy and expressive skills. It focuses on how well a student can analyse a text and write creatively under timed conditions.

• The paper includes a reading comprehension section based on a fiction or non-fiction passage.
• Candidates must answer 11+ exam questions that assess understanding, inference, and vocabulary.
• The creative writing task requires students to continue a story or write a description based on a prompt.
• Markers look for accurate spelling, punctuation, and the ability to engage the reader.

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11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics paper also lasts 45 minutes and covers the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. This non-calculator paper aims to test numerical fluency and logical application.

• Questions cover topics such as arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and basic geometry.
• The paper includes multi-step word problems to assess problem-solving capabilities.
• Boys are encouraged to show their full working out to demonstrate their method.
• The 11+ exam paper is short, so speed and accuracy are crucial for success.

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Critical Thinking

Unique to the Whitgift School 11 Plus Test, this 50-minute paper assesses a candidate's ability to think logically and critically. It is distinct from standard Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning tests.

• The paper presents boys with scenarios or data that they must analyse to find a solution.
• It tests skills in logic, spatial reasoning, and the ability to process new information.
• No specific prior knowledge is required, as it measures potential rather than learned content.
• This section helps the school identify students who can think on their feet.

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The 11+ Interview

Boys who perform well in the written examinations are invited back for an interview. This session is a vital part of the holistic review process to gauge the child's character and interests.

• The interview is informal and explores the candidate's hobbies, reading habits, and co-curricular interests.
• Staff look for enthusiasm, curiosity, and potential contribution to school life.
• Parents should review 11+ interview questions to help their child feel comfortable discussing their achievements.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

What exam board does Whitgift School Croydon follow? 

The school sets its own papers internally for the entrance examination.

How long is the 11+ Exam for Whitgift School Croydon? 

The assessment includes a 45-minute English paper, a 45-minute Mathematics paper, and a 50-minute Critical Thinking paper.

​Whitgift School Croydon does not publish a specific pass mark for the eleven plus exam. Selection is based on a holistic review of the entrance tests and interview performance.

While there is no official cutoff, high accuracy is essential for success. If the child is able to achieve 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, they will be able to ace the Whitgift School 11 plus exam.

Whitgift School is a premier choice for boys’ education in South London. However, securing a place is incredibly competitive due to high standards. Most applicants need a solid backup plan to ensure success.

I have guided families through the Croydon admissions process for nearly two decades. I frequently see parents fixate on Whitgift School, neglecting other excellent local options. A balanced list of schools is crucial for peace of mind.

I recommend applying to a mix of state grammars and independent schools. This strategy safeguards your son’s future, ensuring he accesses top-tier education regardless of one specific outcome.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Families targeting Whitgift school croydon often look towards the Sutton grammars and nearby independent rivals. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

Why these schools are top alternatives to Whitgift School

• Trinity School: Often seen as a sibling to whitgift school croydon, it sits under the same foundation. It offers comparable facilities and bursary support but has a distinct, nurturing culture.
• Wilson’s School: This is arguably the academic heavyweight of the state sector in Sutton. If you seek the academic rigour of Whitgift without the fees, Wilson’s is the gold standard.
• Dulwich College: For parents willing to travel slightly further, Dulwich offers immense prestige. It boasts exceptional sports facilities and a global reputation, much like Whitgift.
• Wallington County Grammar (WCGS): A fantastic state alternative with a focus on STEM subjects. It uses the Selective Eligibility Test (SET), significantly streamlining the exam process for parents.
• Sutton Grammar School: Another strong contender in the local grammar sector. It is smaller than Wilson’s, offering a close-knit community feel that appeals to many Whitgift applicants.

Advisory Note: While Whitgift is the "Gold Standard," competition is fierce with 1000+ applicants for ~180 places. To mitigate this, I advise a strategy of 3 grammar schools and 2 private schools.

​The Whitgift School 11+ entrance exam assesses candidates in Mathematics, English, and Verbal Reasoning. Understanding the topic weighting is crucial for effective preparation for this competitive independent school.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of 11+ maths past papers indicates a strong emphasis on core numerical skills and problem-solving abilities. The breakdown below highlights that Numbers and Geometry are the most heavily weighted topics in the exam.

Enhance your son's skills with our topic-wise questions, which cover all essential areas like Numbers and Geometry. These resources include worksheets and formula sheets to ensure comprehensive coverage of the 11+ maths topics.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for Whitgift School?

We recommend using our targeted resources to familiarise your child with the independent school exam format.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

For the English paper, our review suggests a balance between reading skills and writing ability. Reading Comprehension and Creative Writing are the primary focus areas, accounting for the majority of marks.

Which are the Best 11+ English Papers for Whitgift School?

To succeed in this section, students must practice with 11+ english past papers that mirror the independent school style. The following resources provide excellent preparation for both comprehension and creative writing tasks.

​Whitgift School Croydon is notoriously competitive, requiring focused preparation for success. Writing an 11 plus mock test helps boys familiarise themselves with the exam format and timing. These sessions effectively highlight weak areas while building confidence under strict exam conditions.

As the school sets its own papers for English, Maths and Critical Thinking, we recommend the following resource:

Local families often seek a specific 11 plus mock test Croydon option to replicate the actual test environment. You can also assess his level with our free 11 plus mock test before booking further sessions. A tailored strategy using a Whitgift School 11 plus mock exam ensures he is ready.

The Whitgift School Croydon day fees are £8,685 per term. This figure typically covers tuition, lunch, and most essential educational resources.

Whitgift School bursaries offer substantial means-tested financial aid, potentially covering up to 110% of total costs. Parents seeking private school scholarships bursaries will also find generous awards for excellence in Music, Sport, and Art. Additionally, academic Whitgift School Scholarships are automatically considered based on performance in the entrance assessments.

You can explore our guide on the most expensive Private Schools UK to view other similar schools.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 4^th September 2025 to 17^th October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: 3^rd November 2025 to 11^th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: 7^th January 2026 to 13^th February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: 23^rd February 2026 to 27^th March 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: 14^th April 2026 to 22^nd May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: 1^st June 2026 to 1^st July 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Whitgift School Official Website.

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 Whitgift School.

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