Pre-testing

Assessment of pupils registered for entry into Wellington College, in advance of the College's own Entrance Examinations, Scholarship Examinations or Common Entrance Examinations:

It is our sincere wish to assist prospective parents and those in Prep schools who are advising them over choice of Senior School. We are convinced that we must assess and advise early, when alternative options are open, in order to avoid failing children and disappointing families at the inappropriately late stage of Common Entrance Examination result.

It is thought appropriate to assess candidates at the start of their year 7. Their year 6 school examinations will have enabled Prep Schools to assess and set their pupils (for CE or Scholarship).

A Head's reference will be requested. This will be a prime factor in the evaluation process and is therefore of vital importance. We will take into consideration family connections and time of registration.

Assessment at Wellington:

The cohort of candidates registered for a year of entry will be invited to Wellington College for assessment in late September or early October. (All candidates from a Prep School will, it is expected, be invited on the same day.) Candidates are asked to arrive at Wellington at 10.45 for 11.00 am. School Uniform is recommended.

The programme will include tests for ability and potential (written and computer-based) and an interview. Candidates are asked to bring their exercise books for English, Maths and one other subject of their choice for presentation at interview. They are also invited to bring a small object or a photograph, to be the focus of one topic of conversation.

We hope that the visit will be relaxed and enjoyable: there are no examinations for which preparation can be done. The children will have an opportunity to see more of the school and they are invited to stay for tea.  They should be ready for collection by 5.30 pm. Refreshment for those collecting children will be available between 5.15-5.45 pm.

Places at Wellington:

We expect to inform schools and parents of decisions by mid November. Places then offered will remain subject to success in the College's own Entrance Examinations, Scholarship Examinations or Common Entrance Examinations (taken during the year prior to September entry).

Parents of successful candidates, on the Places list, will be asked to confirm their wish to take up a place at Wellington, with payment of a deposit by a specified date. Parents of Waiting list candidates will be informed of this status and the times when lists will be reviewed. Parents of unsuccessful candidates will, with regrets, be so informed.

For late applicants, if of exceptional or scholarship ability and only on special recommendation from their school Head, the Master's list will operate.