Applying to secondary school marks a key milestone in your child’s educational journey. With various school types and admissions processes, it’s understandable for parents to feel overwhelmed at first.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical secondary school admissions process in the UK and share the journey to joining Lord Wandsworth College (LWC). Whether you’re exploring boarding or non-boarding options for your child, our goal is to help you make an informed, confident decision.
Overview of the UK Secondary School Admissions Process
The admissions process can differ depending on whether you’re applying to a state or independent school.
In the state school system, local councils like Hampshire or Surrey County Council coordinate applications. Parents usually apply in Year 6 for a place in Year 7. Offers are made based upon secondary school admissions criteria such as sibling priority, catchment area, and sometimes academic ability.
In contrast, independent schools set their own admissions timelines and selection processes. Entry is typically offered at ages 11, 13, and 16. Although if you require an alternative entry point, please contact our Admissions Team who can help and advise. Applications are made directly to each school, and may involve entrance tests, interviews, and reference checks.
For families exploring secondary school admissions in Hampshire or Surrey, it’s important to understand which process applies to your chosen schools—and to start early.
Understanding Lord Wandsworth College Admissions
Lord Wandsworth College follows the independent school system for admissions. We offer entry points at Year 7 (11+ years old), Year 9 (13+ years old), and Sixth Form (16+ years old) with a supportive admissions process.
Our Admissions Team is here to help you every step of the way. From your first enquiry to visiting the campus and receiving an offer, we aim to make the experience clear, welcoming, and tailored to your family. We encourage you to attend one of our Open Events, such as our Headmaster’s Reception or Open Morning, or book a personalised tour in order to explore our stunning campus, meet our community, and experience our facilities.
Secondary School Admissions at Lord Wandsworth College
Lord Wandsworth College focuses on the potential of each child and are committed to ensuring every student is the right fit for our community.
Year 7 (1st Form)
The ideal time to register for 1st Form is in Year 5, two years before entry. The process begins with registration, followed by the LWC Pre-Test—an assessment in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Candidates typically take this at their current school or LWC. We also request reports from current schools.
Applicants will also be invited to attend an innovative assessment morning at our campus which includes:
- A short, informal interview with a member of our senior team
- A group interview with our Headmaster
- A fun collaborative task around the school grounds
These steps help us understand each child’s academic ability, personality, and capacity to thrive in our learning environment.
Year 9 (3rd Form)
The 3rd Form is a popular entry point for students to LWC. Applicants take the LWC Pre-Test in Year 6, using the same assessment format as Year 7 candidates. Candidates will also attend an Assessment Morning with interviews. Our holistic assessments are designed to engage children from all backgrounds and identify the strengths of each child.
Based upon the results, successful students receive an unconditional offer before the February half-term of Year 6. Successful candidates are not required to sit for the Common Entrance.
Sixth Form Admissions
Our Sixth Form places a strong emphasis on academic ambition, leadership potential, and developing our students for life after school.
The current requirement for entry into the Sixth Form is at least six Grade 5s at GCSE (or the equivalent), preferably with Grade 7s in the subjects to be studied at A-level at LWC. There is also an academic assessment and interview with the academic team and Head of Sixth Form.
Additionally, predicted GCSE results and a report from the student’s current school are taken into consideration. The assessment for the first round of offers occurs at the end of the Autumn term, with offers made in January.
Admissions Criteria for Secondary Schools
When applying to any secondary school, it’s important to understand the criteria used to evaluate applicants. These vary slightly between schools, but most look for a combination of academic ability, character, and readiness for the next stage of learning.
At Lord Wandsworth College, we consider a range of factors during our admissions process, including:
- Performance in the LWC Pre-Test
- A positive reference from the student’s current school
- Readiness for boarding or day school life, including social and emotional maturity
- The ability to contribute to school life beyond the classroom—through the co-curricular interests, character, or leadership potential.
For selective secondary schools such as independent schools, entrance assessments and interviews remain central. However, at LWC, we are equally interested in the child’s whole potential—their curiosity, kindness, resilience, and willingness to grow.
We are committed to inclusivity and consider students with special educational needs or disabilities, provided we can meet their learning requirements. Full transparency early in the process ensures we can offer the right support from day one.
How to Apply for Secondary School at Lord Wandsworth College
Step-by-Step Admissions Process
1. Initial Enquiry
Reach out to our Admissions Team to learn more about LWC. We recommend attending one of our Open Events to experience the campus and meet our community.
2. Registration
Submit the registration form along with the non-refundable registration fee. This formally begins your child’s application journey.
3. LWC Pre-Test and Assessment Morning
Your child will complete the LWC Pre-Test and will be invited to an Assessment Morning at our campus, which includes academic assessments and interviews with staff.
4. Offer of Place
Based on the assessment results, school reports, and interviews, successful candidates will receive an offer. Offers remain open for a set period, typically one month.
5. Acceptance
To accept the offer, families must return the signed acceptance form and pay a deposit. Once confirmed, your family officially becomes part of the LWC family.
Required Documents for Admission
The documents required for admission at LWC include:
- Completed registration form
- Recent school reports
- Reference from the current school
- For Sixth Form entry, confirmed or predicted GCSE results are required
- Disclosure of any special educational needs (if applicable)
Visiting the School Before Applying
We strongly encourage all prospective families to visit LWC in person. Our Open Events are an excellent introduction, offering campus tours, talks from our Headmaster, and a chance to meet our teachers and students.
If you require a more flexible arrangement, private visits can also be arranged throughout the year. Seeing our College in action is one of the best ways to decide if it’s the right fit for your child.
Information for International Pupils
We welcome pupils from across the globe, as we believe international pupils at Lord Wandsworth College bring fresh perspectives, enrich school life and often form lifelong friendships.
International applicants follow a similar admissions process to UK-based students, with a few additions to ensure a smooth transition. Registered candidates will attend our online International Pupil’s Assessment Day, sit for the LWC online academic test, and have an interview with the Headmaster and a senior member of staff. Candidates for the Sixth Form may be asked to sit for tests in the subjects they plan to study at A-level.
Students whose English is an additional language will also get tailored English as an Additional Language (EAL) support at the college. Additionally, a UK-based guardian is required whilst your child studies with us.
Fees & Scholarships
At LWC, we are committed to making our education as accessible as possible. We offer several types of financial support to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds can thrive here.
1. Fees
Our tuition fees cover not only academic lessons but also a wide range of co-curricular activities, pastoral care, and boarding (if applicable). A full schedule of fees is available on our website or from our Admissions Team. We also partner with fee support providers to help when planning for future fee commitments.
2. Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding achievement, potential, and enthusiasm in their chosen field. This includes academic, all-rounder, art, design technology, music, drama, dance, and sport. The awards are given based on performance in relevant assessments or auditions.
Most scholarships at LWC are honorary, but some may provide a 10% reduction in annual school fees. Depending on individual circumstances, a scholarship may be awarded alongside a bursary.