13+ admissions

Cranleigh uses the Independent Schools Examination Board Common Academic Scholarship papers in making its IVth Form Academic Awards. The papers are in English, Mathematics, Science, French, Geography, History and Religious Studies. Latin is optional but desirable. There is a series of interviews, and the School may wish to look at the portfolio of outstanding artists, and also listen to performances given by musical candidates.

The Music Award examination consists of an audition and interviews. Candidates should be of good Grade 5/6 standard on at least one instrument. 
A Music Award is made after auditions, which should include the performance of two contrasting works on a candidate’s first instrument. Where a second instrument is offered, one piece is required for performance. Singing is welcomed and encouraged.
Candidates are required to perform (on their first instrument only) scales, arpeggios and sight reading. Aural tests appropriate to their standard will be given and candidates’ general musicianship and interests assessed.

Music Scholars are required to take a full and active part in the School’s musical activities, both choral and instrumental.

The Director of Music is always delighted to meet and advise prospective candidates.

Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio of at least ten finished pieces, which should display their drawing skills to full advantage and also include at least two finished works in colour. Possible themes might include: Natural Forms, Figure Study, Self Portrait or Landscape, and should demonstrate the ability to develop and enrich a theme from direct observation. Work books should be included, as should three-dimensional work if it has been undertaken, but work of a CDT nature is not eligible. Candidates will be invited to spend a day at the Art School, where they will work in two and three dimensions and be interviewed about their portfolios and their artistic interests. Candidates for Art Awards are also expected to sit either the Academic Awards or the Common Entrance examinations. It is expected that Art Scholars will study the subject in the VIth Form.

Candidates for Eric Abbott Awards should have one clearly established area of excellence in a particular sporting or performance activity; be of good academic ability; and have at least one supporting strength to offer other than their established area of excellence.
Successful candidates will have the potential to make a significantly positive impact on life at Cranleigh in fields other than their own particular area of excellence. In view of the fact that Cranleigh offers separate Music and Art Awards, neither Art nor Music will be acceptable as a candidate’s ‘established area of excellence’, but either may, of course, be considered as a ‘supporting strength’.
Candidates will attend an Eric Abbott Day at Cranleigh in May, during which: their established area of excellence will be assessed (and references considered); they will take part in general assessment activities involving majority sports, leadership exercises and group discussions.

Candidates for the Head's Award will be nominated by prep school Heads only and the awards made at the discretion of the Head of Cranleigh. This Award  is for pupils demonstrating marked leadership qualities or strong all-round abilities.  Head’s Award candidates may or may not be asked to attend the Eric Abbott Award assessment day.  Candidates for other than Academic Awards will be required to take the common Entrance examination, or otherwise demonstrate an acceptable academic standard.

The examinations or assessments for entry in 2012 will take place as follows:

Academic Awards: Tuesday 8th May - Thursday 10th May 2012. Closing date for entries: Monday 12th March 2012

Music Awards: Monday 30th or Tuesday 31st January 2012. Closing date for entries: Friday 13th January 2012

Art Awards: Friday 11th May 2012. Portfolios should normally be submitted a week in advance. Closing date for entries: Monday 12th March 2012 

Eric Abbott Awards: Friday 11th May 2012. Closing date for entries: Monday 12th March 2012

 

Common Entrance: Monday 11th June - Thursday 14th June 2012


Papers for all awards will be written at Cranleigh. Candidates for Academic Awards will be accommodated at School. Interviews will take place during the days of the examinations. The names of award winners will be communicated to preparatory school Heads by telephone as soon as possible. Parents are asked to confirm their acceptance of an award by return of post.