Admissions Process

If you do not already know Cranleigh, we strongly recommend an initial visit during one of our Welcome Mornings. These take place on Saturday mornings throughout the academic year. Advance booking via our Admissions Office is essential.

Welcome Mornings provide a number of families with an informal opportunity to hear about future plans for the School, to meet the Headmaster and House staff, and to enjoy a tour of the School with a current pupil.

Individual or small group visits may also be arranged during the week.

Book a visit

If you wish to be considered for a place at Cranleigh, a registration form and non-refundable registration fee of £200 should be submitted via the Admissions Portal.

Early registration is recommended, ideally in Years 4 or 5.

Registration for 13+ entry for September 2026 will open at the beginning of the Autumn Term.

Register Now

Registered applicants will need to sit the ISEB test at their prep school, arranged by their current Head. The ISEB test takes place between October and mid-November of Year 6. Applicants from schools that do not offer the ISEB test can sit the test at Cranleigh Prep School, in arrangement with the Admissions Team.

Applicants will then be invited to an assessment day during January of Year 6. Each part of our assessment is equally important and offers will only be made once we have reviewed the results of the ISEB test in conjunction with the feedback from the Holistic Assessment Day.

The assessment is a holistic review of the candidate’s interests and abilities. It consists of an informal interview with a senior member of staff, a discussion group, an English creative writing paper and fun team building activities. A reference is required from the candidate’s current school.

The interview will provide candidates with an opportunity to discuss their passions and what motivates them; interests and talents outside the classroom will be highly valued.

Following the Holistic Review, and receipt of a positive recommendation from the candidate’s current Head, an unconditional offer may be made.

Cranleigh is in the fortunate position of receiving many more applications each year than we have places available. Admissions decisions therefore take into account a variety of factors. We need to be confident that a pupil will thrive academically but we also consider what wider contribution he or she will make to the Cranleigh community, particularly those individuals who will make the most of the available opportunities.

The majority of offers are made during the Lent term of Year 6. We operate a waiting list and keep parents, guardians and schools informed of movement and if a place becomes available. Late applications are accepted subject to the length of the waiting list.

Cranleigh offers a range of academic and other scholarships and awards. To gain an award or scholarship, candidates must demonstrate both excellence in their chosen field and exceptional promise. Applications should be received by the advertised closing date in Year 8 and be supported by their current school.

Scholarships

The majority of offers are made during the Lent term of Year 6.

All candidates who have been offered a 13+ place will usually take a set of exams in Year 8, usually at their own school and we ask for the results for setting purposes.