Five things to know about the Eton College admissions process
Understanding the Application Journey
Applying to Eton College for Year 9 entry is a process that begins when boys are in Year 6, typically around age 10 or 11. The journey involves several key stages: registration (which should be completed by June 30th when boys are in Year 6), the ISEB Common Pre-Test (taken in Year 6 or early Year 7), school reports, and finally interviews and assessments at Eton itself in Year 8.
After all assessments are complete, the school offers places in three categories. 'A' places are unconditional offers of a place at the school. 'B' places are conditional offers, meaning boys must achieve certain standards in their Common Entrance examination or scholarship exams. 'C' places indicate that a boy has not been offered a place at this stage but remains on a waiting list, with the possibility that places may become available as other families make their final school decisions.
1.The school report carries equal weight to test scores
Many parents focus intensely on exam preparation, but Eton places just as much importance on the report from a boy's current headteacher or principal. A thoughtfully written report that captures a student's character, interests, contributions to school life, and individual personality will significantly strengthen an application. Conversely, excellent test results paired with a generic or lukewarm school report may not be enough. The admissions team wants to understand who your son is beyond his academic ability, so ensure his current school knows him well and can articulate what makes him special.
2. The interview is designed to put boys at ease
Parents often worry that the Eton interview will be an intimidating experience designed to catch boys out with trick questions or obscure topics. In reality, the interview is straightforward and aims to help boys feel comfortable enough to be themselves. The interviewers want to have a genuine conversation that reveals a boy's interests, curiosity, and personality.
3. ISEB score boundaries fluctuate each year
Unlike many exams where pass marks are published, Eton does not reveal the ISEB score needed for progression to the next stage. This threshold varies from year to year depending on the strength of the applicant pool. While this uncertainty can feel frustrating, it means parents shouldn't fixate on achieving a specific number.
4. Housemasters conduct interviews, signaling pastoral priorities
A telling detail about Eton's values is that interviews are conducted by housemasters rather than academic staff. This choice reflects the school's emphasis on pastoral fit and community life. They're looking for boys who will engage with house life, support their peers, and benefit from the boarding experience.
5. The waiting list remains active well into Year 8
Boys can and do move from the waiting list to offered places as late as the spring term of Year 8. This happens because many families apply to multiple schools and hold onto places at several institutions before making their final decision. As other parents decline their Eton offers to accept places elsewhere, opportunities open up for boys on the waiting list. Patience during this period is essential, even though the uncertainty can be challenging.
Bonus tip: Resist the urge to over-communicate with admissions
While it's natural to want to keep your son's application at the forefront of the admissions team's mind, constantly contacting the school with updates, additional information, or status checks will not help—and may actually harm—his chances.