Radley College Admissions Process
What is the admissions process at 13+?
Radley College entry starts at Year 6 and the college encourages applicants to register by the start of the summer term Year 5. Radley say:
We are looking for kind, talented and ambitious boys who will thrive in a boarding environment. We are an academically selective school and our assessment reflects this but we are most interested in boys who will make the most of every opportunity and significantly contribute to Radley life.
Radley College holds numerous Open Days throughout the year. The school recommends attending at least one of these in Year 4/5 prior to the assessment day.
In Year 5 the college will send an online entry form and details for how to apply for the ISEB Common Pre-test. They also seek information about the applicant’s academic and co-curricular interests. There is also a registration fee of £350 to pay at this stage.
What is the assessment process at 13+?
Candidates sit the ISEB pre-test in Year 6 at their current school before the end of November. These tests are age-standardised in verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Shortlisting for these tests takes place in December and those who are successful are invited to Radley in January- March (described by Radley as the Lent term). This day involves a short-written task, an interview with a senior member of staff, a tour of two socials, lunch in the dining hall and other fun activities. Each day is limited to around 30 boys so Radley can get to know the family well and the applicant as an individual.
When are offers made for 16+ entry?
Offers are made around the March of Year 6. Some applicants are placed on the waiting list, subject to places being available. If you’re on the waiting list, Radley will keep in close contact with you and will often request additional information from the current school to keep an eye on the applicant’s progress and achievements.
Pending a successful offer, parents confirm acceptance within one month of an offer being made. There is a fee of £2,500 by way of deposit. Parents with an offer of financial support will receive a reduced fee.
What is the house system at Radley?
‘Social’ allocation (Radley speak for houses) takes places post acceptance in Years 7 and 8. Parents can choose up to three preferred ‘socials’ and the admissions team will do their best to ensure that each outcome is reached.
What about scholarships?
Radley offers honourary scholarships in Academics, Art, Drama, Innovation and Music. These scholarships are taken in Year 8 and are supported by relevant references.
How are boys set at Radley College?
Whilst any offer is unconditional, the college will ask to see the pupil’s Common Entrance, Pre-Senior Baccalaureate or his school’s current tests. The college uses CE scores and any other additional data to determine the suitable set for each student.
What is the admissions process at 16+?
Candidates for 16+ are encouraged to register their interest with the college as early as possible. This allows Radley to contact you with information about the entry process.
The college holds a Sixth form information day in October of Year 11, but applicants can also visit in year 10 as one of the open days.
Applications open in June of Year 10 and close at the end of October in Year 11. There is an application fee of £350 and at this stage the college asks for more information about academic and co-curricular interests as well as a reference to predicted IGCSE grades from the pupil’s current school.
What is the assessment process at 16+?
Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend the school for an assessment day in November which also includes a written paper in 2 of the subjects that the pupil will take for A-Level and two interviews. One of the interviews will be a subject specialist and the second with a senior member of staff.
When are offers made for 16+ entry?
Radley makes the first round of offers at the beginning of December. Some candidates will be placed on the waiting list, subject to places becoming available.
Acceptance should come within a week of the offer with a deposit of £2,500.