Are You Behind on School Applications? (Year Group Breakdown)

ukindepschool
Nov 27
3 min read

It’s that time of year again — late November. You’re scrolling through WhatsApp groups, seeing other parents talk about test dates, school visits, interviews… and suddenly it hits you:

“Wait… are we behind?”

Relax. You’re not alone. And in most cases, you’re not actually as far behind as you think. The UK independent school system can feel like a maze, with different deadlines, different assessments, and different rules for each school. But don’t panic — let’s break it down by year group and entry type, so you can see exactly where you stand and what to do next.

Year 3 Entry (7+)

If your child is looking at 7+ this coming year, here’s the reality:

Most London schools have either closed registration or are just about to.
Assessments usually happen December–January, so there’s still time to make sure your child is ready.
Right now, you should be focusing on reading, writing, arithmetic, and interview prep.

Even if you feel late, regional schools often have more flexibility. And remember, there’s always a school that can fit your child — even if it’s not your first choice.

Example schools: St Paul’s Juniors, King’s College Junior, Putney High Junior.

Year 7 Entry (11+)

Here’s where things get a little more complicated — because there are really two types of Year 7 applicants.

1. 2026 Entry (Traditional 11+ Route — Current Year 5 Students)

By late November:

Most families have registered with their chosen schools.
Exams are usually January, so the preparation phase is in full swing.
Focus on building confidence, interview skills, vocabulary, and core academic skills.

Even if you’ve left registration a little late, there’s still time to get on track — but you need to act quickly.

Example schools: City of London School for Girls, Latymer Upper, Wimbledon High.

2. 2027 Entry (ISEB Pre-test Route — Current Year 6 Students)

If your child is preparing for the ISEB pre-test, here’s the good news:

Many children take it October–December, so you may still be perfectly on schedule.
Interviews usually follow November–February, so you’ve got time to plan and prepare.
The key now is to check your top schools, confirm bookings, and organise documents.

Even if you haven’t done everything yet, there are usually late sittings or alternative assessments — you’re not out of options.

Example schools: Eton, Harrow, Wellington, Charterhouse, Radley.

Year 9 Entry (13+)

13+ can feel the trickiest — partly because schools handle it so differently.

Early Route (Top Boarding Schools — 2027 Entry, Current Year 6)

Registration is often already closed.
Many students have already taken the ISEB pre-test.
Interviews are starting now.

Later Route (Flexible 13+ Entry — 2026/2027 Entry, Years 7–8)

Some schools have rolling admissions, and assessments may happen throughout Year 7–8.
If you’re worried about being behind, this is the entry point that gives you the most flexibility.

Example schools: Stowe, Malvern, King’s Canterbury.

Year 12 Entry (Sixth Form)

Many schools close applications in October–November, but some still accept late applications.
Interviews and scholarship assessments may continue through December.
If you’re late, it’s not game over — strong students can still secure places.

Example schools: Wycombe Abbey, Sevenoaks, Brighton College, Tonbridge.