11+ /13+ Fourth and Fifth Form Entry
THOMAS’S COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
11+ /13+ Fourth and Fifth Form Entry
For the academic year 2027–28, Thomas’s College will reach a total of approximately 600 students, reaching its full capacity of 650 students from 2028 onwards.
There are 88 available places in Year 7 2027 and an additional form of places are available for deferred entry into Year 9 2028.
Families may apply for either 11+ or 13+ entry – not both. All candidates are assessed during Year 6.
Families can register their child here. The registration fee is £225, it is non-refundable, and applicants will be asked to provide a scan or photo of their child’s passport. Non UK/Irish citizens must provide proof of their right to live in the UK or similar visa status.
Registration closes at midday on Monday 2 November 2026. This is also the deadline to submit any relevant educational psychologist reports or ‘usual ways of working’ should your child require additional support or accommodations.
Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor overseas students. Students may flexi or weekly board from Year 9 onwards.
Selection Criteria
Our admissions process for entry at 11+ and 13+ is designed to be rigorous, fair and child-centred. It comprises three interconnected elements:
- Knowledge Assessment
- Skills Assessment
- Personal Interview
Together, these elements reflect the core values of a Thomas’s education: academic potential, diversity in thinking, emotional intelligence and self-understanding.
Candidates who perform strongly in Parts 1 and 2 are shortlisted and invited to Part 3, a Personal Interview.
We assess academic potential using the most readily available methods: the ISEB Pre-Tests or CAT4 scores. This is intended to minimise stressful testing in multiple formats. Many applicants already have one or other of these scores when applying. There is no need for your child to take both: either are robust, reliable and indicative.
ISEB Pre-Tests
The ISEB Pre-Tests should be taken either at your child’s current school or a designated ISEB test centre before 30 November 2026.
CAT4
If your child’s current school has run CAT4 tests from January 2025 onwards, you may prefer to rely on these scores to support their Knowledge Assessment.
The Skills Assessment encourages original thinking and playful engagement with ideas. It takes the form of a one-hour paper with three open-ended questions, exploring:
- English and use of language
- Mathematical thinking
- Scientific reasoning
These questions are designed to showcase a candidate’s creativity, insight and enjoyment of learning.
No special preparation is necessary – indeed, curiosity, reading for pleasure, and open conversations at home are the best ways to prepare.
A sample paper and mark scheme are available here.
Candidates who perform strongly in Parts 1 and 2 are shortlisted and invited to Part 3, a Personal Interview.
Character and personal values matter deeply at Thomas’s. In this final stage, candidates will be invited to a small group session. Students meet with each other, undertake activities and have the chance to ask questions, with trained staff as observers and interviewers.
This is not a test of confidence or performance. Our process avoids favouring any particular personality type, and interviewers help students to be relaxed and authentically themselves.
The format changes year by year, so students should avoid unhelpful over-preparation. There are no ‘right answers’. We are looking for thoughtful, honest reflections and a willingness to share ideas.
11+/13+ Key Dates
| Registrations Open | 12 May 2026 |
| Open Days | 19 September 2026 & 3 October 2026 |
| Registration Deadline Deadline to apply for Master’s Awards Deadline to provide ISEB Applicant ID Deadline to submit supporting documentation including usual ways of working and educational psychologists reports Early submission is appreciated as it allows our Learning Enrichment team time to plan the assessment day to meet all candidates’ needs. | 2 November 2026 |
| Deadline to submit Art, Dance, Drama and Sport Master’s Award Stage 1 supporting evidence | 16 November 2026 |
| Assessment | 26 November 2026 |
| ISEB Assessment (if relevant; deadline 30 November 2026) | TBC |
| Interview | 6 January 2027 |
| Master’s Award Assessments | 4–15 January 2027 |
| Decisions Emailed | 12 February 2027 |
| Deadline to Accept | 12 February 2027 |
Further information about our unique entrance assessments and key dates can be found in the Admissions Guide. Families interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to complete an Enquiry Form, so we can invite you to an open event.
Alternatively, you are welcome to contact the Admissions team on 020 7987 0902 or at [email protected].
