FAQs
FAQS
Is there anything I can do to prepare my child for the assessment?
Our entrance assessment process is carefully designed to help us to make a genuine judgement of your child’s readiness for our school environment. We want children to be happy here, and for the School to be the best fit for them. Therefore we prefer to see each child as they naturally are, and we don’t expect your child to have done any extra work to prepare for their assessment.
What will happen in my child’s Entrance Assessment:
Whilst our assessment format varies across the year groups, our main aim is always to make our applicants feel welcome and comfortable during their visits. Whether you are applying for a Nursery place, or a Sixth Form place, or any year group in between, we will always do our best to support you and your child throughout the process.
Nursery & Reception: We will invite your child to visit us for a Readiness Morning to assess your child’s potential for learning. There will be different fun activities for children to do and the teachers will assess whether we are the best place for the child.
Infant School (Year 1 and 2): Your child will spend a morning in their classroom with peers in their current year group, where they will complete a series of fun activities designed to show strengths in Literacy and Numeracy as well as creativity and interaction with others.
Junior School: Your child will spend the morning with us, completing assessment activities in reading comprehension, creative writing and maths skills. They will also have the opportunity to take a look around the School, and enjoy breaktime with our current pupils.
Senior School:
Your child will sit three exams which include 1 hour of English (reading comprehension and creative writing), 1 hours of Maths, and 1 hour of Verbal & Non-Verbal reasoning (this test is computer-based).
Junior and Senior School exam papers are set at National Curriculum level for the child’s current year group.
Sixth Form:
There is no Entrance Exam – entry into the Sixth Form is based on GCSE grade predictions and an Entrance Interview. Sixth Form applicants are required to achieve a minimum of 5 grade 7/A at GCSE.
Please note we do not accept applications into Year 11 or Year 13.
What is the deadline for applying for a place for my child?
If you are considering a September start for your child in a particular year group, we recommend that you submit your application by 1st December in the year prior to when your child will join us.
For example, if you are applying for a place for September 2026 entry, we recommend that you submit your application by 1st December 2025.
We will consider late or mid-year applications, subject to places being available.
Year 7 applicants only: If you are applying for a bursary-assisted place, you must submit your Application Form by the 1st November in the year before the September when your child would be joining us. Late bursary applications cannot be considering, due to limited funding.
Can my child join mid-year?
We can accept applications for a mid-year start, subject to places being available in your child’s year group. Please contact our Admissions team to discuss this further.
Please note we do not accept applications into Year 11 or Year 13.
Can I see sample exam papers?
Sample entrance exam papers are sent to Senior School applicants two weeks before the Entrance Exam. Sample papers are not provided for Junior School applicants.
Any sample exam papers found online are not supplied by or affiliated with Nottingham High School.
Can my child apply if they are currently based overseas?
We are always pleased to welcome applications from international students and/or those currently based outside of the UK. Please note that our School does not hold a license to sponsor international students. We cannot help with a student visa – all international applicants are required to hold a dependent visa or equivalent.
Do you do a sibling discount?
We do not offer sibling discounts.
How do I book a visit?
There are plenty of opportunities to visit Nottingham High School. Our Open Day event, held every September, is a fantastic opportunity to tour our Nursery, Infant & Junior School, Senior School, and Sixth Form Centre, meet our teachers and students, and enjoy a family-friendly morning getting to know the School.
We also offer tours on weekdays throughout the year, although we do recommend visiting during term-time if possible, so that you can see the School ‘in action’.
Other Useful Links:
Submit Your Enquiry: https://www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/admissions/enquiry-form
Application Forms: https://www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/admissions/application-forms
Taster Days: https://www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/admissions/visit-us
Bursaries & Scholarships - https://www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/admissions/financial-assistance