The Admissions Process

Learn about the admissions process at St John's College School, a leading co-educational independent school in the heart of Cambridge. Learn how our Pre-Prep and Prep school nurtures an academically ambitious environment.

We are delighted that you are interested in a place for your child at St John's. As a highly-regarded co-educational institution, we provide an exceptional education for children aged 4-13 or who are interested in a Choristership for their son or daughter in the St John's College Choir from the age of 8+ (Year 4). The main point of entry is for children at 4+ into Kindergarten (Reception) but we also welcome a number of children in other year groups where space is available.

Our top performing Pre-Prep and Prep School offers a nurturing and dynamic learning environment, fostering academic excellence in a well-rounded, supportive setting. We are recognised as one of the best independent schools in the UK, ensuring that our pupils receive the highest quality education. Our curriculum fosters creative, collaborative, and curious learners, preparing them for lifelong success.


Admission to Kindergarten at 4+

For children starting at 4+, entry is into our Kindergarten (Reception) class. We aim to make the transition as smooth as possible by offering visits and an opportunity for children to meet their teachers before starting. Our approach ensures a warm and welcoming introduction to the school environment, supporting early development and engagement. Our youngest learners are encouraged to be creative, collaborative, and independent thinkers, setting the foundation for academic excellence throughout their educational journey.
 

Our Admissions Journey

Our admissions journey consists of four key stages:

Initial Inquiry:

Visit the School:

  • Open Mornings: When you sign up to an Open Morning, you can experience our workings on a regular school day, with guided tours led by our pupils and a Q&A session with senior staff, including the Head Teacher.
  • Private Tours: Book a personal tour by contacting our Registrar. The tour includes being shown around our school by the children, and a meeting with the Head of Byron House and the Head Teacher.

Registration:

  • After meeting with the Head Teacher, if St John's College School is the right choice for your child, we encourage you to complete a registration form and submit a fee of £120 (including VAT).

Getting to Know Your Child:

  •  The final stage varies by age group and may include an assessment for older children.


Admitting Siblings

We prioritise siblings of current pupils when offering places. As we aim for an equal mix of boys and girls within our 40 available places, the number of places for non-siblings may vary annually. If a place is unavailable, we maintain a waiting list and keep parents informed of any changes.
 

Choristerships in the St John's College Choir

We offer choristerships in the prestigious St John’s College Choir. Please see details about how to apply for a choristership for your child.


Admissions to Other Year Groups

In addition to Kindergarten entry at 4+, we welcome applications for other year groups where space is available. Our generous bursaries and financial assistance programmes help ensure that a high-quality independent education is accessible to a broader range of families.

Any assessment we undertake at St John's College School is to ensure your child will be comfortable with their peers and that they will be able to access the curriculum and to thrive in our school.
Assessments for places are usually taken once parents have looked round and registered, and depend on the age of each child.


Year 1 (T1) and Year 2 (T2) 

We warmly invite each child to spend a little time with us, so we can get to know them and ensure that St John’s College School is the right fit for their learning journey. We will see where they are in relation to their cohort and see how they are in the classroom situation. It is also an opportunity for them to experience the school. In advance of their visit, we request a copy of a child's latest school report, as well as permission for us to contact their current school for a confidential reference.

Year 3 (Form 1), Year 4 (Form 2) and Year 5 (Form 3)

We invite children who are applying to join us in these year groups to an assessment, prior to the September of entry to the school.  A report is requested from the child’s current school to help us to understand a child’s background in making our own assessment. We also ask for a copy of a child's most recent school report.

During the assessments, the children are never left without support and we help them over any difficulty. Our hope is that they should very much enjoy their time with us and, while this is a valuable aim in itself, it also allows us to observe them in circumstances where they feel they can be themselves. 

In the English and Maths assessment papers, while we note what children have achieved, we also look very much for potential. Where a learning difficulty has been reported prior to the assessment, or where a possible learning difficulty becomes apparent during assessment, our Learning Support specialists produce notes as appropriate.

Year 6 (Form 4), Year 7 (Form 5) 

Children are invited to spend the best part of a day at Senior House. We ask them to undertake an assessment in Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, so we can determine where they are academically in relation to our cohort in the relevant year group. They will also be interviewed informally by the Director of Studies and we will observe them in the classroom. In advance of their visit, we request a copy of a child's latest school report, as well as permission for us to contact their current school for a confidential reference.
 

Year 8 (Form 6) 

This is the final year group at St John's College School, and we receive few applications at this stage. If parents are interested in a place at this point, we will undertake an assessment in the same way as for children who would come into Year 6 or Year 7.

Virtual Visits and Online Arrangements

Where visits in person are not possible, due to location or other circumstances, information and short films are available on our website that will provide you an introduction to St John's College School. Additionally, virtual meetings can be set up to enable a prospective family to meet staff; this may include the Head Teacher, Head of the Junior Department (Byron House), Deputy Head of Byron House and the Director of Studies. Similarly, where visits to the school are not possible, online assessments will be administered for pupils in Years 3 to 7.

Access Arrangements

If a prospective pupil has Special Educational Needs, Disabilities or English as an Additional Language (EAL), we ask that this is notified to us in advance so that reasonable adjustments can be made to the ensure that the child is able to access all elements of the assessment process, in line with our Individual Needs Policy and EAL Policy.

Appeal

Where possible, feedback is offered to parents of pupils who have been unsuccessful in gaining a place after an assessment. There is no recourse to appeal against the decision with regards to the offer of a place.
 

Contact Us

Further information can be gained through the links provided below and from the Registrar, Maria Mosher (admissions@sjcs.co.uk or 01223 353652).
 

Useful links

Admission to Kindergarten at 4+
Book a Tour
Register for a place
Academic Assessments
Fees and Bursaries
Becoming a Chorister
Boarding Options

By choosing St John’s College School, you are selecting an outstanding independent school in Cambridge, dedicated to nurturing well-rounded, confident, and high-achieving children. With a strong academic foundation, exceptional pastoral care, and a commitment to fostering curiosity and excellence, we prepare children for success in school and beyond.
 

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the age range for pupils at St John’s College School?

St John’s College School welcomes boys and girls aged 4 to 13 years. 

When are the main entry points for admission?

The primary entry points are at 4+ (Reception) and 7+ (Year 3). However, admissions for other year groups are considered based on availability. 

Is there an assessment process for prospective pupils?

We pride ourselves on our tiered approach to assessments that ensures tests are age-appropriate, focus on creating a comfortable environment for younger children, and gradually introducing more structured evaluations as pupils advance in age.  For entry at 4+, children are invited to participate in a friendly and informal assessment to gauge developmental readiness. For entry at 7+ and above, children undergo age-appropriate assessments in English and Maths.

How can I arrange a visit to the school?

Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school. To schedule a tour, please complete the contact form on our website or reach out to our Registrar, Maria Mosher, at 01223 353652 or admissions@sjcs.co.uk

Are there provisions for pupils requiring additional learning support?

Yes, St John’s College School is committed to supporting all pupils, including those with additional learning needs. Our dedicated staff work closely with families to ensure appropriate support is in place. 

What co-curricular activities are available?

The school offers a diverse range of co-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and various clubs, to foster holistic development.

How does the Chorister programme work?

Pupils aged 8 and above can audition for the St John’s College Choir. Choristers receive specialised musical training alongside their academic studies. 

What are the tuition fees, and is financial assistance available?

Detailed information about tuition fees is available on our website. The school also offers bursaries to eligible families. 

How do I begin the application process?

To start the application process, please contact our Registrar, who will guide you through the necessary steps and provide the required forms. 

What is the deadline for applications?

While there are recommended timelines, St John’s College School operates a rolling admissions policy, accepting applications throughout the year.  


For any further questions or personalised assistance, please reach out to our Registrar, Maria Mosher, at 01223 353652 or admissions@sjcs.co.uk.