Entry Process
Entry process
The aim of the process is to identify the potential of each child. Sedbergh School and Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School are looking for well-rounded pupils with a genuine interest in education in the broadest sense of the word, with interests that stretch beyond the confines of the academic curriculum. The School has strong traditions in music, drama, art, debating, community activities and sport. There are many extra-curricular activities, all of which are important to developing a well-balanced, confident individual.
An application to the school would typically take the following format: In the first instance, in order to provide proper consideration to an application, we look to receive academic reports and where possible tutor references. It is also very helpful to have a statement of purpose, written by the applicant, telling us about themselves, skills, interests and motivation to join the school. The School also has its own entry tests in Maths and English as an Additional Language (EAL).
As part of the enquiry/application process, we welcome visits to Sedbergh and these can be arranged on most days during term time. If a visit is not possible for the child due to school commitments, distance or time constraints, we can instead arrange a Skype meeting with the Headmaster.
To formalise the application, we ask for a registration form to be completed and returned together with a registration fee of £125.
fluency in english
In order to cope with the academic and social demands of Sedbergh School, pupils must be to a level of English proficiency that the School considers appropriate to successfully follow the demands of the curriculum.
Pupils entering Y7 to Y9 should, as a minimum, be moderately fluent in English both written and spoken, with pupils entering Y9 to be at or close to intermediate level (band 4 in IELTS equivalent). For entry to Y10 intermediate level is required, and sixth form pupils should be at least at band 5 in IELTS equivalent, in all four aspects of the language. For entry points preceding year 7, the school will judge this as appropriate.
For pupils entering from Y7 or older, proficiency in English will be assessed by the School’s English as an Additional Language (EAL) entry paper, together with School reports and interviews. We ask for the test to be taken under exam conditions, without a dictionary/translator, and pupils have 90 minutes to complete the paper. The results will be used to measure the pupil’s English proficiency to the required level for each entry point. For entry points preceding Y7, proficiency will be measured by way of an interview and reports. Candidates who are deemed to require EAL lessons will be presented this as a condition of the offer. Tuition in English as an Additional Language (EAL) is arranged with an additional charge which is noted within the Fee List. In the case of a borderline result, the school may place specific conditions to an offer, for example a pupil must complete an intensive English course prior to arrival.