This Alleyns School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide will explain how you can apply to enter Year 7 at Alleyn’s School in September 2027. From the key dates, entrance exams (three written papers) and interview to practicing at home, we have covered all the information you need to know.
Alleyn’s run their own entrance exams. These are in English, maths and reasoning. They are held at the school in early January. Those shortlisted will also complete a group activity and interview.
We would recommend that you register your child by Friday 13th November 2026 at 12pm. Please check the admissions page for any changes.
Top Tips
- Alleyn’s run their own 11+ Entrance exams on Friday 8th January 2027. There is no ISEB Common Pre-test.
- English is 45 mins. Maths is 30 mins. Reasoning is 45 mins. No calculators are required.
- Those shortlisted will complete a group activity and individual interview on Saturday 23rd January 2027.
- There are approximately 150 Year 7 places available however there is no information on the acceptance rate.
- Start with the sample papers and then try practicing with a timer.
Alleyns School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide: Admission Summary
Alleyn’s is a boys and girls independent day school in Dulwich, London. Approximately 150 places are available at 11+, roughly two thirds of places go to children from a range of state and independent schools. The remaining places go to children from Alleyn’s Junior School. Pupils from the junior school will complete the entrance assessment and interview.
Register when your child begins Year 6. We cannot accept early applications. All children who register will be invited to complete the entrance exams.
Alleyn’s School 11+ Entrance Exam
Date
- Registration Closes: Friday 13th November 2026 (Midday)
- Entrance Exams: Friday 8th January 2027
- International Entrance Exams: Thursday 7th January 2027
- Group Activity & Interview: Saturday 23rd January 2027
- Academic Scholarships Workshops: Friday 29th January 2027
Open Afternoons in Autumn 2026 have already taken place. Please check the Open Days and Tours page on the Alleyn’s website for more information.
Entrance Exams
Stage 1 of the Alleyn School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide: You will complete three written exams. The English paper is 45 mins, maths 30 mins and reasoning 45mins. Reasoning includes verbal, non-verbal and spatial. The comprehension and reasoning will be multiple choice. English will include a write task.
English
Reading is suggested to take 10 minutes. The exam includes multiple choice comprehension questions. You will answer using a pencil and the answer sheet. There will be a writing task based on continuing the passage from the reading. This will include either a narrative or descriptive text. You will write using a black or blue pen. The markers will look at the comprehension, clarity, fluency and accuracy. They will praise creative writing.
Maths
You will need to bring a pen, pencil, ruler and eraser. No calculators are required. The questions will be based on National Curriculum topics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, angles, area, volume, coordinates and mean. The last few questions will be extension questions.
Reasoning
This is a multiple choice paper. It includes verbal (language), non-verbal (abstract shapes/sequences) and spatial (visualising rotating and creating shapes). Other practice papers will be helpful however the type and difficulty may differ.
Interview and Scholarships
Those who achieve an acceptable standard in the entrance exams will be invited to complete an interview day. This will include a group activity and individual interview. Parents will not be interviewed. The pupils will be asked about their interests in and out of school. The school will be looking for those who will be the best fit.
Those shortlisted for academic scholarships will be invited to attend workshops on Friday 29th January 2027. The school do list other options for scholarships such as sport, art, music, drama and design and technology.
Sample Papers
On the 11+ page of the website there are sample papers for English, two maths papers and a syllabus including reasoning samples. For this Alleyn School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide, these are the best indicator of what the real entrance exams will be like so start here.
Try completing the maths sample paper 1 under exam conditions. The paper should take 30 minutes. You should have a ruler on your desk as you will not be able to use a calculator. Once completed, look at where you went wrong and group into topics. If there are no answers available for the sample paper, get a teacher or tutor to look through your child’s work. This will ensure they have used the right method.
How to Prepare: Alleyns School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide
A great Alleyn’s School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide will start with the schools own materials.
- Familiarise yourself with the format. Ensure your child is familiar with the exam syllabus.
- Practice maths without a calculator. Try short maths sessions each day. Topics include fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, angles and area.
- Create an English routine. Read carefully, plan your writing and ensure handwriting is neat. Use a black or blue pen.
- Practice a mixture of reasoning. As all three will be included in one 45 minute paper.
- Preparing for the interview. Encourage your child to talk about their hobbies, books and favourite subjects.
- In the last few weeks, practice with timed papers. Look at how quickly you can complete them.
Quest for Exams provide 11+ practice papers. We have quick tests, timed mocks and school specific papers. Track progress by topic. None of our practice papers will be identical to the real paper.
Competition, Acceptance Rate & Fees
In this Alleyn School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide, there is no information on the acceptance rate on the 11+ page. Approximately 150 places are available. Decisions will be based on exam results, school report from your child’s current school and interview. We do not have information on how many applicants there are so any percentages you find elsewhere should be treated with caution.
There is financial support available. Bursaries are means tested and depending on your circumstances could cover all the fees. Once you have completed the registration form the school will send you the Bursary Application Form.
Start Practicing with Quest for Exams
Use this Alleyn’s School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide as a checklist. Create a routine practicing all three subjects. Start with the free sample papers. Then complete some quick tests. Finally complete some timed mocks. If you need any help deciding on what to use, email us on support@questforexams.co.uk or use the WhatsApp chat.
FAQ
What date is the Alleyn’s 11+ exam for 2027?
The exam will take place on Friday 8th January 2027. International candidates will complete the exam on Thursday 7th January 2027.
Do you use the ISEB Common Pre-test?
No, Alleyn’s have their own written entrance exams.
Can my child complete the exam on an alternative date?
All candidates are expected to complete the exam on the published date. However if there is a conflict with another exam please let the Registrar know.
Can my child use a calculator in the maths paper?
No calculators are required. Bring a pen, pencil, ruler and eraser.
Will my child be offered a place if they are invited to the interview?
No. Being invited to the interview means they have achieved an acceptable standard however there is no guarantee they will be offered a place.
Can my child have additional time?
Yes, extra time and use of a word processor can be provided where appropriate. You will need a letter from your child’s current school explaining how they usually work.