Bryanston School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Blandford Forum, Dorset, with entry at 13+ and 16+. Here is how admissions work and how to prepare.
A distinctive school with a unique tutorial system — every student has a personal tutor and works to an individual timetable. Their entrance process values curiosity and independent thinking. CAT4 and school report form the first stage, followed by interview and taster day. They want well-rounded, engaged students who will thrive with freedom and responsibility.
Bryanston School sets its own entrance assessments rather than using a shared national test. Depending on the entry point, these can include written papers in English and maths, reasoning tests, an interview or a group activity. Because the papers are the school’s own, practice should be matched to the style of questions it sets rather than to a generic test.
For 13+ entry (joining in Year 9), many schools assess children in Year 6 or Year 7, well before they start, so the timetable is worth checking early.
At 16+ (Sixth Form entry), students are usually assessed in the autumn of Year 11 with a mix of reasoning tests, subject papers and interviews, and offers are normally conditional on GCSE results. There is more on this on my 16+ entry page.
Dates and requirements change from year to year, so always check the latest details on the school’s website.
My Bryanston School guide sets out the full process, the key dates, and a preparation plan, and my mock papers let children practise under real timings.
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Bryanston School has entry points at 13+ and 16+. 13+ entry means joining in Year 9. 16+ is Sixth Form entry, into Year 12.
The school’s own entrance assessments. The exact mix depends on the entry point, so check the school’s admissions page for your child’s year of entry.
Both: Bryanston School takes day pupils and boarders.