Wetherby Senior School is a boys’ independent school for pupils from ages 11 to 18. Deciding on the right school for your child is very important, and we believe that a personal visit is invaluable. We very much hope that you and your child will visit Wetherby Senior School. We hold an Open Evening in the Summer and Autumn Term which gives a general introduction to the school. Details are published on our web site and all registered parents are informed. We are also very happy to welcome prospective parents at other times for a personal meeting with the Headmaster and tour of the School. Please contact, Tessa Stewart on 020 7535 3530 or email on registrar@wetherbysenior.co.uk to arrange a visit.
THE ENTRY PROCEDURE
Wetherby Senior School is an academically selective school. Selection is based upon academic merit which is assessed through an entry examination, references from the candidate’s previous school and observations during the Assessment Day. Our selection process is designed to identify pupils who are able to benefit from our balanced and well rounded education and to make a positive contribution towards the life of the school.
The usual points of entry are at 11+ Year 7 (two classes of 12) and 13+ Year 9 (four classes of 16). 11+ assessments (English and Maths papers) will be held in the January of the year of entry and 13+ assessments will be held in the autumn of Year 6 through the ISEB Common Pre-Test and then interview.
Applicants for admission should register by the end of December for 11+ and by the end of Autumn Term in Year 6 for 13+.
We may also have occasional places at other ages. Please contact the School for details.
EQUAL TREATMENT
Wetherby Senior School is committed to equal treatment for all, regardless of a candidate’s race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or social background. We currently have no provision for bursaries.
SPECIAL NEEDS
We do not discriminate in any way regarding entry. We welcome pupils with special educational needs, providing that our Learning Support Department can offer them the support that they require. We welcome pupils with physical disabilities provided that our site can cope with them. However, we advise parents of children with special educational needs or physical disabilities to discuss their child’s requirements with Wetherby Senior School before he sits the entrance exam so that we can make adequate provision for him. Parents should provide a copy of an Educational Psychologist’s report or a medical report to support their request, for example for extra time or other special arrangements.
We will discuss thoroughly with parents and their medical advisers the adjustments that can reasonably be made for the child if he becomes a pupil at the school.
THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The aim of the process is to identify potential. We 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 neighbouring Preparatory School has strong traditions in sport, music, drama, art, debating and community activities and Wetherby Senior School aims to emulate this. There are many extra-curricular activities, all of which are important in developing a well-balanced, confident individual.
No specific preparation for the 11+ entrance tests is needed, all candidates start on an equal footing, with identical opportunities to display their academic aptitude. All candidates for entry sit papers in English and Maths, which are designed for their age group. Those boys invited back to interview are posted in the weeks following the Assessment Day and a date given for their interview at the School. If offered a place subsequent to that, a deadline for acceptance is given..
The dates for the assessment process for the current year are published on our web site and all registered parents are informed by letter at the start of the autumn term. We will usually offer places to candidates from our waiting list after the closing date for acceptances.
SIBLING POLICY
Most siblings join us at Wetherby Senior School and a family atmosphere is encouraged. However, admission is not automatic, and there may be occasions where we judge that a sibling is likely to thrive better in a different academic environment.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Wetherby Senior School does not currently offer any scholarships.
OVERSEAS APPLICANTS
We welcome overseas pupils, who can study at Wetherby Senior School provided that he has a relative or legal guardian living in the UK with whom he can reside.
FLUENCY IN ENGLISH
In order to cope with the brisk academic pace and social demands of Wetherby Senior School, pupils must be fluent English speakers. Normally pupils should have been educated in the English medium for at least 3 years before coming to the school. Tuition in English as an Additional Language (EAL) can be arranged (at additional cost) in the first instance to get any pupils up to the required standard.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Wetherby Senior School is not a religious school and welcomes children from all faiths. The School is, however, an English boys’ senior school and as such respects and recognises the Christian calendar. We will occasionally sing hymns and say the Lord’s Prayer in Assembly and all pupils and parents are expected to attend the annual Carol Service at Christmas.
SCHOOL’S CONTRACTUAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
Copies are made available to parents as part of the admissions process.
COMPLAINTS
We hope that you and your child do not have any complaints about our admissions process; but copies of the School’s complaints procedure can be sent to you on request.
