Joining in Year 9
Year 9 (F block) is our main entry point, and for 13+ candidates, there are several routes to secure your child's place depending on whether you are applying for 13+ boarding, 13+ day or a 13+ scholarship (including the Foundation Award).
Please see below for details of how to begin your application.
13+ Boarding
Families wanting a boarding place can begin the Admissions process whenever it feels right for them.
Some secure their place in Year 6, completing assessments and interviews, with House allocation confirmed later via a further interview in Year 7. Others wait until Year 7, when assessments and interviews cover both School place and House together.
Whichever route you take, our focus is the same: getting to know your child as an individual and helping them feel settled at Rugby.
Entrance assessments include:
- Academic: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Interviews: a senior member of staff (Year 6 and Year 7), and a Housemaster or Housemistress (Year 7)
For more information, contact Michelle Humphrey, Senior Admissions Officer.
13+ Day
Families wanting a day place are invited to the 13+ Assessment Day in November.
Entrance assessments include:
- Academic: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Interviews: a senior member of staff (Year 6 and Year 7), and a Housemaster or Housemistress (Year 7)
- Group Activity
For more information contact Martin Jones, Admissions Officer.
13+ Scholarships
Families wanting to apply for a Scholarship can look forward to assessments in the Advent and Lent terms of Year 8.
Rugby School offers a range of Scholarship Awards, recognising exceptional ability or promise in Academic, Art, Computing, Design and Technology, Performing Arts, Music and Sport. The Foundation Award is also offered, widening access to a Rugby School education for local children. Alongside recognition, Scholarships give access to means-tested bursaries and additional support through our Scholars' Programmes.
Click below for full assessment timings.
Scholarship assessments take place in the Advent and Lent Term of Year 8.
For more information, contact Martin Jones, Admissions Officer.
Admissions process
We are pleased you are considering Rugby School for your child. These steps are designed to guide you through the admissions process.
The best way to understand Rugby is to experience it for yourself. Whether through an Open Day or a personal tour, a visit gives you a genuine sense of daily life here, meeting students and staff, exploring our facilities, and discovering what it means to belong to a School with a long tradition of educating the whole person.
When you feel Rugby School may be right for your child, the next step is to register. This confirms your interest and lets our Admissions team support and advise you on entry timelines, House preferences, or any individual circumstances that may be relevant.
Our assessments are designed to identify a child's potential, curiosity and readiness to thrive at Rugby School. Our Year 6 Assessment Day consists of online tests in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR), an interview with a senior member of staff and collaborative group activities.
For 2027 entry, the Year 6 Assessment Day will take place on Thursday 26 November 2026. Year 7 candidates will be invited to attend on either 7 or 9 October.
For late applications, please contact our Admissions team directly: admissions@rugbyschool.net
Rugby offers a range of scholarships and awards in recognition of exceptional ability or promise in a range of areas.
Scholarship assessments take place in the Advent and Lent term of Year 8.
If you are awarded a scholarship your school fees (including the cost of boarding) may be covered by a means-tested bursary of up to 100%.
Once your place has been accepted, families will receive joining information ahead of the new academic year in September.
Families will receive information on:
- House allocation and introductions to House staff
- Uniform and kit requirements
- Induction events and settling-in arrangements
From the moment a place is confirmed, our pastoral and academic teams work closely with families to ensure a smooth and confident transition. We look forward to getting to know every child and helping them to make the very best start.