Eton College may be England's most famous boys' school, if not the most famous school in the world. Getting accepted into Eton College, one of the select secondary schools in the UK that is known worldwide for its prestige, is a goal that so many students and their families aspire towards.
Eton College retains an air of distinction by being only one of three boys' schools to still uphold their all-boys, all-boarding tradition. Radley College and Harrow School are the other two.
Of course, with this recognition, achieving the milestone of earning a place at the school is no easy task. With such a stringent vetting process for students and a required level of excellence, it’s no wonder the application process can leave students feeling overwhelmed as they focus on their preparation and adherence to deadlines.
Today we will alleviate some of that pressure by providing insights into Eton College’s application process and clarity regarding the timeline with some of the key dates that you will need to plan for when submitting your child's application.
About Eton College
Part of the allure of earning your place and subsequently carrying out your studies at this prestigious school is its historic entanglement.
The college was actually founded all the way back in 1440 by King Henry VI, who, at this stage of your education journey, you will already be familiar with from your school history book.
So, apart from being an impressive conversion piece, studying here could make you part of history, having followed in the footsteps of one of the most recognised figures ever.
Back in those days, the school went under the name ‘Kynges College of Our Lady of Eton besyde Windesore’. It was also a place where 70 disadvantaged boys, known as Kings Scholars, could get an education without cost.
In addition to them, there was the remainder of the school body who, of course, could also benefit from the education but had to pay for lodging.
As you can expect, the school has evolved substantially over time, shifting from its initial focus on teaching Latin with Greek to adopting the conventional school curriculum facilitated by its decorated faculty members and exceptional facilities.
In an interview with the Telegraph in 2015, the current Head, Simon Henderson, said that he envisions an Eton that continues to expect academic excellence from all its pupils.
A school that also recognises that “young people learn as much, if not more, from each other as from their teachers and as much, if not more, outside the classroom as within it." Educators at the City of London Boys' School would concur.
Reputation and Alumni
By setting your sights high and aiming for a spot at Eton College, you will have to consider the level of competition that comes with the school's global recognition.
Plenty of students will be gunning for the same spot and applying from overseas in the hope of obtaining this elite standard of education.
If you find yourself on the fence as to whether or not the school is for you, you may need a little more than the results that the school produces year in and year out to sway you.
In such a case, you'll be excited to hear about the success that many of the institution's graduates have enjoyed. Eton is actually considered a pivotal institution in shaping England's political leaders.
It has provided education to international elites, including individuals from the royal family, such as the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex. So, if you manage to earn a spot at the school, you will definitely be among some elite company!
Eton School Fees
While it's known for its rich history and academic excellence, Eton College also commands a significant financial investment both for international students and those based in the UK.
The cost of attending Eton School includes tuition, accommodation, various extracurricular activities, and learning resources. In addition to the fees, there are costs for music classes, optional insurance plans, joining the boat club, and participating in school excursions.
For the academic year 2024/25, the current fee per term is £17,583, with three terms per year, so a total of £52,749 per year. Parents can find fee information and additional charges on the Parent Portal.
Below is a breakdown of some of Eton College's fees; note that the tuition fee encompasses tuition, board, and other educational materials.
| Fee Type | Amount (£) | Further info |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 400 | Non-refundable, payable at the time of registration |
| Acceptance Fee | 3,200 | £500 refunded upon leaving the school, subject to final bill settlement |
| Tuition Fee per Term | 17,583 | Covers tuition, board, lodging, most games activities, and majority of educational materials |
| Annual Tuition Fee | 49,998 | Calculated based on three terms per academic year |
| Music Lessons (30 min/week) | 360 per term | Additional cost for music lessons, 30 minutes per week |
| Music Lessons (45 min/week) | 540 per term | Additional cost for music lessons, 45 minutes per week |
| Music Lessons (60 min/week) | 720 per term | Additional cost for music lessons, 60 minutes per week |
| Additional Extras | 500 - 1000 per term | Variable, depends on individual activities such as sports, drama, school trips, etc. |
| International Student Fee (Annual) | 48,501 | Includes boarding, tuition, and meals |
| Pre-Paid Fees Scheme | Variable | Allows parents to pay in advance for future school bills |
| Scholarships and Bursaries | Variable | Available based on academic, artistic, or athletic achievements and financial need |
Step-by-Step Application Process
You can have the top grades in the UK, but if you don’t follow the application process correctly and meet the associated deadlines, you might just miss out on your chance to study at Eton College.
We’ll make sure that you are well prepared for what lies ahead and outline the process step by step so you can keep your focus on those grades!
So, the process of applying to Eton College consists of three main steps that span over the years.
Im order to ensure that everything goes smoothly, it's crucial to follow the timeline and requirements provided below.
Registration in Year 5
If you are looking to enroll for Year 5, then the first step is to submit your registration before June 30th the very year that you reach the age of 10.
Now, this might seem like quite the task for a ten-year-old, so it is definitely advised that you have a parent or guardian by your side as you navigate the process.
Thankfully, there isn’t too much required at this stage; all you’ll need to submit is an application form and part ways with a non-refundable registration fee of £400.
Eton College is a school for boys aged 13-18.
Initial Tests and Interviews
Over the course of October or November in Year 6, all boys who have enrolled will then have to take the ISEB Common Pre Tests.
This is a series of computer-based assessments that assesses a variety of skills in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Nonverbal Reasoning.
At this stage, you will also need a report from your headteacher about your academic performance, hobbies and personality traits.
So, it won’t hurt to start developing a strong relationship with your headteacher—or better yet, earn their respect with your exam performance!
Eton College has an average acceptance rate of around 20%, although this can vary between 17-23% year by year.
Group Assessments and Further Interviews
When you get to year 6, over the Spring and Summer you will then be required to go through further assessments, this time being grouped according to your date of birth.
It is here that your capabilities and potential as a candidate will be assessed through a one-on-one interview along with another online examination.
For the interview portion, Eton emphasises the importance of being able to contribute to school culture both socially and academically. Prospective pupils should be prepared to speak about their current curriculum and subject interests, the same as they would for any other boys' school entrance interview.
Depending on what group you were assigned, you can expect to hear about the outcomes of your application when it is disclosed in March, May, or July.
Common Entrance Exam and Scholarships
At this stage, you will be well into the process since boys usually start at Eton in September once they are 13 years old after having passed the Common Entrance exam, of course.
If you study at a state school, you can count yourself lucky since you are not required to take the Common Entrance exam.
Instead, in January of Year 8 you will have tests that are based on material that you will be more familiar with from the National Curriculum in English, Mathematics and Science along with an interview.
If you are confident in your grades and have a track record for academic excellence, then you can also opt for scholarship exams such as the King's Scholarship as an alternative path.
The entry into Eton and Radley College, two schools with an all-boys, all-boarding tradition, is very competitive. If you are a parent, then you must register your son three years ahead of his planned entry date.
The only exceptions to these strict registration deadlines are boys applying for the King's Scholarship or the Music Awards.
Application Timeline
If you are going to stack the odds in your favour, then you will need to meet a number of deadlines as you navigate the application process.
The application process, for Eton College has a timeline with deadlines that must be met. To begin you need to register for the ISEB Common Pre Tests usually held in November or December before entry.
In order to make life a little easier for you, we have put together a table that summarises the key dates for the application process when applying to Eton College:
| Stage | Details | Date for year 2024/2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | Final date to register a boy for entry in Year 9 (13+). | 30 June of the school year he turns 10 |
| Stage 1: Autumn Term of Year 6 | Boys sit the ISEB Common Pre-Tests. | October or November |
| Outcome of Stage 1 | Results of the Pre-Tests and Head Teacher’s report reviewed; outcomes communicated. | December |
| Stage 2: Mid-January Assessment | Boys for whom significant financial aid is requested are assessed. | Mid-January |
| Stage 2: Late January/ Early February | Boys with birthdays between September and early December are assessed. | Late January/ Early February |
| Stage 2: Late February/ Early March | Boys with birthdays between late December and March are assessed. | Late February/ Early March |
| Stage 2: Late April/ Early May | Boys with birthdays between April and August are assessed. | Late April/ Early May |
| Outcomes of Assessments | Results for assessment groups published. | March, May, and July |
Whether you are a student or a parent, hopefully, this helps you keep track of the important dates in the Eton College application process.
By following these dates and completing each stage promptly, you can smoothly navigate through the application process at Eton College. By meeting all of these key dates, you will put yourself in the best position to succeed in your application to this esteemed institution.
Guidelines for Entry
Eton College reserves the right to reject and discard incomplete registration packages after 30 days. Unlike registering at Dulwich College, Eton does not negotiate on these principles. They can hardly afford to; they have far too many registrations to go through.
Guidelines for 13+
Once your son is duly registered, he will complete a two-stage assessment. The first stage involves online pre-tests and the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) Common Pre-Tests.
To complete this initial assessment, the school requires a report from your child's head teacher outlining your child's academic strengths, interests and personality.
Once he clears the pretest, your son will have further ordeals to undergo. Those include a computerised reasoning test and an assessed group activity. After all of that, he will submit to an interview with one of Eton’s masters.
Guidelines for 16+ Entry
Although the vast majority of boys enter Eton at 13+, a limited number of placements are offered to boys entering Sixth Form. To apply, your son must have received at least 6 A-grades at GCSEs. He will also be required to provide a completed application form and report from his current school.
Improve your Application for Eton College with Superprof
If you really want to maximise your or your child’s chances of joining the student body of such an accomplished school, then you could most certainly benefit from an experienced private tutor.
Working alongside one of Superprof’s tutors can significantly boost a child’s readiness for the assessments that are associated with the application process and increase their chances of gaining admission to Eton College.
Having helped countless students in the same position prepare their applications for the top schools in the UK, they will be more than equipped to assist them in organizing their revision, managing their time efficiently and developing study schedules.
If your son does well on the 13+ assessment, he will be offered a place at Eton College. Of course, the same is true at other schools, such as St Paul's School and others mentioned throughout this article.
Perhaps the most valuable aspect that a child will get is regular feedback and review sessions to help them stay on course and continuously progress through their application process. Reach out to one of the tutors on the platform as soon as today and work towards earning a place at this elite school.
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Do you have recommendations of the tutor who can help kids for Eton entrance ?
My son is in year 9 now and next year he is going to be in year 10.
Can you advice any tutor who can help my son getting prepared for Eton colllege entrance exams
Hi Payal! It’s great that you’re already planning ahead for your son’s Eton College entrance exams — early preparation can make a big difference. At Superprof, we have a range of experienced tutors who specialise in preparing students for independent school entrance exams, including Eton. You can browse profiles, check reviews, and message tutors directly to find the perfect match for your son. Just head over to superprof.co.uk and search for entrance exam tutors near you or online. Best of luck with your son’s journey! If you need any additional help, feel free to reach out to our customer services team at hello@superprof.com.
Best of luck!