Entrance Assessments

As a selective school, we do require children to sit an entrance assessment when applying for a place at Dame Allan’s. This is important as academic standards are high across both the Junior School and Nursery and Senior Schools and we want to make sure each child can cope in this environment. 

Once you have completed our application form to register your child, we will be in touch regarding the assessment. The style of the assessment varies depending on the age group, but our overall aim is to make sure the process is relaxed and stress-free to ensure your child performs at their very best on the day. 

References from a pupil’s current school are required at all age groups.

Junior School and Nursery

Early Years

Children applying for a place in our Nursery are invited into the Junior School for an hour during which they spend time in the Nursery with our Nursery teacher Miss Milburn. 

For children joining Reception, there is an assessment which includes letter and number recognition, sequencing and motor skills. This assessment is with our Head of Early Years, Mrs Ferguson.

Junior School

Children are assessed in mathematics, English and non-verbal reasoning. These assessments take place in small groups of children of a similar age. They are supported through the process by a member of staff. Following this, children then spend time in the classroom with their year group, to give them the opportunity to experience the Junior School environment. 

Assessments for entry into Year 3 for 2024 will take place in January 2024. The closing date for applications for 2024 will be 1 December 2023. For applications after this date, please contact the Admissions team. 

Assessments for entry into Year 5 for 2024 will take place in November 2023. The closing date for applications for 2024 will be 1 November 2023. For applications after this date, please contact the Admissions team. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Schools

Entry to Years 7, 8 and 9 is through an assessment in maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This is an online assessment, and is taken on a desktop PC.  As part of their time in school, applicants will also take part in some fun team building activities, as well as small group interviews with one of our teachers, where we will have the opportunity to find out more about your child. 

The closing date for applications for 2024 will be 12 January 2024. For applications after this date, please contact the Admissions team for further information.

Girls' School exam date - Saturday 20 January 2024

Boys' School exam date - Saturday 27 January 2024

Offers posted - 1 March 2024

We appreciate that circumstances can change at various times of the year, so we encourage you to contact us to discuss your child joining at any time in the year. Potential pupils in other age groups are also welcome to apply. In these circumstances, specific arrangements are made with the Schools’ Head of Admissions. 

Sixth Form

Entry into the Sixth Form is conditional on GCSE results, an interview with the Head of Sixth Form and is subject to a satisfactory reference from the student’s existing school. 

Please contact a member of the admissions team with regards to applications for the Sixth Form in 2024.

If you have further questions about any of the above entrance assessments, please contact the Admissions team.