List of Independent Schools in Somerset

There are a range of independent schools in Somerset covering mixed schools, schools for boys and schools for girls.

Below you’ll find a list of those private schools that we have included which have entry into year 7 (11 Plus entry).

Somerset Independent Schools accepting entry into year seven

Downside – Bath – Somerset

Downside is a mixed private school.

Downside- 372 pupils.

“Downside is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, and one of England’s oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. Almost all the pupils at Downside are full boarders, although day pupils are also warmly welcomed. The opportunities open to boys and girls at Downside – academic, sporting, in music, drama and co-curricular activities – are exceptional.”

School Website: www.downside.co.uk

Exam Format – Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4). This is an online test that covers:

• Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning

Kings College – Taunton – Somerset

Kings College is a mixed private school.

Kings College – 450 pupils

“This is a happy, nurturing school with a wide range of opportunities there for the taking, whatever your child’s interests and abilities.”

School Website: www.kings-taunton.co.uk

Exam Format – ISEB Common Pretest. This is an online test that covers the following topics:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Millfield School – Street – Somerset

Millfield School is a mixed private school.

Millfield School – 1,330 pupils

“Millfield is one of the leading UK independent schools for boys and girls, aged 2-18 years. Millfield is not like other schools and never has been. We believe in shaping the school around the child, where excellence in teaching and coaching comes together with the child at the centre. Our aim is that each individual will discover their own brilliance.”

School Website: www.millfieldschool.com

Exam Format: CEM Select. This is an online test that will cover the following topics;

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Prior Park College – Bath – Somerset

Prior Park College is a mixed private school.

Prior Park College- 602 pupils.

“A co-educational, Catholic Christian boarding school for 11-18 (day), 13-18 (boarding), with a friendly, vibrant and talented community. Academic achievement is a vital foundation, although ‘success’ is defined in the broadest and most inclusive way. Situated in 57 acres of grounds overlooking the World Heritage City of Bath. Full and weekly boarding available.”

School Website: www.priorparkcollege.com

Exam Format – CEM Select. This is an online test that covers:

• Maths
• English
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Queen’s College – Taunton – Somerset

Queen’s College is a mixed private school.

Queen’s College- 700 pupils.

“The spirit and heart of this very special community ensures the inclusion of every pupil across all ages and ability. With shared values and educational expertise, the family at Queen’s ensures every individual entrusted into the care of the College is nurtured to reach their full potential. Queen’s is a co-educational, day and boarding school for children from three months to 18 years.”

School Website: www.queenscollege.org.uk

Exam Format – School’s own. This will typically cover the following:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning

Wellington School – Wellington – Somerset

Wellington School is a mixed private school.

Wellington School- 761 pupils.

“Wellington Senior School is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils from 11 – 18 years. There are currently 600 pupils. Wellington Prep School is adjacent to the Senior School and is a coeducational day school of 200 pupils from age 3 – 11. The key features of both schools are a strong community ethos, the development of the whole individual, excellent facilities, and realistic fees.”

School Website: www.wellington-school.org.uk

Exam Format – Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4). This is an online assessment and will cover the following:

• Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning

Wells Cathedral School – Wells – Somerset

Wells Cathedral School is a mixed private school.

Wells Cathedral School- 767 pupils.

“”An inspiring education in a musically alive and beautiful environment as a brilliant foundation for life”. 700+ girls and boys from 3-18, boarders or day; 40 Wells Cathedral choristers; 300 pupils with music at the centre of life. Unique among UK specialist music schools – it’s part of a real school; huge opportunities academically, socially, in sport and the performing arts.”

School Website: www.wells.cathedral.school

Exam Format – Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4). This is an online assessment and will cover the following:

• Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning

Preparing for entry into an Independent School

We have developed a section on how to prepare for Independent school exams and how to prepare for Independent School interviews so do please feel free to use these resources if you would like to.

If you are thinking of trying for an Independent School scholarship or bursary then please see our information page on that topic.

Equally, many independent schools publish past papers and we have past papers and sample papers which are useful for preparation in all the core areas:

Free sample 11 Plus English practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Maths practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers