Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and we know that comes with plenty of questions. Below, we’ve brought together answers to the questions we’re asked most often — from admissions and entry points to fees and life at Kneller Hall. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our admissions team is always happy to help.
FAQs
Is Kneller Hall School co-educational?
Yes. Kneller Hall School is fully co-educational from Reception through to Sixth Form.
What year groups can my child join Kneller Hall in?
Junior School takes pupils from Reception to Year 6, and Senior School runs from Year 7 to Year 13. Most families join us at Reception, Year 7, Year 9 or Sixth Form (Year 12), though occasional places do arise in other year groups.
How do I apply to the Junior School?
Places are offered on a rolling basis as they become available. The process includes a visit, an age-appropriate activity morning or taster session, and a meeting with a senior member of staff. Many of our youngest pupils join us from Dukes Education nurseries, though we’re just as glad to welcome new families.
Does my child need to sit the 11+ if they're already at Kneller Hall Junior School?
No. We already know each child well from monitoring their progress throughout the prep years, so there’s no external 11+ to sit. Offers are usually made in the autumn term of Year 6, and the registration fee is waived.
My child is at another Dukes Education prep school — can they join without the 11+?
In most cases, yes, via our Kneller-Assured Pathway. Families can apply up to two years in advance, and an external 11+ isn’t normally required. Progression isn’t automatic — it depends on suitability and space — but offers are typically made in the autumn term of Year 6, ahead of external applicants.
We're not part of Dukes Education — how do we apply for Year 7?
You’re very welcome to apply through our standard admissions process: online registration, entrance assessments in English and Maths, and — for those meeting the standard — a further ‘Beyond the Classroom’ activity. Offers are usually made in early February for September entry.
Can my child join at Year 9?
Yes — the same process applies whether you’re joining from a Dukes Education school or elsewhere. It involves a baseline academic assessment and a meeting to discuss GCSE options; scholarships may also be available, subject to further assessment.
As with our other senior entry points, all applicants will need to register with the Senior School admissions team as the first step.
How do we apply for Sixth Form from outside Kneller Hall?
Registration is required, along with a personal statement, school report and predicted grades — normally seven GCSEs at Grade 6 or above, with Grade 7 or above typically needed for some subjects. Applicants attend an interview, and offers are conditional on final results. See our Year 12 Entry Timeline 2027 for key dates. Please note we’re unable to accept applications for Years 11 or 13.
What if a place becomes available outside these points of entry?
Occasional places do arise in other year groups. At the senior school, these are assessed using CAT4 (a cognitive abilities test) alongside school reports — get in touch with our Admissions team to check availability.
Do you offer scholarships and bursaries?
Kneller Hall is proud to offer a number of scholarships and means-tested bursaries each year, recognising talent and supporting families for whom cost might otherwise be a barrier.
Scholarships are awarded on merit at key entry points — 11+, 13+ and 16+ — across academic, creative, performing arts and sporting disciplines, celebrating the breadth of talent we look to nurture at Kneller Hall. Each award is subject to assessment and reviewed annually, reflecting a pupil’s continued achievement and commitment.
Means-tested bursaries are available to eligible families, assessed individually against our bursary policy and reviewed on an annual basis.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please contact our admissions team.
When does the school move to the Kneller Hall estate?
Our Senior School will move to the Kneller Hall estate in September 2027, followed by Kneller Hall Junior School, which moves to its own new home at Pope’s Villa, Twickenham, in September 2028.
While the two schools sit on separate sites, they remain closely connected — sister schools sharing the same values and ethos that defines a Kneller Hall education, whichever site your child calls home.
Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up to date with news on both moves as plans develop, including key dates and what to expect along the way.
Could my child, who is quite shy, get lost at school?
Not at Kneller Hall. This is one of the questions we hear most often, and we can answer it with complete confidence. There is a latticework of care here that makes it impossible for any child to fall through the net. Every member of staff, academic and non-academic, knows every student, meaning issues are spotted early.
Do you support pupils with additional learning needs?
Yes. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive and accessible first rate education. Please speak to our Admissions team at the point of enquiry so we can ensure the right provision is in place from the outset.