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Early Years
Children start school in our Nursery the term in which they are 3, and in Reception the September after they are 4. Parents are able to put their child’s name down at the school expressing an interest (this does not mean a place has been offered).
Waiting List
When a waiting list is created priority for admission will be given to those children who:
- Have a sister already in the school
- Live in close proximity to the school
- Have achieved a high academic entry assessment
Preparatory School
Parents are asked to make an appointment to see the Head of Prep School to have a tour of the school (with or without their child) and to discuss their child’s admission to the school prior to the child being admitted.
Prior to admission parents of children already in schools in the area are asked to discuss a possible move with the Headteacher of the school which their child is already attending.
Children are formally assessed, rather than examined, for entry, which can be at any time during the school year, providing all the necessary documentation has been finalised. Once the child has been accepted, parents are asked to keep in close contact with their child’s class teacher to ensure that the transition to their new school is a smooth one.
Senior School
Combe Bank admits girls having a range of abilities. Places will be offered to girls following entrance examinations and an interview with the Headmistress. We are looking for girls who are keen to learn and to become valued members of the school community.
Age of Entry
Officially we accept applications for 11+, 13+ and the Sixth Form but in certain circumstances girls will be accepted in other years when places are available.
11+ Entry
The school sets its own scholarship and entry examinations in Mathematics, English and Verbal Reasoning (all approximately 1 hour papers). The examinations take place at Combe Bank each November. Candidates who are short-listed for Scholarship will be required to attend an interview.
We have taster days for prospective pupils in the Autumn Term. The Headmistress likes to meet all parents to show them the school and talk to them about their daughters.
All Year 7 parents are invited to an evening at the school during the term before their daughter’s entry to meet the Headmistress, members of staff, and each other.
13+ Entry
Candidates are invited to spend a day in the school in the Autumn term of year 8 to assess suitability for entry.
Sixth Form Entry
A minimum of six GCSEs at Grade C is required to either join or progress to the Sixth Form, with A or B Grades, required in the subjects to be followed at AS Level.
Entry to Other Years
We encourage girls and parents to make an appointment to meet the Headmistress and have a tour of the school. If a girl is to be considered for admission we like her to spend a day in school with the Year Group she may be joining so she can see if the school is going to be ‘right’ for her and we can assess her suitability for entry.
Scholarships
Scholarships of up to half tuition fees at time of entry are awarded at 11+ and on entry to the Sixth Form and are awarded on academic merit.
Art, Music and Sports Scholarships are also available.
Art scholarships are being awarded from September 2010. Those wishing to be considered for an Art scholarship will be asked to provide a reference from the head of their junior school. They will be invited to bring example of past art work and a 20 minute sketching session will also be organised which they are asked to attend.
Music Scholarships are awarded to suitable candidates subject to a satisfactory performance on the academic papers. The audition will be mainly practical and designed to test musicianship and musical potential. Candidates will be asked to play two contrasting pieces on their main instrument/voice, to take some aural and sight reading tests and to answer questions about their musical experience. They may also offer one piece on their second instrument/voice.
Sports Scholarships are awarded to suitable candidates subject to a satisfactory performance on the academic papers. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a high level of achievement or involvement in sport outside school (with a club reference being required) and within their present school.
An Art/Music/Sport Scholar will be expected to play a full and active part in the life of the school and to be an ambassador for the subject among her peers.
Sixth Form Scholarships are awarded as a result of either Mock examinations internally or, for external pupils, predicted GCSE grades, and an interview.
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