Ardingly College Haywards Heath Open Day

Year 9 Entry (13+)

Ardingly operates a deferred entry model, where the primary selection phase is conducted while the candidate is in Year 6. This early assessment allows families to secure a place well in advance of the transition to Senior School.

• The ISEB Common Pre-Test: Candidates typically sit the ISEB online pre-test—encompassing English, Mathematics, and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning—during the Michaelmas Term of Year 6.
• Individual Assessment & Interview: Following a successful performance in the Pre-Test, candidates are invited for a personal visit. This stage includes a formal interview with the Headmaster or a member of the Senior Leadership Team to evaluate the student’s alignment with the College’s values.
• Late Entry Applications: For families applying during Year 7 or Year 8, places are subject to availability. These candidates undergo Ardingly’s internal entrance examinations and a bespoke interview process.

Sixth Form Entry (16+)

Admission to the Sixth Form is predicated on a high standard of academic achievement at GCSE (or equivalent) and demonstrated professional potential during the interview phase.

• General Academic Thresholds: To qualify for either the A Level or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma pathways, candidates are generally expected to achieve a minimum of six GCSEs at Grade 6 or above, including English and Mathematics.
• Subject-Specific Requirements: To ensure success in high-rigor disciplines such as Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and the Sciences, a Grade 7 or 8 in the relevant subject is typically required.
• Assessment & Scholarship Pathway: External candidates attend a formal Assessment Day in November. This includes cognitive evaluations and subject-specific interviews. Candidates with exceptional academic profiles (primarily Grades 8 and 9) may be invited to compete for prestigious Academic Scholarships.

International Requirements

For students transitioning from non-UK curricula, the College provides a structured assessment route to ensure academic and linguistic readiness.

• UKiset Assessment: International applicants are frequently requested to sit the UKiset (UK Independent School’s Entry Test). This provides a standardized benchmark of English language proficiency and underlying academic potential.
• International Academic Pathway (IAP): Students demonstrating significant academic merit but requiring further linguistic refinement may be offered a place within the IAP for Year 9 or Year 10. This program provides intensive English support while maintaining a rigorous academic core.