Entry Requirements
What are the academic conditions required for entry at 13+?
A) Scholarship Candidates
Details of the Academic Scholarship examinations are shown in the Prospectus. Candidates take the Common Scholarship Examination in February. It is usual for students to be prepared for the scholarship examination by their present school. The advice of the feeder school is critical in this matter. If you are unsure whether your child is of scholarship standard then please ask us.
Scholarship application forms are available from The Admissions Office.
B) Common Entrance Candidates
Candidates who come from schools that prepare for Common Entrance will be expected to take the examination. The average mark we look for in this examination is 60%. However, we will consider any candidate who may have difficulty reaching this mark if their circumstances and background make them suitable entrants for Ampleforth, provided they take the Ampleforth Admissions Test in addition to Common Entrance. See below.
Our aim is to ensure that parents, students and feeder schools know where they stand before the Common Entrance Examination, and that we are not forced to reject students on the basis of their Common Entrance performance alone.
If you think your child may have difficulty reaching the average of 60% in Common Entrance please consult his present Headteacher and then contact the Admissions Office here as soon as possible to make the necessary arrangements.
C) Non-Common Entrance Candidates
If your child's school does not prepare its students for Common Entrance we will require him or herto sit the Ampleforth Admissions Test. Each year a significant number of students enter the school this way. This test will consist of a verbal reasoning and aptitude assessment and will be administered at Ampleforth during term time by mutual arrangement. The test must be taken before the end of the Lent Term of the year of entry. A candidate who does not reach the required standard in the admissions test will not be offered a place.
Does entry at 13+ guarantee entry into the Sixth Form?
No. All of our students, both internal and external are expected to satisfy the entry requirements for the Sixth Form, grade B or above in at least five GCSE subjects or the equivalent
Do people join the College at other ages?
7+ entry
St Martin's Ampleforth takes boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 13. Students from St Martin's Ampleforth are almost always assured entry to the College.
14+ entry
Yes. Each year several students join the school at the beginning of the two year GCSE course. They come from a variety of backgrounds both in the UK and abroad. Entry is subject to a satisfactory academic performance and reference. We like to interview such applicants.
Does Ampleforth accept students at Sixth Form (16+)?
Yes. Every year a number of boys and girls join the school for the two-year AS and A2 level course. A leaflet on entry to the sixth form is available from the Admissions Office.
What are the academic conditions required for entry at 16+?
All Sixth Form entrants are expected to have achieved grade B or above in 5 GCSE subjects or the equivalent qualifications. Those from other academic backgrounds will be considered on their merits but it will be essential to have a detailed reference from the present school. Those from overseas will be expected to have a good command of written and spoken English. They may be required to be interviewed by Ampleforth's representatives and we would prefer them to visit Ampleforth for an interview.
Are Scholarships available to those joining the Sixth Form?
Yes. Academic and music scholarships are available to those who join Ampleforth at Sixth Form level. The academic scholarships are held in November and music scholarships in February. Further details are in the Prospectus.
Application forms are available from the Admissions Office.