While Years 7 and 9 are our main entry points, it is also possible for students to join us in Year 8 or Year 10 providing we have space in the year group. Our application process is the same regardless of entry point.
Open Morning
You might like to start by attending one of our Open Mornings. These events take place in February, May and October. Please click here if you would like to register to attend our next event.
School day visit
The next step would be to arrange for you to visit on a school day. This visit will begin with a tour of the school which is followed by a meeting with Mark Olejnik, Head of Years 7-11. We would usually expect your son or daughter to come with you though we can arrange an initial parent-only visit if you prefer.
Registration
At this point we would ask you to register your child by completing a copy of this form.
We normally begin our assessment process in the academic year preceding entry – i.e. students looking at joining in 2017 would be assessed from September 2016 onwards. However, for students applying to join Year 9 via Common Entrance, this can be brought forward if necessary.
Taster day
A taster day usually comes next, which gives your child a chance to experience life as a d’Overbroeck’s student – without doubt the best way to get to know the school. We assign a student ‘buddy’ in the relevant year group (students in Year 6 are looked after by our Year 7s) who will act as a guide throughout the day.
The visit will include between five and eight lessons, depending on the timetable, as well as a chance to sample the famous d’Overbroeck’s lunch! We have only one visitor per class at any one time, so each teacher will have time to get to know your child during their visit.
Entrance exams
If the taster day goes well, both from our side and yours, then we would next arrange for your child to sit our entrance assessment. This consists of papers in Maths and English. For entry into Year 10 students will also be asked to sit a Non-Verbal Reasoning paper. Each test is designed to gauge the candidate’s current level of performance and no specific preparation is required.
Students applying to join Year 7 will most likely attend one of our group Assessment Days during the Autumn term. Students looking to join Years 8, 9 or 10 come in on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. The tests take around two and a half hours to complete.
Decision-making
We will also contact your child’s school to request a reference. Once the taster day and assessment have taken place and the reference has been received, we will decide whether to offer your child a place. Our deadline for acceptance is usually around four weeks from the date on which you receive the offer letter.
Year 7 Transfer Day
Students who are enrolled to join Year 7 in September will be invited to attend our Transfer Day towards the end of the Summer term. The aim of this day is to help break the ice and make the first day of term a bit less nerve-wracking for everyone! Students take part in practical classes and have time to begin to get to know one another as individuals and as part of a group. The day ends with a tea party, which parents are warmly invited to attend.
The first day of term
The new academic year begins with a half-day induction session for all students. This gives them a chance to spend time with their Form Teacher and to familiarise themselves with their timetable and the layout of the school.
