Admission at 13+

There are two methods of entry to the school at 13+: the Common Entrance Examination, for boys at preparatory schools; and the 13+ Entrance Examination, for candidates from maintained schools and independent schools which do not prepare candidates for Common Entrance.

Common Entrance Examination
Common Entrance papers are taken in the June preceding entry in September. Candidates are expected to perform to a suitable standard which for MCS generally means in the region of 70%.

Prior to this, candidates must take the Pretest. This includes Mathematics, English composition, and a verbal reasoning test, followed by an interview. The Pretest now happens in conjunction with the 11+ test, in the January of Year 6. Pretest candidates take the same tests as 11+ candidates, on the same day.

Following the Pretest, candidates are offered provisional places, subject to their performance at Common Entrance or Scholarship level.

For further details, see the section on Admission at 11+.

13+ Entrance Examination
This is for candidates from maintained schools and independent schools which do not prepare candidates for Common Entrance.

What happens next?

As a result of the tests, interviews and school report, offers of places - and in some cases scholarships and other rewards - are made in February to successful candidates; and a deposit (currently £500) is requested. This reserves a provisional place at Magdalen College School for the next academic year.

If you are interested in applying for scholarships, please see the Bursaries and Awards page.