Magdalen College School offers an Assessment Service for candidates looking at entry into the Junior School for candidates at 7+, 8+ and 9+. 

The purpose of the service is to enable parents to gain an idea of their son’s current level of achievement and potential, and to be advised as to whether an application to Magdalen College School Junior School would be appropriate for him at this stage. Parents find the service particularly helpful if they are unsure whether their son would be a suitable candidate for the school, or if they have concerns about the level of preparation at his current school.

Parents should be aware that these assessment services are entirely optional and voluntary. Assessments are not part of the official admissions procedure or a requirement prior to registration, merely a source of guidance and advice. Past exam papers are not used and it is not possible to provide any coaching or detailed information about the content of the entrance examinations.

Please note that we are no longer taking Pre-assessment requests for applicants looking to join in September 2024. Assessments for 2025 entry will be scheduled between February and October 2025.

The assessment process

Candidates will be invited to the Junior School (generally at the end of the school day from about 3.30pm) and will meet one of the relevant Junior School teachers. The session will last between 20-30 minutes and will include an assessment of their mathematical aptitude, reading ability and literacy skills, as well as an informal appraisal of the likelihood of their being comfortable with the standards and routines of MCS. Parents will be given verbal feedback immediately.

To make an appointment for a Junior School assessment, please complete the Pre-Assessment Request Form, then pay the Pre-Assessment fee of £50. To pay this, please either send a cheque (made out to ‘Magdalen College School’) to The Registrar, Magdalen College School, Oxford, OX4 1DZ or pay by bank transfer using the following details: Account No: 01530755 Sort Code: 60-70-03.

We will then get in touch with you to arrange timings.