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FAQs


Please find below answers to some frequently asked questions about Bablake. If you have any queries that are not answered below please contact Admissions on 024 7627 1248 or email bablakeadmissions@csfoundation.org.uk.

How do I apply to Bablake?

To apply to Bablake you will need to fill in an application form and pay a £50 application fee. There are several ways you can do this:

  • You can download an application form from our Admissions pages and return this by post to the Admissions team or drop it off at School Reception. You will have to pay the application fee separately as instructed on the form.
  • You can fill in our enquiry form and we will send an application pack to you in the post.
  • You can call us on 02476 271 248; we will take your details and send you an application pack in the post.

We would highly recommend a visit to meet the Headmaster and to have a tour of the School on a normal school day.

When is the Entrance Examination?

The 11+ Entrance Examination takes place in October. We also offer a Pre-selection assessment for Year 5 pupils which takes place in May. For entry into other year groups please contact us to arrange a date.

For further information please visit Admissions.

For applications throughout the year into current year groups (where there are places) we can arrange a separate examination date for your child to sit the Entrance Examination.

What are the fees?

Fee information is available on the Fees, Bursaries and Scholarships section of the website.

Where can I find sample Entrance Examination papers?

Hard copies of sample Entrance Examination papers will be sent out to you once we have received your completed application form. 

We also recommend Bond Papers (which can be purchased from WH Smiths/Waterstones) if you require any additional practice papers. 

How can my child prepare for the Entrance Examination?

We offer the following advice to pupils taking our Entrance Exam: Entrance Exam Preparation Tips

What scholarships and bursaries are available?

Scholarships are awarded on ability in Mathematics, English, Art, Music and General Excellence following the 11+ Entrance Examination. For Sixth Form, scholarships are available for Academic Excellence, Music and Sport.

Bursaries are means-tested (based on gross parental income/expenditure as well as Entrance Examination performance) and can range from 10% up to 100% fee reduction.

Pupils can hold both a scholarship and a bursary. Scholarships and bursaries are only available for 11+ entry, and for entry into Sixth Form (deadlines apply).

Please see the Fees, Bursaries and Scholarships section of the website for further details.

What are the Bablake Term Dates?

The Bablake Term Dates can be found here in the information section of our website.

When are your Open Events?

We hold two main open events throughout the year, an Open Morning in September and an Open Evening in June. We also hold a Sixth Form Open Evening in October and a separate Preparatory Open Morning in January.

All Open Event dates and times can be found in the Open Events section of the website.

If you are unable to make one of our open sessions or would like to see the School site or sites on a normal working day, we are able to arrange tours across any of our sites throughout the school year.

How can I arrange a visit?

We welcome visitors to Bablake throughout the school year. To book a tour of the school on a normal working day please complete the enquiry form.

How do I apply for Sixth Form?

Please refer to the Sixth Form section of our General Admissions page for details of how to apply.

Can I apply at any point throughout the year?

Yes, we accept applications into all year groups (other than Years 11 and 13), where there are places, throughout the year. For further information on how to apply please visit the Admissions section of the website.

How can my child get to school?

We have an extensive Transport offer and we benefit from excellent train and bus links to School. 

For information on our Transport offer please visit the Transport section of our website. If there is a route or stop that we don't currently offer please contact our Transport Manager, on 02476 273 28, who will be happy to discuss your requirements further. 

How do I apply for a bursary?

Information about how to apply for a bursary can be found in the Fees, Bursaries and Scholarships section of the website.

Please note that bursaries are only available for 11+ entry, and for entry into Sixth Form (deadlines apply).

How does my child apply for a scholarship?

We offer Academic, Music and Art Scholarships at 11+ entry and Academic, Music and Sport scholarships for Sixth Form entry.

Information about how to apply for a scholarship can be found in the Fees, Bursaries and Scholarships section of the website.

Please note that scholarships are only available for 11+ entry, and for entry into Sixth Form (deadlines apply).

How many pupils come from local primary schools and how many from the Prep School?

In a typical year we take half of our new Shell (Year 7) pupils from local primary schools and half from our own Preparatory School. The pupils are mixed together in new Forms, which allows an excellent opportunity to start new friendships and for new pupils to settle in. There is no setting in the first year in order to give all pupils a fresh start and a chance to find their level of ability.

How can I see what a normal day in school is like?

If you would like to see the Bablake on a normal school day, we are able to arrange tours throughout the school year.

To book a tour please call Admissions on 02476 271 248.

Can my son or daughter visit the School?

Yes, your son/daughter is welcome to visit the School on a normal working day or for a busy, activity-packed tour (at an Open Event). However, the best way to experience attending Bablake is to have a Taster Day.

To book a Taster Day or Tour please call Admissions on 02476 271 248.

Are the clubs and activities included in the School fees?

Yes, there is no charge for the vast majority of clubs and activities. For example, your child could attend sports training, climbing, music rehearsals and academic subject ‘clinics’ at no extra cost. Individual music tuition and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award are charged on top of fees.

Are there lots of costly extras such as uniform and sports kits?

We try very hard to keep the cost of our uniform low. The compulsory elements of our uniform should be bought from the School Shop, Number 57 Schoolwear. Other parts of the uniform can be bought from our shop or any other retail outlet. The Parents’ Association also holds second-hand uniform sales which are a great way of saving money when replacing school uniform.

Are there opportunities for extra trips that children have to go on?

There is a range of extra trips offered in order to allow pupils to learn more about specific locations, artefacts and events which cannot be covered in class. Most pupils do therefore attend these valuable educational trips. Most trips during the school year are not compulsory and as such pupils are not obliged to attend.

For the major trips, such as overseas expeditions for sport or outdoor education, pupils are given opportunities to raise money themselves to contribute. Payment is always staggered to make it as manageable as possible. Bursary holders can receive support for compulsory academic trips upon request.