List of Independent Schools in Somerset

There are a range of independent schools in Somerset covering mixed schools, schools for boys and schools for girls.

Below you’ll find a list of those schools that we have included which have entry into year 7 (11 Plus entry).

Somerset Independent Schools accepting entry into year seven

Downside

Downside is a mixed school.

Downside- 372 pupils.

“Downside is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, and one of England’s oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. Almost all the pupils at Downside are full boarders, although day pupils are also warmly welcomed. The opportunities open to boys and girls at Downside – academic, sporting, in music, drama and co-curricular activities – are exceptional.”

School Website: www.downside.co.uk

Prior Park College

Prior Park College is a mixed school.

Prior Park College- 602 pupils.

“A co-educational, Catholic Christian boarding school for 11-18 (day), 13-18 (boarding), with a friendly, vibrant and talented community. Academic achievement is a vital foundation, although ‘success’ is defined in the broadest and most inclusive way. Situated in 57 acres of grounds overlooking the World Heritage City of Bath. Full and weekly boarding available.”

School Website: www.priorparkcollege.com

Queen’s College

Queen’s College is a mixed school.

Queen’s College- 700 pupils.

“The spirit and heart of this very special community ensures the inclusion of every pupil across all ages and ability. With shared values and educational expertise, the family at Queen’s ensures every individual entrusted into the care of the College is nurtured to reach their full potential. Queen’s is a co-educational, day and boarding school for children from three months to 18 years.”

School Website: www.queenscollege.org.uk

Wellington School

Wellington School is a mixed school.

Wellington School- 761 pupils.

“Wellington Senior School is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils from 11 – 18 years. There are currently 600 pupils. Wellington Prep School is adjacent to the Senior School and is a coeducational day school of 200 pupils from age 3 – 11. The key features of both schools are a strong community ethos, the development of the whole individual, excellent facilities, and realistic fees.”

School Website: www.wellington-school.org.uk

Wells Cathedral School

Wells Cathedral School is a mixed school.

Wells Cathedral School- 767 pupils.

“”An inspiring education in a musically alive and beautiful environment as a brilliant foundation for life”. 700+ girls and boys from 3-18, boarders or day; 40 Wells Cathedral choristers; 300 pupils with music at the centre of life. Unique among UK specialist music schools – it’s part of a real school; huge opportunities academically, socially, in sport and the performing arts.”

School Website: www.wells.cathedral.school

Preparing for entry into an Independent School

We have developed a section on how to prepare for Independent school exams and how to prepare for Independent School interviews so do please feel free to use these resources if you would like to.

If you are thinking of trying for an Independent School scholarship or bursary then please see our information page on that topic.

Equally, many independent schools publish past papers and we have past papers and sample papers which are useful for preparation in all the core areas:

Free sample 11 Plus English practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Maths practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers