Children are invited to visit us around the time of their third birthday for a relaxed and enjoyable 40–45 minute session.

During this time, they will join the classroom independently and have the chance to explore our learning environment, interact with other children, and meet our teaching staff.

We gently observe how confidently they settle, how they engage with activities and resources, and how they respond to simple instructions. Our staff will join in their play, chat with them, and get a sense of their early understanding of key concepts. We also pay close attention to their communication skills, ensuring they are able to express their needs clearly and comfortably.

We invite children in for a 45-minute to one-hour visit that mirrors the gentle, play-based approach of our FS2 setting.

As well as observing how comfortably they settle into the classroom and interact with staff and peers, we take a closer look at early literacy and numeracy skills. This may include simple activities that help us see their pencil grip and control, their emerging phonics knowledge, and their recognition of numbers.

Our aim is to make the session relaxed, enjoyable, and reflective of a typical day in our setting, giving your child the chance to feel at ease while we gain a holistic sense of their readiness for the next stage of learning.

Children are invited for a one-hour visit that gives us the opportunity to get to know them in a relaxed and supportive setting.

During the session, we spend time talking with them to see how confidently they hold a conversation, respond to simple questions, and follow instructions. We also explore their developing literacy skills through short writing and reading activities, and take a closer look at their numeracy by assessing number recognition up to 20, number formation, and their understanding of shapes and patterns.

The visit is designed to feel calm and engaging, helping your child feel comfortable while giving us a well-rounded picture of their learning.

Children are invited for a one-hour visit that allows us to understand their learning in a calm and supportive environment.

During the session, we spend time engaging them in more structured conversations, noticing how they respond to increasingly complex questions and instructions. We also take a closer look at their literacy skills, including handwriting, the use of basic punctuation in their writing, and their current reading level. In numeracy, we explore their number recognition up to 100, their approach to simple problem-solving tasks, and their confidence with the four basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

The visit is designed to be friendly and encouraging, helping your child feel at ease while giving us a clear picture of their learning.

The main assessment week for entry to our Junior Sections is held in December each year. Children will be invited in for a Taster Day which includes age-appropriate assessments in Maths and English, an informal interview with a member of our Junior section staff and the opportunity to join our current pupils for a taste of life and learning in our school. Our Taster Day is designed to be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

We are also able to offer individual taster and assessment days for entry throughout the year into Years 3 to 6, subject to places being available.

Offers

Following the Taster Day, we will notify you of the outcome in writing.

Children who join us in the Junior section automatically transition to Year 7, without requirement to attend Year 7 Assessment Day unless they wish to apply for a scholarship or bursary.

Year 7 is our most popular entry point with the majority of our year 7 applicants attending our assessment day in January.

During the assessment day, your child will complete assessments in English (writing), English (Reading), Mathematics and Non Verbal Reasoning. English and Maths papers have been specially developed by Wakefield Grammar School Foundation. The Non Verbal Reasoning paper is provided by GL Assessments. Sample papers will be provided to all registered applicants to support familiarisation with assessment format and example content.

We aim to make the day as relaxed, supportive and enjoyable as possible. Alongside the academic elements of the day, your child will enjoy a variety of fun activities and will join some of our current students for lunch. We know from experience that these experiences help to bring out the best in your child on the day.

Offers

We will communicate the outcome of your child’s entrance assessment by email within a few days of the assessment day.

Welcome Week

During June, we hold our welcome week where new students are invited to join us in school for an exciting day of activities as early friendships are made. Parents are also invited to join us in school during this week to meet staff and find out all about becoming part of the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation family.

Candidates will be invited in to sit assessments in Maths, English Comprehension, English Writing and Science, as well as an informal interview with a member of our academic team.

Following the entrance examination you will receive an email from the Head informing you of the outcome and next steps for successful applicants.

For entry into our Sixth Form, candidates will be expected to have a good GCSE profile, including passes at Grade 5 or above in all subjects taken. A Grade 6 or above is normally required in any subject the applicant is intending to study at A Level; if an applicant is not currently on course to achieve this standard, we will consider this on an individual basis.

Pupils who have not studied to GCSE level a subject they propose to study at A Level may be required to undertake test papers at the school to ascertain their suitability for A-Level study.

A confidential reference from the Head of a prospective pupil’s current school will be requested upon receipt of an Application Form for entry into Year 12.

Following receipt of your application, we will invite you to meet with our Director of Sixth Form to discuss your A Level choices and aspirations for the Sixth Form and beyond. Please bring your predicted GCSE grades. We will contact your current school for a  reference. We will email conditional offers shortly thereafter. 

We welcome you to join us at our Sixth Form Open  , for more information please contact our friendly Admissions team

Sixth Form Taster Day

All applicants will be invited to join us in school  for a Sixth Form Taster Day where you can try out lessons in the subjects you are thinking of studying at A-Level as well as meet your new classmates, staff and experience our Sixth Form Centre.

All applicants will be invited to join us in school to meet with the Head of Sixth Form, Deputy Head of Sixth Form or Head of Year 12 for an interview. where you will be able to discuss our A-Level choices and aspirations for the Sixth Form and beyond. Please bring your predicted GCSE grades. We will contact your current school for a reference. We will email conditional offers shortly thereafter.

Offers

Final offers will be made following confirmation of candidates’ final GCSE grades.

We fully understand that not everyone may attain the grades they were expecting or hoping for. This is why we strongly encourage all prospective pupils to contact us on results day if they have narrowly missed our entry criteria so that we can discuss alternative options if required.

Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships available for students joining the Sixth Form.

We strongly recommend early application.