We hold three Open Mornings each year, two in the autumn and one in early summer. You are also most welcome to come and visit the School on a working day: the Headmaster, Mr Paul Spillane, and, where appropriate, the Head of the Junior School, Mr Robert Lilley, will be pleased to show you and your family round and discuss any matters of interest or concern. The easiest way to make an appointment is to telephone the Headmaster�s PA, Mrs Carol Woodhead, on 01924-291614.

Most of our pupils enter the School at 7+ (Year 3) or 11+ (Year7), but many join us at other ages. Admission to the Junior and Senior School is normally by entrance examination, supported by an academic and general reference from the feeder school.

Pupils at Sunny Hill House School or St Hilda�s School do not sit the entrance examination: admission is based on assessment at Sunny Hill House or St Hilda�s and the Headmistress�s report.

Applications are welcomed from girls and boys wishing to study for their A levels at Silcoates. They do not sit an entrance examination: the offer of a place is dependent on predicted GCSE grades, a good school report and an interview.

Pupils in our Junior School are not normally required to take a further examination to qualify for entry into the Senior School.

The entrance examination for children aged 7+, 8+, 9+ and 10+ takes place on the last Friday in January, and for children aged 11+, 12+ and 13+ on the following day. We will, however, assess children at any stage of the year. Entry to the school is normally at the beginning of the academic year in September, but there are sometimes circumstances, such as a family moving into the locality, when this is not possible: we will happily examine and admit pupils at other times if there are vacancies in the relevant year group.

Entrance scholarships, ranging in value from 10% to 50% of the fees, are awarded to 11+ entrants of high academic and/or musical ability. Year 6 pupils in our Junior School and at St Hilda�s are entitled to sit for these scholarships. Children of ministers of the Congregational and United Reformed Churches are eligible for bursaries. Bursaries may also be offered to children of ministers of other Christian denominations and to entrants to the Sixth Form. All bursaries are means-tested. Further particulars of the scholarships and bursaries may be obtained from the Headmaster.

Prospective pupils are always welcome to spend one or more �taster� days with us. All pupils due to enter the school in September spend a �familiarisation� day at Silcoates towards the end of the preceding Summer Term, and there is also an information evening for new parents.