Scholarships & Destinations

Guiding Every Pupil to the Right Senior School

Cothill pupils move on to their next school at 13+, having sat Common Entrance or been assessed through various routes such as pre-tests and interviews. Whatever the process, we ensure that every pupil is thoroughly prepared academically, practically and personally.

Academic ability is important, but it is not the only factor. Our goal is to open doors to schools where your child will flourish not just in the classroom, but in life.

two boys in school uniforms - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

The process usually begins in Year 5, with Mr May and Mr Phillips advising parents on schools to visit, and then whittling it down to the best places to register with.

Whilst this journey starts early, ongoing support continues throughout your child’s time at Cothill, ensuring they find the right senior school by Year 8. Equally, children joining as late as Year 7 will still have ample time to make the most of Cothill’s track record in finding the ideal fit for each individual child.

Cothill leavers continue to secure places at the UKs most prestigious senior schools. In 2026, pupils progressed to Eton, Radley, Harrow, Winchester, Marlborough, Sherborne and Oundle, with particularly strong numbers to Eton (10) and Radley (6). These results reflect Cothill’s long‑standing reputation for preparing children for success at the country’s leading boarding schools, with Radley and Eton remaining our most popular destinations over time.

Leavers’ Destinations

SCHOOL	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
Radley	6	9	8	8	1	7
Eton	10	8	9	3	4	10
Harrow	4	4	5	3	1	2
Stowe		2	4	7		2
Winchester	1	2	5	6	6	6
Marlborough	1	2	2			2
Sherborne	1	4	1		1	3
St Edwards		1	2	2	4	3
Cheltenham				1	14	2
Oundle	2	2	6		1	3

Scholarships

2026:

2 x Eton (Kings Scholarship & Martineau Award)

2 x Radley Sport

1 x Harrow Art

1 x Harrow Sport

1 x Radley Drama

1 x Oundle Academic

1 x Oundle Music

2025:

2 x Eton Music

1 x Rugby Sport

1 x Abingdon Academic

1 x Stowe all rounder

1 x Radley Art

1 x Marlborough Drama

1 x Monkton Drama

Beyond Cothill

Find Out More

Admissions Journey