Your 6-Step Guide to our Admissions Process

ealing independent college

What to Expect

Choosing the right school or college is a big decision for any family. You want somewhere your child feels inspired, supported, and challenged to achieve their best. We are here to make the admissions process as simple and transparent as possible, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Below, we have set out a clear, step-by-step guide to applying to Ealing Independent College in West London. Whether you are just starting to explore your options for GCSEs or A Levels, or you are ready to book a visit, this guide will help you feel confident about the journey ahead.

1: Book Your Visit and Tour

Your admissions journey begins with booking a visit to our college on a date that suits your family. Our Admissions Officer will show you around, helping you to get a sense of what everyday life here feels like.

During your tour, you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about our curriculum, pastoral care, enrichment opportunities, university links, and anything else that matters to you.

2: Meet the Principal

After your tour, you will sit down for a friendly, informal meeting with our Principal. This is a chance for us to learn more about your child, their interests, ambitions, and any individual help and guidance they may need.

It is also your opportunity to ask about our values, our approach to learning, exam support and preparation, and how we help students thrive both academically and personally.

3: Complete the CAT4 Tests at Home

The next step is our CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) assessments. These help us understand how your child learns best. The CAT4 is a set of three online assessments that cover areas such as verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal reasoning. Each test lasts around 45 minutes.

You will receive clear instructions and login details to complete the tests from the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you. There is no need to worry, as there are no pass or fail marks. The results simply help us build a fuller picture of your child’s learning profile.

4: Discussing the Results

Once the CAT4 tests are completed, you will be invited back for a follow-up meeting with our Principal. Together, we will go through the results and talk about how we can best support your child’s progress and wellbeing. 

5: A Two-Week Trial Period

If everyone agrees that our college could be a good fit, your child will be invited to join us for a two-week trial period. During this time, they will attend lessons, meet teachers and classmates, and experience our daily routines first-hand. This helps them, and you, decide if our environment feels right.

Although we are a private school, there is no charge or obligation for this trial. We want every student to feel confident in their choice.

6: Final Meeting and Next Steps

At the end of the trial period, we will invite you to a final meeting with the Principal to reflect on how it went. If everything aligns and everyone feels positive, we will offer your child a place at Ealing Independent College.

Ready to Apply?

If you are considering applying to Ealing Independent College, we would love to hear from you. Our Admissions Officer is here to guide you through every step of the process, answer your questions, and make you feel welcome.

Contact us today to arrange your visit or request more information.