New Hall School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

New Hall School is a Catholic day and boarding school welcoming boys and girls from the age of 3 through to 19. Founded by the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre in Liège in 1642, the school is set within a 70-acre site near Chelmsford, in a palace that was once owned by Henry VIII. Since 2005, the school has been governed as an independent educational charity. Boys and girls are taught together in the prep division and in Years 12 and 13, while in Years 7 to 11 they follow the same curriculum in single-sex classes. Boarding is organised across six single-sex houses, catering for pupils from Years 3 to 13. The school draws pupils from a range of backgrounds and welcomes students from many traditions, aiming to build a Christian community centred on care, trust, respect, and service to others. Day pupils are largely from families living within a 30-mile radius, while a good number of boarders come from overseas. Support is available for pupils with special educational needs and for those for whom English is an additional language, and provision is also made for the most able pupils and those with notable sporting talent.

Phone-free site during the school day