Summerhill School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

Summerhill School was founded in 1921 by the educationalist A S Neill and has been based at its current site since 1927. It is a co-educational boarding school for boys and girls aged 5 to 18, owned and managed by A S Neill's daughter, who serves as principal and proprietor, with other family members also involved in the running of the school. At the heart of Summerhill is a commitment to democratic, self-governing principles that place the freedom of the individual at the centre of school life. Pupils are encouraged to live as equal members of the community, to develop at their own pace, and to follow their own interests. The school aims to foster confidence and genuine friendship between the sexes and across all age groups, in an environment free from social prejudice. The school currently educates 65 pupils, the great majority of whom are boarders, accommodated in different buildings grouped by age. Pupils come from families across the UK and overseas, including continental Europe and the Far East. Classes are small and may bring together pupils of different ages. Older pupils in Years 10 and 11 work towards GCSE and IGCSE qualifications. Support is available for those with special educational needs and for the many pupils for whom English is an additional language.