If you’re wondering how to get into Eton, you’re not alone. As one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the world, Eton College attracts thousands of applicants each year — but only around 18% are successful. With the right preparation, expert guidance, and early planning, your son can join the ranks of those who receive a coveted place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Eton admissions timeline, the key assessments (ISEB Pre-Test and Eton List Test), the interview process, and what Cambridge Academic Tuition can do to help your child stand out.

To begin the process of how to get into Eton, it’s vital to understand the timeline:

• Registration opens at birth and closes in June of Year 5.
   
• Submit the registration form, registration fee, and a copy of your son’s birth certificate directly to the school.
   

🔗 Official Eton Admissions Page

All registered applicants sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test, a 2.5-hour adaptive online exam covering:

• English
   
• Maths
   
• Verbal Reasoning
   
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
   

Your son’s prep school usually administers the test, but parents must register via the ISEB Parent Portal.

✅ Top Tip: Combine structured tutoring with Atom Learning mock tests to build confidence and exam familiarity. Contact info@cambridgeacademictuition.co.uk for an Atom Learning discount. 

Success in the Pre-Test leads to the Eton List Test — a unique 60-minute adaptive online test created by Cambridge University. It includes:

• Timed English tasks (editing, comprehension, essay writing)
   
• Challenging Maths and Reasoning questions (beyond Key Stage 2 level)
   

There are no past papers, and the test is designed so no child finishes — it’s about speed and accuracy under pressure.

How we help: Our students practise with high-level mock tests, learn exam strategies, and receive feedback from subject specialists.

Interviews assess your son’s confidence, curiosity, and cultural fit. Topics may include:

• Why Eton?
   
• Interests and extracurriculars
   
• Books and academic passions
   
• Boarding life
   

We offer bespoke interview preparation to help students communicate clearly and authentically.

Based on assessments and the interview, your son may receive:

• A List: Conditional offer (pending Common Entrance, Eton Entrance, or King’s Scholarship)
   
• B List: Waiting list (40% receive offers later)
   
• C List: No offer
   

Final exams in Year 8 include:

• Maths, English, Science
   
• Languages (French, Spanish, Latin, Greek)
   
• History, Geography
   

We offer full support for all Common Entrance and scholarship subjects.

The answer to how to get into Eton always comes back to starting early. Ideally, begin at the start of Year 4, or before. 

Even if your son joins later, our intensive programmes can fast-track his readiness.

We offer:

• Adaptive test preparation (similar to Quest-style assessments)
   
• Creative writing coaching
   
• Timed essay practice
   
• Interview strategy and rehearsal
   
• A reading list designed for high-achieving boys
   

To give your son the best chance of success, it’s essential to understand how to get into Eton from both an academic and personal development perspective. From early registration to mastering digital assessments and acing the interview, our team at Cambridge Academic Tuition has a proven track record of helping families secure places at Eton College.

💬 Ready to begin your Eton journey?
Visit 👉 www.CambridgeAcademicTuition.co.uk
📧 Or email us at info@cambridgeacademictuition.co.uk

Founder at Cambridge Academic Tuition | UK Independent School Entrance Exam Specialist | University of Cambridge Qualified Teacher | International Educational Consultant and Private Tutor for Students aged 3 to 18 years