Special entry categories

Christ's Hospital has been in existence for over 450 years and has some historic methods of entry. When parents apply for a place at Christ's Hospital for their child, the Admissions Office will determine and advise at that point whether any special entry category may be appropriate. You will be asked to provide details of any eligibility you believe you may have on the Methods of Entry form which is included in the application pack.

Some of these places may be subject to sufficient funds being available and children qualifying, sometimes competing within the category, in the entrance assessments. Most of the special entry categories are linked to a maximum gross family income limit determined by the Council of Almoners (Trustees) of Christ's Hospital on an annual basis.

The key advantage for a child who gains is Presentation is that he/she only needs to qualify in the assessments and found to be suitable for boarding at Christ's Hospital. However, please note, as mentioned above, some places are competitive in class.

Wests' Gift for Children

John and Frances West lived in the latter part of the 17th and early part of the 18th centuries. John West became a wealthy merchant in the City of London and lived in a house on the site that is now occupied by the Mansion House.

John and Frances had no children of their own and the 'Standard Pedigree', maintained by Christ's Hospital, records the name of descendants of their relations. This charity established under the wills of the West's, provides income for the benefit of children resident in the boroughs of Reading, Newbury and Twickenham, together with one girl from the City of London. Further details are available here.

The scheme was revised in 1990 to include kin of John and Frances West. Parents of West's Foundationers are required to pay 50% of the assessed parental contribution, the balance being provided by the fund.

The places may be competitive in class and the Admissions Office will be able to advise how many places are available for a particular year of entry.

More details about John and Frances West Family Group and its links with Christ's Hospital can be found on www.west-group.org .   A 20 minute video on the life of John and Frances West, produced by the Drama Department at Christ's Hospital is available.  Please send a cheque for £8 payable to Christ's Hospital to:  Marketing Office, The Counting House, Christ's Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0YP

RAF Foundationers Trust and 617 Squadron

Sir Barnes Wallis, a former pupil, Governor and Treasurer set up the trust in 1951. An award was also made to him in recognition of this technical work that contributed to the destruction of the Mohne and Eder Dams in Germany in 1943 (the bouncing bomb) by the 617 Squadron of the RAF. Wallis put all the money he received into this new trust and the RAF Benevolent Fund donated a like amount.

The Fund provides an income for the education of a small number of children in the School at any one time. Consideration for places is given to children of personnel who are serving or who have served in the RAF.

Royal Navy/Royal Mathematical School

Samuel Pepys' was a Governor and Vice President of the School; he instigated the opening of the Royal Mathematical School at Christ's Hospital in 1673 which was founded to educate children in Mathematics for the practice of navigation. These historic places are not subject to funding but special consideration for places is given to children of personnel who are serving, or have served in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines or Royal Navy Reserve. There are a maximum of forty RMS places at the School at any one time.

City Livery Companies

Christ's Hospital was founded in the City of London over 450 years as a charity funded by City Businesses and the Church to provide training/education to poor street children. Today, the School retains its connections with these organisations, some of which have an ancient right to 'Present' a child to the School. Funding of these places is of no direct benefit to the parent.

On the Methods of Entry form you will be asked to specify whether you have any connections with the City Livery Companies. The Admissions Office will be able to advise you whether any Presentations are available for your child's year of entry.

If you should have any queries about any of the Special Category places available please contact the Admissions Office.