The majority of boys enter the school between the ages of six and eight into Year 2 and 3 although older boys may be considered if places are available.

The normal procedure is for parents to arrange to come and see the Headmaster with their son, preferably during term-time when the school is in action. This is followed by the completion of the registration form which should be sent to the Headmaster with the registration fee of £50.

Twelve months before a boy is due to start at Papplewick, prospective parents are asked for the confirmation of entry fee of £750, £2500 for those resident overseas in the EU, and one term's fees for those resident overseas in non-Eu countries,  receipt of which duly confirms a boy’s place. This fee is non refundable however it is held as a credit towards a boy’s final term’s expenses.

Each boy is invited to spend a part of a day at Papplewick in the term prior to his admission in order for him to be assessed for placing purposes, and reports are requested from a boy’s current school.