The 11+ can feel like a maze of dates, papers and rumours from the school gate. It does not need to. Here are the questions our admissions team is asked most often, answered plainly.
WHAT IS 11+ ENTRY?
It is our main entry point into the Senior School, for girls joining Year 7. Most come from local prep and primary schools, both maintained and independent, and most of our own Girls’ Prep pupils move up too; they are guaranteed a Year 7 place, though they still sit the assessment and attend an interview. We also welcome pupils at 13+ into Year 9 and into the Sixth Form.
WHEN DO WE NEED TO REGISTER?
Here is the full timeline for 2027 entry, so you can put the dates in the diary now.
Scholarship and bursary applications close on Wednesday 7 October 2026. Registration closes on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The entrance exam is on Saturday 21 November 2026, with interviews through December and January. Offers go out at the beginning of February 2027, our Offer Holder Day is on Monday 22 February 2027, and acceptances are due by Tuesday 2 March 2027.
If you are close to a deadline, call us. We would always rather help than see a family miss out.
WHAT DOES THE ASSESSMENT INVOLVE?
We are looking for potential and curiosity, not polish. Alongside the assessment itself, we want to meet your daughter and hear how she thinks — what she reads, what she has made, what she argues about. Our admissions team will talk you through exactly what her assessment day looks like when you register, so nothing on the day is a surprise.
HOW MUCH PREPARATION IS SENSIBLE?
Enough that she is familiar with the format and not thrown by working under timed conditions. Beyond that, heavy tutoring tends to help less than parents fear. It is not in anyone’s interest (least of all your daughter’s) for a child to be coached into a school where she will then struggle. Wide reading, curiosity and a good night’s sleep do more than another paper.
MY DAUGHTER IS SHY. WILL SHE BE AT A DISADVANTAGE?
No. We are not looking for the loudest girl in the room. Quiet, thoughtful pupils thrive here, and part of the point of a small-group setting is that we can see past first impressions. Tell us if she finds new situations hard — it helps us look after her properly on the day.
WHAT ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES?
We offer both. Scholarships recognise particular strength (academic, music, sport, art and drama among them) and bursaries are means-tested support towards fees, assessed separately from the academic process. Note that the deadline for both falls a month before registration closes, on 7 October, so flag your interest early rather than waiting for an offer.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ASSESSMENT?
Offers go out at the beginning of February, and our Offer Holder Day on 22 February gives your daughter a proper look at the School she has been offered before you accept on 2 March. If we do not offer a place, we will tell you kindly and clearly, and where we can we will help you think about the alternatives.
HOW DO WE FIND OUT MORE?
Book a personal visit, take our 360° virtual tour, or simply call our admissions team on 020 8546 1329. The best decisions get made by families who have asked plenty of questions — so please ask.