City of London School (Boys) 11+ Guide
City of London School is an independent school with entry at 11+ into Year 7. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- An independent boys' day school by the River Thames in the City of London.
- Entry at 10+ and 11+.
Who can apply
- Children in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016), registered by the school's deadline.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Registration deadline: Monday 2 November 2026
- Assessment: Friday 27 November 2026 at the school
- Interviews: January 2027
- Offers: by email in mid-February 2027
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Online test
About 105 minutes, set by Quest Assessments: Maths, English, non-verbal and verbal reasoning, puzzles and problem solving, and creative comprehension. Some sections adapt to the child's answers.
Creative writing
A handwritten 30-minute creative writing task.
Interview
A 15 to 20 minute interview in January, including a group activity.
How offers are made
The school makes its own offers in mid-February. A confidential report from the current school is required.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic, Music and Sports awards, and choral awards with the Temple Church.
- Means-tested "transformational" bursaries up to 100%.
How to help your child prepare
- Online test. Use the free Quest familiarisation test so the screen layout is not a surprise. Practise short timed sections in Maths, English and reasoning.
- Creative writing. Practise planning and writing a short story or description to a time limit, then checking it.
- Interview. Help your child talk about their interests, the books they read and how they solved a problem. There is no need to learn answers by heart.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: A free familiarisation test is available from Quest Assessments.
Common questions from parents
Is there a 10+ entry?
Yes, with a separate assessment in November.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: City of London School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.