Highgate School 11+ Entry Guide
Highgate 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
- A co-educational independent day school in Highgate, north London.
- About 80 external Year 7 places, joining pupils from Highgate's Junior School.
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
- Applications: 20 May to noon, Wednesday 4 November 2026
- Exam: Tuesday 1 December 2026
- Group interview and taster lessons: 11 to 15 January 2027
- Offers: Friday 12 February 2027 (accept by 3 March)
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Exam
The school's own English and Maths papers. (The non-verbal reasoning paper was dropped in 2026.) A confidential reference is requested from the current head.
Second stage
A group interview and taster lessons.
How offers are made
Highgate makes its own offers in February. The school marks its dates as provisional.
Scholarships and bursaries
- No academic scholarships.
- Music awards.
- Means-tested bursaries up to 100%, with preference for state-school applicants.
How to help your child prepare
- Written English and Maths. The school sets its own papers. Cover all of Key Stage 2 by the end of Year 5, go further on problem solving, and practise showing maths working clearly.
- 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: The school publishes English practice papers and a Maths sample paper with answers.
Common questions from parents
Is there a reasoning test?
Not any more. The non-verbal reasoning paper was dropped in May 2026.
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: Highgate School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.