Merchant Taylors' School 11+ Entry Guide
Merchant Taylors' 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 in Northwood, north-west London.
- Entry at 11+ and 16+.
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: Saturday 31 October 2026
- Assessment day: Saturday 28 November 2026
- Interviews: January to February 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
Written papers
Three 45-minute papers set by the school: English, Maths and a General Paper (thinking, problem solving and creativity).
Online test
A short online Maths and verbal reasoning test from Quest Assessments.
Interview
A 20-minute interview. A reference from the current head is requested.
How offers are made
The school makes its own offers in February.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic scholarships from the exam and interview.
- Art, Drama, Design Engineering and Technology, Music and Sport scholarships.
- Means-tested bursaries up to 100%.
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.
- 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.
- 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: Specimen English and Maths papers, and an online practice test from Quest. There is no specimen General Paper.
Common questions from parents
Is Merchant Taylors' co-educational?
No. This Northwood school is for boys.
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: Merchant Taylors' School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.