Sydenham & Dulwich Girls (Sydenham High) 11+ Entrance Exam Guide
Sydenham & Dulwich Girls 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 girls' school in Sydenham, south-east London, part of the GDST. Ages 4 to 18.
- It was called Sydenham High School until 2026. Older guides use the old name.
Who can apply
- Girls in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016).
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly.
- An application fee is payable (waived for families on Universal Credit).
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Application deadline: Friday 13 November 2026
- Assessment: Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Interview: Saturday 9 January 2027
- Offers: Thursday 11 February 2027
- Accept by: Wednesday 3 March 2027
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Reasoning tests
The school's own tests of verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning.
Creative writing and activity
A short creative writing task and an observed extension activity.
Interview
Every girl has a one-to-one interview of about 15 minutes with a teacher, about something she is proud of or enjoys. A reference from her current school is important.
How offers are made
The school makes its own offers on Thursday 11 February 2027.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Scholarships: Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport, usually around 10 to 20% of fees. Every girl is considered for Academic.
- Means-tested bursaries, based on family finances and the entrance results.
How to help your child prepare
- Reasoning. Practise verbal, non-verbal and spatial questions little and often.
- Creative writing. Practise planning and writing a short piece to a time limit.
- Practice material: the school does not publish sample papers.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- 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.
Common questions from parents
Is this the same school as Sydenham High?
Yes. Sydenham High School changed its name to Sydenham & Dulwich Girls in 2026.
When is the test?
Later than many schools: Wednesday 6 January 2027.
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
- Sydenham & Dulwich Girls: Senior admissions
- Sydenham & Dulwich Girls: Fees, bursaries and scholarships
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE® can help
AshACE® runs 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: Sydenham & Dulwich Girls official admissions pages; checked 1 October 2026.