Aldenham School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School: Aldenham School
Location: Elstree, Hertfordshire (30 minutes from central London)
Type: Coeducational independent day and boarding school
Age Range: 11-18 years (Senior School)
Founded: 1597
Affiliation: Church of England
Campus: 110 acres of Hertfordshire countryside
Day Fees: £8,758 per term
Boarding Fees: £13,547 per term

About Aldenham School

Established in 1597, Aldenham School combines four centuries of educational heritage with modern teaching excellence across its spectacular 110-acre campus in the Hertfordshire green belt. This Church of England foundation school serves approximately 838 students, offering both day and boarding options for families seeking an exceptional independent education just 30 minutes from central London.

The school's distinctive character stems from its commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through academic rigour, extensive co-curricular programmes, and outstanding pastoral care. Aldenham's unique position allows students to benefit from a peaceful countryside setting whilst maintaining excellent transport links to London, making it particularly attractive to families in North London and Hertfordshire.

Under the leadership of Mrs Alex Hems, Head of Foundation, Aldenham maintains its reputation for nurturing confident, articulate young people who excel academically and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The school's strong House system and emphasis on personal development create a supportive environment where every student can flourish.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Aldenham School publishes day fees of £10,687 (Year 7 day) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £11,477 (flexi boarding, 1 night/week) per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on Thursday 13th November 2025. Assessment dates: Mon 24th Nov, Fri 5th Dec 2025 (at pupil's own school, within a two-week window) or Sat 29th Nov 2025 at Aldenham if the current school cannot facilitate it. An online assessment in two parts: Part 1 covers Maths, English, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning; Part 2 covers Puzzles/Problem-Solving and Creative Comprehension, alongside an interview (with parents present) and a school reference/report. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Aldenham

Aldenham School conducts a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify students who will thrive within their academic and pastoral environment. The 11+ entrance assessment combines traditional academic evaluation with a holistic approach to understanding each candidate's potential.

Assessment Components

Academic Testing:
• Mathematics assessment covering Key Stage 2 curriculum plus reasoning skills
• English comprehension and creative writing tasks
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning components

Interview Process:
• Individual interviews with senior staff members
• Discussion of interests, aspirations, and motivations
• Assessment of communication skills and personal qualities

School References:
• Detailed reports from current schools
• Academic performance indicators
• Character references and pastoral information

Assessment Timing

The main 11+ assessment period typically occurs in January for September entry, with additional opportunities available throughout the year for families relocating or requiring flexible entry dates.

How to Apply

Securing a place at Aldenham School requires careful preparation and understanding of their specific requirements and timelines.

Application Timeline

Registration: Complete online registration form through the school website, ideally by October of Year 5
School Visit: Attend one of Aldenham's regular Open Mornings to experience the campus and meet staff
Assessment: January assessment day for September entry
Offers: Notification typically sent within two weeks of assessment

Required Documentation

• Completed online application form
• Recent school reports (minimum two terms)
• Current headteacher reference
• Copy of birth certificate
• Registration fee payment

Scholarship Opportunities

Aldenham offers various scholarships for exceptional candidates:
• Academic Scholarships (up to 50% fee reduction)
• Music Scholarships with specialist tuition
• Sports Scholarships for outstanding athletes
• Art and Design Scholarships
• All-Rounder Awards recognising diverse talents

Bursary support is available for families requiring financial assistance, with awards determined by individual circumstances and assessed annually.

Preparing for the Aldenham School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Aldenham School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.