Channing School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Channing School
• Location: The Bank, Highgate, London N6 5HF
• Type: Independent day school for girls aged 4-18
• Founded: 1885
• Religious Character: Unitarian
• Head: Mrs Lindsey Hughes
• Pupils: Approximately 1,028
• Annual Fees: Junior School £7,500, Senior School £8,290
• Bursaries: Means-tested financial support available

About Channing School

Founded in 1885 by the Misses Matilda and Emily Sharpe, Channing School occupies a distinctive position in North London's educational landscape. This independent day school for girls is built upon Unitarian principles, fostering an inclusive community that celebrates diversity of thought and background.

The school's philosophy centres on developing "Fearless Learners" who embrace intellectual challenges with confidence and curiosity. This approach permeates every aspect of school life, from the rigorous academic curriculum to the extensive co-curricular programme. Channing's commitment to nurturing independent thinking whilst maintaining a supportive environment has earned recognition from educational inspectors and established its reputation among discerning families.

Located in the prestigious Highgate area, the school benefits from its historic setting whilst providing modern facilities that support contemporary learning. The Unitarian ethos encourages pupils to question, explore, and develop their own moral compass, preparing them for leadership roles in an increasingly complex world.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Channing School employs a comprehensive 11+ assessment designed to identify pupils who will flourish within its academically rigorous environment. The examination evaluates candidates across four key areas:

Mathematics Assessment:
Focuses on problem-solving abilities, numerical reasoning, and mathematical thinking beyond basic computation. Candidates demonstrate their capacity for logical analysis and mathematical creativity.

English Language:
Comprehensive evaluation of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression. The assessment measures both technical accuracy and creative thinking through varied text analysis and writing tasks.

Verbal Reasoning:
Tests logical thinking through language-based challenges, assessing candidates' ability to understand relationships between words, concepts, and ideas.

Non-Verbal Reasoning:
Evaluates spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking through visual puzzles and sequences, identifying pupils with strong analytical capabilities.

The assessment process is designed to be thorough yet supportive, recognising that academic potential manifests in various forms across different pupils.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry requires careful planning and attention to detail:

Initial Registration:
Complete the online application form through the school's website, ensuring all required documentation is submitted by the specified deadline.

School Visits:
Attend open events and individual visits to understand the school's culture and educational philosophy. These interactions provide valuable insights into whether Channing aligns with your family's values.

Assessment Day:
Candidates sit the 11+ examination at the school, typically held in January. The assessment takes place in a carefully managed environment designed to allow pupils to demonstrate their abilities effectively.

Interview Process:
Shortlisted candidates participate in individual interviews with senior staff members, providing an opportunity to showcase personality, interests, and alignment with the school's ethos.

Decision and Enrollment:
Successful applicants receive offers in early spring, with places confirmed upon acceptance and completion of enrollment procedures.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in independent school admissions proves invaluable for families seeking entry to Channing School. Our comprehensive approach addresses every aspect of the application process:

Personalised Assessment Preparation:
We develop tailored revision programmes that strengthen each candidate's performance across all four assessment areas. Our tutors understand Channing's specific requirements and adapt teaching methods to maximise each pupil's potential.

Strategic Application Guidance:
Our consultants provide detailed insights into Channing's selection criteria, helping families present compelling applications that demonstrate genuine alignment with the school's values and educational philosophy.

Interview Preparation:
Through practice sessions and constructive feedback, we prepare candidates to articulate their interests, aspirations, and understanding of Channing's unique environment with confidence and authenticity.

Holistic Development:
Beyond academic preparation, we support the development of critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and the independent learning approaches that Channing values in its pupils.

Our proven track record with Channing School admissions, combined with our understanding of the school's distinctive character, positions Taylor Tuition as the ideal partner for families pursuing this exceptional educational opportunity.