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.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Channing School publishes day fees of £9,190 per term for 2026/27, 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 6 November 2026 (11+ application deadline for January 2027 assessment cycle). The assessment takes place on 27 November 2026 (11+ assessment); interviews held 5 January 2027. A 100-minute online (Chromebook-based) bespoke test in six timed sections, Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning, English, Verbal Reasoning (adaptive/non-adaptive mix), Puzzles and Problem Solving, and Creative Comprehension, followed for all candidates by team-building activities and an approx. 20-minute individual interview. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

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.

Preparing for the Channing School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Channing School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. 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.