Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School: Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls
Location: Elstree, Hertfordshire
Type: Independent day school for girls
Ages: 4-18
Founded: 1875
Religious Character: Christian ethos, welcomes all faiths
Campus: 100-acre site shared with Haberdashers' Boys' School
Entry Points: 4+, 7+, 11+, 16+
Academic Results: Exceptional A Level and GCSE performance

About Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls

Established in 1875, Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls has developed into one of the most academically rigorous independent schools in the London area. Located on a magnificent 100-acre campus in Elstree, Hertfordshire, the school provides an exceptional educational environment for girls aged 4 to 18.

The school's academic excellence is reflected in its outstanding examination results, with students consistently achieving top grades at both GCSE and A Level. What sets Haberdashers' apart is its commitment to developing confident, intellectually curious young women who are prepared to excel in competitive academic environments.

The curriculum extends far beyond traditional subjects, offering extensive opportunities in music, drama, sport, and community service. The school's ethos centres on nurturing each girl's individual talents whilst fostering a strong sense of community and social responsibility. The shared campus with Haberdashers' Boys' School provides unique opportunities for collaboration in certain subjects and activities, particularly in the Sixth Form.

Notable features include state-of-the-art science laboratories, a purpose-built Sixth Form centre, excellent sporting facilities, and a thriving music department with regular performances and concerts. The school maintains strong links with leading universities, with the vast majority of students progressing to Russell Group institutions.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls publishes day fees of £10,431 per term for 2026/27, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on 6 November 2026. The assessment takes place on 23 November 2026. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls employs a comprehensive assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify girls who will thrive in their academically demanding environment.

Written Examinations:

• English: Assesses reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar skills
• Mathematics: Covers Key Stage 2 curriculum with problem-solving elements
• Verbal Reasoning: Tests logical thinking and analytical skills

The examinations typically take place in January, with papers designed to assess not just current knowledge but also academic potential and aptitude for the school's challenging curriculum.

Interview Process:
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview, which focuses on:

• Academic interests and intellectual curiosity
• Extracurricular activities and hobbies
• Understanding of the school's values and expectations
• Ability to contribute positively to school life

The school takes a holistic approach to assessment, considering academic ability alongside personal qualities and potential for growth within their educational community.

How to Apply

Registration Timeline:

• Registration opens: September (for following year's entry)
• Registration deadline: October
• School reports required: November
• Entrance examinations: January
• Interviews: February
• Offers made: March

Application Requirements:

• Completed online registration form
• Registration fee
• Recent school reports from current school
• Head teacher's reference
• Birth certificate

Preparation Recommendations:
The school advises that students should be working comfortably within the top 20% of their current year group. Familiarity with the complete Key Stage 2 curriculum is essential, with particular emphasis on strong literacy and numeracy skills.

Attending the school's Open Day is highly recommended to gain insight into the school's culture and academic expectations. The school also offers taster sessions for prospective students to experience lessons firsthand.

Preparing for the Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls 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 in London and further afield work with us online, 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.