Headington School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Headington School
• Location: Headington Road, Oxford, OX3 7TD
• Type: Independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18
• Founded: 1915
• Headmistress: Mrs Caroline Jordan
• Entry Points: 11+, 13+, Sixth Form
• Campus: 23-acre grounds near Oxford city centre
• Contact: +44 1865 759100

About Headington School

Located just one mile from Oxford's historic city centre, Headington School has been educating young women since 1915. This prestigious independent school occupies a stunning 23-acre campus on Headington Road, providing an inspiring environment where academic excellence meets personal development.

The school's distinctive character stems from its remarkable diversity, with over 45 nationalities represented amongst its student body. This international community creates a unique learning environment that prepares students for global citizenship whilst maintaining strong British educational traditions. Headington's commitment to individualised learning ensures each student receives personalised support to maximise her potential.

Academic achievement forms the cornerstone of Headington's reputation, with students consistently achieving exceptional results in both GCSE and A Level examinations. The school's comprehensive curriculum extends far beyond traditional subjects, offering over 150 clubs and activities that allow students to explore diverse interests from competitive sports to creative arts programmes.

The school's state-of-the-art facilities include a modern library, purpose-built music school, professional theatre, and extensive sports facilities. These resources support Headington's philosophy of nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel academically whilst developing confidence, leadership skills, and a genuine love of learning.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Headington School publishes day fees of £9,346 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £18,882 per term, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. The assessment takes place on 21 November 2026. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Headington School's 11+ entrance assessment is designed to identify students who will thrive in the school's academically rigorous yet supportive environment. The assessment process evaluates not only academic ability but also a candidate's potential to contribute positively to the school community.

The 11+ examination typically takes place in January for September entry, with assessments covering:

• Mathematics: Problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and numerical fluency appropriate for Year 6 level
• English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills
• Reasoning: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests to assess logical thinking and analytical abilities

Following the written assessments, shortlisted candidates are invited for individual interviews with senior staff members. These conversations allow the school to understand each candidate's interests, aspirations, and how they might contribute to Headington's vibrant community.

The school particularly values students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Candidates who show potential for growth and development are often preferred over those who simply excel in test conditions.

How to Apply

The application process for Headington School requires careful planning and attention to specific deadlines. Prospective families should begin the process well in advance of their desired entry date.

Registration Process:

• Complete the online registration form on the school's website
• Submit the registration fee and required documentation
• Provide previous school reports and references
• Register by the October deadline for January 11+ assessments

Assessment Day:
Candidates attend the school for their 11+ examinations, typically held in January. The assessment day includes written tests and may incorporate group activities or individual interviews.

Scholarship Opportunities:
Headington offers various scholarships recognising excellence in academics, art, drama, music, and sport. Scholarship applications require additional portfolio submissions or auditions and should be submitted alongside the main application.

Results and Offers:
Families receive admission decisions within two weeks of the assessment day. Successful candidates receive formal offer letters with terms and conditions for acceptance.

Preparing for the Headington School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Headington 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 in Oxfordshire 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.