Highgate School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Highgate School
• Location: North Road, London N6 4AY
• Established: 1565
• Type: Independent Co-educational Day School
• Age Range: 4-18 years
• Pupils: Approximately 1,942
• Head: Mr A S Pettitt
• Fees: £7,365-£8,505 per term
• Religious Affiliation: Church of England
• Application Deadline: November 6th for Year 7 entry

About Highgate School

Founded in 1565, Highgate School occupies a prestigious position amongst London's most academically rigorous independent schools. Located on the leafy slopes of Highgate Hill, this historic institution has educated pupils for over four centuries whilst maintaining its commitment to academic excellence and character development.

The school operates across three distinct sections: the Pre-Preparatory School (ages 4-8), Junior School (ages 8-11), and Senior School (ages 11-18). This seamless progression allows pupils to develop within a familiar environment whilst accessing increasingly sophisticated academic programmes tailored to their developmental needs.

Highgate's academic reputation is exemplified by its recognition as Independent Secondary School of the Decade by The Sunday Times in 2021. The school consistently achieves outstanding results, with pupils regularly securing places at leading universities including Oxford, Cambridge, and prestigious institutions worldwide.

The curriculum emphasises intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, extending far beyond traditional academic subjects. Pupils benefit from extensive co-curricular opportunities including drama, music, art, and sport, all supported by exceptional facilities including specialist laboratories, performance spaces, and extensive playing fields.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Highgate School's 11+ assessment is designed to identify pupils who will thrive within its academically demanding environment. The examination process evaluates both academic ability and intellectual potential, ensuring successful candidates can maximise the opportunities available at this prestigious institution.

The assessment typically comprises:

• Mathematics: Problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level
• English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills demonstrating literacy proficiency
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic puzzles, vocabulary, and analytical thinking skills
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and abstract thinking capabilities

The school seeks pupils who demonstrate not only academic capability but also intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the ability to contribute positively to the school community. Candidates are assessed on their potential for growth rather than solely on current attainment levels.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Highgate School requires careful planning and attention to deadlines:

Application Timeline:

• Summer Term: Attend school open days and information sessions
• September: Submit online application form
• November 6th: Application deadline for Year 7 entry
• January: Assessment dates and interviews
• February: Offers communicated to families

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application form (approximately 20 minutes)
• Current school report and references
• Registration fee payment
• Attendance at assessment day

Families are strongly encouraged to attend open days to experience the school's atmosphere and facilities. These events provide valuable insights into Highgate's educational philosophy and allow prospective pupils to envision themselves as part of the community.

For specific enquiries regarding the admissions process, contact the Admissions Team directly at admissions@highgateschool.org.uk.

Preparing for the Highgate School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Highgate 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 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.