Howell's School Llandaff: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day school (Girls 3-16, Co-educational Sixth Form)
• Location: Cardiff, Wales
• Founded: 1860
• Trust: Girls' Day School Trust (only Welsh member)
• Age Groups: Nursery, Infants, Junior, Senior School, Sixth Form
• Inspection Rating: Top grade in all seven key areas (Estyn)
• Contact: admissions@how.gdst.net | 029 2056 1832

About Howell's School Llandaff

Howell's School Llandaff holds a distinguished position as Wales' only member of the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust, offering over 160 years of educational excellence in the heart of Cardiff. This independent day school has evolved from its Victorian foundations to become a forward-thinking institution that balances academic rigour with personal development.

The school's unique structure caters to girls from nursery through Year 11, transitioning to a co-educational environment in the Sixth Form. This approach allows young women to develop confidence and leadership skills in their formative years whilst benefiting from diverse perspectives during their final academic preparation.

Howell's exceptional facilities reflect its commitment to holistic education, featuring a swimming pool, tennis courts, and all-weather sports pitch alongside state-of-the-art academic spaces. The school's recent recognition by Estyn, achieving top grades across all seven inspection areas, demonstrates its unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and pastoral care.

The school's ethos centres on nurturing independent, confident young women who are prepared for leadership roles in an increasingly complex world. Through its comprehensive programme of academic study, creative arts, and sporting excellence, Howell's develops students who think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Howell's School Llandaff publishes day fees of £6,584 (tuition) per term for 2026/27, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Applicants sit an Entrance Examination in English and Mathematics (held in January) plus a short interview with a senior member of staff, with a recent school report/reference also considered; underperforming candidates may be offered a further interview with the Head of English and/or Mathematics. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Howell's School

Entry to Year 7 at Howell's School involves a comprehensive assessment designed to identify students who will thrive in the school's academically demanding yet supportive environment. The school seeks girls who demonstrate not only academic potential but also the curiosity and resilience that characterise successful learners.

The assessment process typically encompasses:

• Academic Testing: Evaluations in English and Mathematics that assess current knowledge and learning potential
• Reasoning Skills: Tests designed to identify logical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Creative Tasks: Opportunities to demonstrate artistic, musical, or dramatic talents
• Interview Process: Conversations with teaching staff to understand personality, interests, and motivations

Howell's operates a holistic admissions approach, recognising that academic ability alone does not determine a student's potential for success. The school values diversity of talent and seeks students who will contribute to its vibrant community whilst benefiting from its extensive opportunities.

For students showing exceptional ability, the school offers various scholarship opportunities including Academic, Art, Music, Sport, and Drama scholarships for Sixth Form entry. These awards recognise outstanding talent and provide additional support for students to develop their gifts.

How to Apply

Families interested in Howell's School should begin the application process early, as places are competitive and the school maintains selective entry standards. The admissions team, led by Chrissie Hall-Davis, provides comprehensive support throughout the application journey.

Application Steps:

• Initial contact with the Admissions Office via email (admissions@how.gdst.net) or telephone (029 2056 1832)
• Registration and completion of application forms
• Attendance at assessment sessions (typically held in the autumn term)
• Interview with senior staff members
• Consideration of scholarship applications where relevant
• Notification of admission decisions

The school regularly hosts Open Days, including comprehensive Whole School Open Days, providing families with opportunities to experience the school's atmosphere, meet staff and students, and understand the educational philosophy firsthand. These events offer invaluable insights into daily life at Howell's and help families determine whether the school aligns with their educational aspirations.

Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school website and arrange individual tours when possible, as the school's facilities and community spirit are best appreciated through personal experience.

Preparing for the Howell's School Llandaff 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Howell's School Llandaff 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 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.