Lady Eleanor Holles School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Lady Eleanor Holles School
• Type: Independent girls' day school
• Location: Hampton, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
• Age Range: 7-18 years (Junior Department 7-11, Senior School 11-18)
• Founded: 1710
• Student Numbers: Approximately 900 pupils
• Entry Points: 7+, 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
• Academic Performance: Consistently ranked amongst top independent schools nationally

About Lady Eleanor Holles School

Lady Eleanor Holles School occupies a distinguished position in British independent education, having educated young women for over three centuries. Located on a magnificent 24-acre site in Hampton, the school combines historical heritage with cutting-edge facilities, including state-of-the-art science laboratories, a purpose-built sixth form centre, and exceptional sporting amenities including a boat house on the River Thames.

The school's academic reputation is formidable, with consistently outstanding results placing it amongst the highest-performing independent schools in the country. LEH girls regularly secure places at Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group universities, with particular strength in STEM subjects reflecting the school's pioneering approach to girls' education in mathematics and sciences.

What sets LEH apart is its distinctive ethos of intellectual curiosity combined with social responsibility. The school's motto "By love serve one another" permeates every aspect of school life, creating an environment where academic excellence flourishes alongside character development. The extensive co-curricular programme includes over 60 activities, from Model United Nations to the internationally acclaimed rowing programme, ensuring each girl discovers and develops her unique talents.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Lady Eleanor Holles School employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify academically able girls who will thrive in the school's intellectually stimulating environment. The 11+ entrance examination is highly competitive, typically attracting over 1,000 candidates for approximately 90-100 places.

Assessment Components

• English Paper: Comprehension exercises based on challenging literary texts, creative writing tasks requiring imagination and technical accuracy, and grammar and vocabulary assessments
• Mathematics Paper: Problem-solving questions testing mathematical reasoning, numerical computation, and application of mathematical concepts beyond the standard curriculum
• Reasoning Papers: Verbal reasoning examining logical thinking and language manipulation, plus non-verbal reasoning assessing spatial awareness and pattern recognition
• Interview Process: All candidates attend a group activity session and individual interview, allowing the school to assess communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and potential contribution to school life

The assessment is designed to identify potential rather than simply test preparation, though familiarity with examination techniques certainly advantages candidates. The school seeks girls who demonstrate genuine intellectual engagement, resilience when facing challenges, and the ability to think independently.

How to Apply

The application process for Lady Eleanor Holles School requires careful planning and attention to specific deadlines:

1. Registration: Submit online application form by early September in Year 5, accompanied by registration fee of £150
2. School Report: Current school provides academic report and teacher assessment
3. Assessment Day: Candidates attend examination day in January of Year 6, typically lasting a full day
4. Results and Offers: Outcome communicated by late January, with conditional offers requiring maintained academic standards
5. Acceptance: Parents confirm place acceptance and pay deposit by specified deadline in February

The school strongly recommends attending an Open Morning to understand the school's ethos and expectations. These events provide invaluable insight into whether LEH represents the right educational environment for your daughter.

Key Dates

• Registration Deadline: Early September (Year 5)
• Assessment Day: Saturday in late January (Year 6)
• Results: Late January
• Acceptance Deadline: Early February

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Securing a place at Lady Eleanor Holles School requires exceptional preparation given the intense competition and rigorous academic standards. Taylor Tuition's track record of success with LEH admissions reflects our deep understanding of what the school seeks in prospective students.

Our Comprehensive Preparation Programme

• Academic Excellence: Intensive coaching in English, Mathematics, and reasoning skills using LEH-specific practice materials and past papers
• Strategic Assessment Preparation: Familiarisation with LEH's particular examination format, time management techniques, and confidence-building strategies
• Interview Coaching: Development of communication skills, intellectual discussion techniques, and preparation for group activities
• School-Specific Insights: Understanding LEH's distinctive ethos, values, and what the school seeks in successful candidates

Our tutors include LEH alumnae and experienced educators familiar with the school's expectations. We provide regular progress assessments, mock examinations under timed conditions, and detailed feedback to ensure your daughter approaches the assessment with confidence and capability.

Beyond academic preparation, we help families understand LEH's unique culture and ensure your daughter can articulate why she wishes to join this exceptional school community. Our holistic approach recognises that success at LEH requires not just academic ability, but intellectual curiosity, resilience, and genuine enthusiasm for learning.