Merchant Taylors' School (MTS): Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day school for boys aged 11-18
• Location: Sandy Lodge Road, Northwood, Hertfordshire
• Founded: 1561
• Entry Points: 11+ (140 places annually)
• Assessment: Written examinations and interview
• Application Deadline: Early October
• Examination Period: January
• Results: Late January/Early February

About Merchant Taylors' School

Merchant Taylors' School occupies a magnificent 285-acre campus in Northwood, combining historic tradition with modern educational excellence. Founded in 1561 by the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, the school has evolved into one of London's most academically rigorous independent schools whilst maintaining its commitment to developing well-rounded young men.

The school's ethos centres on academic excellence, personal development, and service to the community. With approximately 950 students, Merchant Taylors' maintains an intimate learning environment where each boy receives personalised attention. The school's motto, "Concordia Parvae Res Crescunt" (Small things grow by harmony), reflects its collaborative approach to education.

Academic standards are exceptionally high, with the majority of leavers progressing to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. The curriculum extends far beyond traditional subjects, encompassing innovative programmes in technology, enterprise, and global citizenship that prepare students for leadership in an increasingly complex world.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Merchant Taylors' School (MTS) publishes day fees of £8,939 per term for 2026/27, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on Saturday 31 October 2026 (for Year 6 pupils sitting the 11+ in autumn 2026). The assessment takes place on Saturday 28 November 2026 (main exam day; reserve/access-arrangements day Monday 30 November 2026). Three 45-minute written papers (English, Mathematics, Merchant Taylors' General Paper) plus a computerised 20-minute Maths and 10-minute Verbal Reasoning test, followed by a 20-minute interview for shortlisted candidates in January, February 2027. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Merchant Taylors' School has recently streamlined its admissions process, focusing exclusively on 11+ entry from September 2025. This change allows the school to offer enhanced opportunities from Year 7 onwards and ensures a more cohesive year group experience.

Assessment Components

The 11+ entrance examination comprises three distinct papers:

• English: Comprehension, creative writing, and language analysis
• Mathematics: Problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts
• General Paper: Logical reasoning, current affairs awareness, and critical thinking

Interview Process

Successful candidates from the written examinations are invited for individual interviews. These conversations explore the candidate's interests, motivations, and potential contribution to school life. The interview panel assesses academic curiosity, communication skills, and alignment with the school's values.

Assessment Criteria

The school seeks boys who demonstrate academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and the character to thrive in a challenging environment. Previous academic achievement, whilst important, is balanced against potential for growth and contribution to the school community.

How to Apply

The application process begins in Year 5, with careful preparation essential for success in this competitive environment.

Application Timeline

• Year 5 (Spring Term): Registration opens
• Year 5 (Summer Term): School visits and open events
• Year 6 (October): Application deadline
• Year 6 (January): Entrance examinations
• Year 6 (February): Interviews and results

Required Documentation

Applications must include the completed application form, school reports from Years 4 and 5, a character reference from the current headteacher, and the registration fee. The school particularly values evidence of involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and service to others.

Preparation Requirements

Whilst the school does not prescribe specific preparation, candidates benefit from broad reading, mathematical fluency, and awareness of current affairs. The general paper requires analytical thinking skills that develop through varied intellectual engagement rather than narrow coaching.

Preparing for the Merchant Taylors' School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Merchant Taylors' School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. 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.