North London Collegiate School (NLCS): Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day school for girls aged 4-18
• Location: Canons Drive, Edgware, London HA8 7RJ
• Entry Points: 4+, 7+, 11+, 16+
• Number of Pupils: Approximately 1,065
• Fees: £6,880 to £7,993 per term
• Headmistress: Mrs Vicky Bingham
• Phone: 020 8952 0912
• Website: nlcs.org.uk

About North London Collegiate School

North London Collegiate School is a prestigious independent day school for girls, established in 1850 by pioneering educator Frances Mary Buss. Set within a magnificent 30-acre estate in Edgware, NLCS has maintained its position as one of London's most academically successful schools for over 170 years.

The school's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its consistently outstanding examination results. NLCS pupils regularly achieve exceptional A Level and International Baccalaureate outcomes, with many securing places at Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading universities worldwide. The school offers both A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form, providing flexibility for students with different academic strengths and university aspirations.

Beyond academics, NLCS fosters a vibrant community where girls develop confidence, leadership skills, and a lifelong love of learning. The school's extensive extracurricular programme encompasses everything from competitive sports and performing arts to Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. The school's strong house system promotes teamwork and healthy competition amongst pupils.

NLCS is particularly renowned for its modern languages department, with pupils regularly achieving exceptional results in French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin. The school also offers unique opportunities through its international partnerships, including sister schools in South Korea, Dubai, and Singapore.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

North London Collegiate School (NLCS) publishes day fees of £10,365 (Senior School, includes VAT) 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 Friday 13 November 2026, 4.00pm. Assessment dates: Entrance exam Thursday 3 December 2026; interviews Monday 11, Friday 22 January 2027. Two 1hr15 written papers (English incl. comprehension/creative writing, and Maths; no verbal/non-verbal reasoning), followed by a 30-minute interview with further verbal Maths and English questions for shortlisted candidates. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at North London Collegiate School

NLCS employs a comprehensive assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify girls who will thrive in the school's academically demanding environment. The assessment takes place in January of the year of entry and consists of several components:

Written Assessments

Candidates sit two written papers:

• Mathematics: Tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 level
• English: Assesses reading comprehension, creative writing skills, and command of grammar and vocabulary

Individual Interview

All candidates participate in a personal interview with senior members of staff. This conversation explores the candidate's interests, motivations, and suitability for the NLCS community. The interview is designed to be supportive rather than intimidating, allowing girls to demonstrate their personality and enthusiasm for learning.

School Report

NLCS requests a comprehensive report from the candidate's current school, focusing on academic performance, effort, and contribution to school life. This provides valuable insight into the candidate's consistent performance and potential for success.

Assessment Criteria

The school seeks girls who demonstrate:

• Strong academic potential across the curriculum
• Intellectual curiosity and love of learning
• Good communication skills and confidence
• Enthusiasm for participating in school life
• The ability to work well with others

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at NLCS follows a structured timeline, typically beginning in the September of Year 5:

Registration

Parents must complete the online registration form via the school's website by early October. A non-refundable registration fee is required at this stage. Given the school's popularity, early registration is strongly recommended.

Assessment Day

Registered candidates are invited to attend assessment day in January. This includes the written papers and individual interview. The school provides detailed information about the format and timing closer to the assessment date.

Offers and Acceptance

Successful candidates receive offers in February, with parents required to accept places and pay a deposit by the specified deadline. Some candidates may be placed on a waiting list and contacted if places become available.

Scholarships and Bursaries

NLCS offers academic scholarships for exceptional candidates, which provide recognition of achievement rather than significant fee reduction. Means-tested bursaries are available for families requiring financial assistance, with awards of up to 100% of fees in cases of genuine need.

Preparing for the North London Collegiate School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The North London Collegiate 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 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.