Norwich High School for Girls: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day school for girls
• Age Range: 3-18 years
• Location: 95 Newmarket Road, Norwich NR2 2HU
• Founded: 1875
• Trust: Girls' Day School Trust (GDST)
• Pupil Numbers: Approximately 580
• Entry Points: Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Sixth Form
• 11+ Assessment: Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning

About Norwich High School for Girls

Norwich High School for Girls has been nurturing confident, curious young women for nearly 150 years. As part of the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust, the school combines traditional academic rigour with innovative teaching methods, creating an environment where girls can excel without the distractions often found in co-educational settings.

Located in the heart of Norwich, the school benefits from its position in one of England's most historic cities whilst maintaining excellent transport links across Norfolk. The school's philosophy centres on developing independent thinkers who are prepared to lead in an increasingly complex world.

Academic results consistently place Norwich High amongst the top-performing schools in East Anglia, with pupils regularly gaining places at Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge. The school's approach emphasises not just academic achievement but also character development, ensuring pupils leave as well-rounded individuals ready for future challenges.

Facilities include purpose-built science laboratories, a performing arts centre, sports hall with indoor swimming pool, and extensive playing fields. The school's commitment to co-curricular activities means pupils can explore interests ranging from debating and Model United Nations to lacrosse and sailing.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Norwich High School for Girls publishes day fees of £7,272 per term for 2026/27, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Candidates sit an online placement test, an English creative writing paper, and an observed group-based practical activity. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Norwich High School for Girls operates a selective admissions process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's academically challenging environment. The assessment takes place in January for September entry, allowing families sufficient time to prepare.

Assessment Components

Mathematics Paper: Covers numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level. Pupils are assessed on their ability to apply mathematical knowledge creatively rather than simply recall facts.

English Paper: Includes reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills. The school looks for pupils who can express themselves clearly and demonstrate a genuine love of literature and language.

Verbal Reasoning: Tests logical thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to work with unfamiliar concepts. This component helps identify pupils with strong analytical skills who will benefit from the school's challenging curriculum.

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates attend an informal interview with senior staff, focusing on the pupil's interests, motivations, and potential contribution to school life. The school values intellectual curiosity and looks for pupils who will embrace the collaborative, supportive atmosphere that characterises Norwich High.

How to Apply

Applications for Year 7 entry should be submitted by early November for assessment the following January. The school welcomes applications from pupils currently in state or independent schools, with many successful candidates joining from local primary schools across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Application Timeline

• September: Open events and school visits available
• Early November: Application deadline
• December: Assessment invitations sent
• January: Assessment day and interviews
• February: Offers communicated to families
• March: Acceptance deadline

Families are strongly encouraged to attend an open event or arrange a private visit before applying. This provides valuable insight into the school's ethos and allows pupils to experience the welcoming atmosphere that makes Norwich High special.

The school considers each application holistically, taking into account academic potential, character, and the ability to contribute positively to the school community. Previous academic reports and a reference from the current head teacher form part of the assessment process.

Preparing for the Norwich High School for Girls 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Norwich High School for Girls 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 the East of England 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.