Notting Hill and Ealing High School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Notting Hill and Ealing High School (NHEHS)
• Type: Independent day school for girls
• Age Range: 4-18 years
• Location: 2 Cleveland Road, Ealing, London W13 8AX
• Founded: 1873
• Trust: Girls' Day School Trust (GDST)
• Student Numbers: Approximately 916 pupils
• Head: Mr Matthew Shoults
• Entry Points: 4+, 7+, 11+, 16+
• Assessment Date: January

About Notting Hill and Ealing High School

Notting Hill and Ealing High School represents over 150 years of educational excellence in West London. As part of the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust, NHEHS combines academic rigour with a nurturing environment that develops confident, articulate young women ready for leadership roles in society.

The school's location in Ealing provides an ideal setting for learning, with excellent transport links to central London whilst maintaining a distinct community feel. The spacious campus features modern facilities alongside historic buildings, creating an atmosphere that honours tradition whilst embracing innovation.

NHEHS is particularly renowned for its strength in STEM subjects, with outstanding facilities including dedicated science laboratories and a strong tradition of encouraging girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. The school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals extends beyond academics, with extensive co-curricular programmes in music, drama, sport, and community service.

Academic results consistently place NHEHS amongst the top-performing independent schools nationally, with recent years showing approximately 91% of GCSE grades at A*/A level and 65% of A-Level grades achieving A*/A. These exceptional outcomes reflect both the calibre of students and the quality of teaching throughout the school.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Notting Hill and Ealing High School publishes day fees of £9,808 (Year 7 to 13, inclusive of 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 6 November 2026. Assessment dates: Entrance test in early December 2026; interviews in January 2027. A bespoke, 100-minute online entrance test (via the London 11+ Consortium) assessing creative and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and problem-solving, followed by an interview for all candidates. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at NHEHS

Entry to Year 7 at NHEHS is highly competitive, reflecting the school's academic reputation and the quality of education provided. The assessment process is designed to identify girls who will thrive in the school's intellectually stimulating environment.

Assessment Components

The 11+ examination at NHEHS comprises:

• Mathematics Assessment: Tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 level
• English Assessment: Evaluates reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and creative writing skills
• Interview: A formal interview assessing the candidate's enthusiasm for learning, communication skills, and suitability for the school community

Assessment Timing and Format

Examinations typically take place in January, allowing families sufficient time to prepare whilst ensuring results are available for September entry. The school adopts a holistic approach to assessment, considering not only academic performance but also a candidate's potential contribution to school life.

NHEHS particularly values intellectual curiosity, resilience, and collaborative spirit - qualities that align with the school's ethos of developing independent thinkers who can adapt to an ever-changing world.

How to Apply

The application process for 11+ entry requires careful planning and attention to deadlines:

Application Timeline

• September: Applications open via the school's online portal
• December: Registration deadline (specific date varies annually)
• January: Assessment day and interviews
• February: Offers dispatched to successful candidates
• March: Acceptance deadline for offered places

Application Requirements

• Completed online application form via the school website
• Current school report or assessment
• Registration fee payment
• Additional information supporting the application

Given the school's popularity and limited places available, early registration is strongly recommended. The admissions team provides comprehensive support throughout the process and welcomes enquiries from prospective families.

Scholarships and Bursaries

NHEHS offers various scholarships recognising academic excellence, musical talent, and all-round achievement. Means-tested bursaries are also available to ensure the school remains accessible to families from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the GDST's commitment to social mobility through education.

Preparing for the Notting Hill and Ealing High School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Notting Hill and Ealing High School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. 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.