Palmers Green High School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent girls' school
• Age Range: 4-16 years
• Location: 104 Hoppers Road, Winchmore Hill, London N21 3LJ
• Founded: 1905 by Miss Alice Hum
• Entry Points: Multiple entry points including 11+ for Year 7
• School Motto: "By Love Serve One Another"
• Divisions: Prep, Junior, and Senior divisions

About Palmers Green High School

Palmers Green High School has been educating young women in North London for over a century, establishing itself as a cornerstone of girls' education in the Winchmore Hill area. Founded in 1905 by Miss Alice Hum with a vision of empowering girls through exceptional education, PGHS continues to uphold its founding principles whilst adapting to modern educational needs.

The school's distinctive motto, "By Love Serve One Another," permeates every aspect of school life, creating a nurturing environment where girls develop not only academically but also as confident, compassionate young women. This ethos is particularly evident in the seamless transition students experience as they progress from the Prep division through to the Senior school, with strong pastoral support ensuring each girl reaches her full potential.

Located in the leafy suburb of Winchmore Hill, PGHS benefits from excellent transport links whilst maintaining a village-like atmosphere. The school's proximity to central London provides numerous educational opportunities, including access to museums, theatres, and cultural institutions that enrich the curriculum. The school's commitment to small class sizes ensures personalised attention for every student, with teachers who genuinely know and understand each girl's individual strengths and areas for development.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Palmers Green High School

Palmers Green High School's 11+ assessment is designed to identify girls who will thrive in the school's supportive yet academically rigorous environment. The assessment process reflects the school's understanding that academic potential extends beyond mere test scores, encompassing creativity, resilience, and collaborative skills.

The entrance examination typically comprises:

• English Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation including reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar. Girls are assessed on their ability to analyse texts thoughtfully and express ideas clearly and imaginatively
• Mathematics Assessment: Problem-solving questions that test numerical reasoning, mathematical concepts, and logical thinking. The assessment goes beyond rote learning to evaluate genuine mathematical understanding
• Verbal Reasoning: Tests designed to assess vocabulary, comprehension, and the ability to think logically using language
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition and spatial awareness questions that evaluate logical thinking skills independent of language ability

The school recognises that some girls may experience assessment anxiety, and staff are particularly skilled at creating a calm, supportive environment during the testing process. PGHS values girls who demonstrate curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and the potential to contribute positively to the school community.

How to Apply to Palmers Green High School

The application process for Year 7 entry at Palmers Green High School is designed to be straightforward and supportive for families:

Application Timeline

• September-October: School open days and individual tours available
• October-November: Application deadline (specific dates confirmed annually)
• November-January: Assessment period
• February-March: Offers communicated to families
• March-April: Acceptance deadline and deposit required

Application Steps

1. School Visit: Attend an open day or arrange a personalised tour to experience the school's atmosphere and meet staff
2. Application Submission: Complete the comprehensive application form, including academic references from your daughter's current school
3. Assessment Preparation: Prepare for the entrance assessment using the school's guidance materials
4. Assessment Day: Attend the scheduled assessment, which includes both written tests and informal interaction with staff
5. Interview Process: Selected candidates may be invited for an informal chat with senior staff

The school particularly values applications from families who share their educational philosophy and are committed to supporting their daughter's all-round development. PGHS seeks girls who will benefit from the school's nurturing environment whilst contributing to its vibrant community.

Preparing for the Palmers Green High School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Palmers Green High 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.