Registration for St Helen and St Katharine 11+ closes in 24 days, on 30 October 2026. A free consultation now leaves time to plan the preparation before the assessment.
Book a free consultationKey Facts
| School | St Helen and St Katharine |
|---|---|
| Location | Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire |
| Type | Independent day school for girls |
| Age Range | 9-18 years |
| Pupils | Approximately 720 |
| Entry Requirements | Entrance assessment in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning |
| Day fees (2026/27) | £8,950 per term |
| Registration deadline | 30 October 2026 (for 2027 Year 7/11+ entry) |
| Assessment date | Saturday 16 January 2027 |
Figures correct at the time of writing — always confirm current fees and deadlines with the school directly.
Key Information Summary
- School: St Helen and St Katharine
- Location: Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
- Type: Independent day school for girls
- Age Range: 9-18 years
- Pupils: Approximately 720
- Headmistress: Mrs Rebecca Dougall
- Entry Requirements: Entrance assessment in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning
- Application Deadline: Assessment typically held in January of Year 6
- Fees: Means-tested bursaries available up to 100% of fees
About St Helen and St Katharine
Founded in 1903, St Helen and St Katharine occupies a magnificent 22-acre campus on the outskirts of Abingdon, seamlessly blending historic Edwardian architecture with state-of-the-art modern facilities. The recently opened Benedict Building serves as a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, exemplifying the school's commitment to providing exceptional learning environments.
The school's educational philosophy centres on nurturing intellectually curious and confident young women who will excel in an increasingly complex world. With over 100 clubs and societies complementing a rigorous academic curriculum, St Helen and St Katharine ensures each pupil discovers her passions whilst developing critical thinking skills. The school's approach balances academic excellence with character development, preparing pupils for leadership roles in their chosen fields.
Located in the historic market town of Abingdon, the school benefits from its proximity to Oxford whilst maintaining its own distinct identity. The extensive grounds provide space for both academic and recreational activities, including purpose-built science laboratories, art studios, and sporting facilities that support the school's holistic approach to education.
Fees and key dates for 2026/27
St Helen and St Katharine publishes day fees of £8,950 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 30 October 2026 (for 2027 Year 7/11+ entry). The assessment takes place on Saturday 16 January 2027. Assessment combines an autumn-term taster day, online tests (English, Maths, verbal/non-verbal reasoning, problem-solving, creative comprehension), short written Maths and English papers, and a headteacher's reference, all reviewed by the Head. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.
The 11+ Assessment Process
St Helen and St Katharine employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify pupils who will thrive in their academically challenging environment. The entrance examination, conducted in January of Year 6, evaluates candidates across three core areas:
English Assessment
The English component focuses on reading comprehension and written expression. Candidates demonstrate their ability to analyse texts critically, extract key information, and articulate ideas clearly. The assessment evaluates vocabulary range, grammatical understanding, and creative writing skills essential for success in the school's literature and humanities programmes.
Mathematics Evaluation
The mathematics section tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 level. Questions assess both computational skills and logical thinking, ensuring candidates possess the mathematical foundation necessary for the school's rigorous STEM curriculum.
Verbal Reasoning Component
This section evaluates analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and logical deduction skills. Through carefully designed verbal puzzles and reasoning tasks, the assessment identifies pupils with strong cognitive abilities who will benefit from the school's intellectually stimulating environment.
Following the written assessments, shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews, providing an opportunity for the school to assess personal qualities, interests, and potential contribution to the school community.
How to Apply
The application process for Year 7 entry follows a structured timeline designed to ensure thorough evaluation of each candidate:
Step 1: Initial Application
Complete the application form available on the school website, providing comprehensive information about your daughter's academic background, interests, and achievements.
Step 2: School Visit
Attend an open morning or arrange a private visit to experience the school's atmosphere and facilities firsthand. These visits provide valuable insights into the school's ethos and educational approach.
Step 3: Assessment Day
Participate in the entrance assessment held in January of Year 6. The examination takes place on the school campus, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with the environment.
Step 4: Interview Process
Successful candidates from the written assessment may be invited for interviews, providing an opportunity to demonstrate personal qualities and discuss interests beyond academic achievement.
Step 5: Offer Notification
Results are typically communicated by early March, allowing families sufficient time to make informed decisions about secondary education options.
For families requiring financial assistance, the school offers means-tested bursaries that can cover up to 100% of fees, ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent access to exceptional education.
Preparing for the St Helen and St Katharine 11+ with Taylor Tuition
Preparation for the St Helen and St Katharine 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much are the fees at St Helen and St Katharine?
- Fees: Means-tested bursaries available up to 100% of fees (correct at the time of writing). Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
- What type of school is St Helen and St Katharine?
- St Helen and St Katharine is an independent day school for girls.
- When do you need to apply to St Helen and St Katharine?
- Application Deadline: Assessment typically held in January of Year 6. Registering well ahead of the deadline gives your child the longest possible preparation runway.
- How should my child prepare for the St Helen and St Katharine 11+?
- Start structured preparation 12–18 months before the assessment: secure core English and maths beyond curriculum pace, introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types systematically (these are rarely taught at primary school), and build up to timed practice in the final months.
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English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with mark schemes.
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