St. Margaret's School Hampstead: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent girls' school
• Age Range: 4-16 years
• Location: 18 Kidderpore Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 7SR
• School Size: 170 students with 25 teachers
• Notable Achievement: Ranked first in Sunday Times League Tables for schools without sixth form (2023)
• Contact: 020 7435 2439
• Website: www.st-margarets.co.uk

About St. Margaret's School Hampstead

St. Margaret's School occupies a unique position amongst London's independent girls' schools, nestled in the leafy streets of Hampstead. This intimate educational community of 170 girls creates an environment where academic excellence flourishes through personalised attention and small class sizes.

The school's philosophy centres on nurturing confident, well-rounded individuals who excel academically whilst developing strong personal values. With a teacher-to-student ratio that ensures every girl receives individual attention, St. Margaret's has cultivated a reputation for outstanding academic results, culminating in their top ranking in the Sunday Times League Tables for schools without a sixth form.

Located in historic Hampstead, the school benefits from its proximity to Hampstead Heath and the cultural richness of North London, providing girls with access to museums, libraries, and educational opportunities beyond the classroom. The school's ethos emphasises character development alongside academic achievement, preparing girls for success in their chosen senior schools and beyond.

The 11+ Assessment Process at St. Margaret's

St. Margaret's School employs a carefully designed assessment process for Year 7 entry that evaluates both academic ability and personal qualities. The entrance examination focuses on core subjects whilst allowing girls to demonstrate their individual strengths and potential.

Assessment Components:

• English Language: Reading comprehension tasks assess analytical thinking and understanding of complex texts
• Written Expression: Creative and analytical writing exercises evaluate communication skills and originality
• Mathematics: Problem-solving questions test numerical reasoning and mathematical concepts
• Arithmetic Skills: Fundamental mathematical operations and application of knowledge

The school values qualities beyond pure academic ability, considering each candidate's confidence, enthusiasm, and potential to contribute to the school community. This holistic approach ensures that successful candidates will thrive in St. Margaret's nurturing yet challenging environment.

Assessment dates are typically scheduled during the autumn term for the following September entry, allowing families adequate time for preparation and decision-making.

How to Apply to St. Margaret's School

The application process at St. Margaret's School is designed to be thorough yet supportive, ensuring the right fit for both the school and prospective families.

Application Steps:

• School Visit: Attend an open day or arrange a personal tour to experience the school's atmosphere firsthand
• Application Submission: Complete the comprehensive application form available through the school's website
• Entrance Assessment: Sit the standard entrance examination in English and Mathematics
• Financial Support: Apply for bursaries if required - awards can cover up to 100% of fees based on demonstrated need

Given the school's reputation and limited places available, early application is strongly recommended. Many families discover St. Margaret's through word-of-mouth recommendations from the close-knit school community, reflecting the high levels of satisfaction amongst current families.

The admissions team welcomes discussions about your daughter's educational journey and can provide guidance on preparation for the entrance assessment.

Preparing for the St. Margaret's School Hampstead 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the St. Margaret's School Hampstead 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. 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.