The Royal Masonic School for Girls: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day and boarding school for girls
• Age Range: 2-18 years (Nursery for boys and girls 2-4)
• Location: Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
• Setting: 300-acre parkland campus
• Boarding: Available from age 7
• Pupil Numbers: 976 students (81 boarders)
• Founded: 1788
• Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational

About The Royal Masonic School for Girls

The Royal Masonic School for Girls enjoys a remarkable heritage dating back to 1788, when it was established to educate the daughters of Freemasons. Today, this prestigious institution welcomes girls from all backgrounds who demonstrate academic potential and personal integrity.

Set within 300 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire parkland, RMS provides an exceptional educational environment that combines historic traditions with modern excellence. The school's commitment to developing the "whole person" extends far beyond academic achievement, fostering resilience, warmth, and integrity in every student.

The school's unique position allows it to offer both day and boarding options, with boarding available from age 7. This flexibility makes RMS particularly attractive to families seeking personalised educational pathways that can adapt to changing circumstances whilst maintaining consistently high standards.

RMS prides itself on developing 21st-century skills alongside academic rigour, preparing students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex world. The school's ethos centres on nurturing enthusiastic, engaged learners who are willing to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The 11+ Assessment Process

The Royal Masonic School for Girls conducts a comprehensive assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify students who will flourish within the school's supportive yet challenging environment.

Assessment Components:

• English examination testing comprehension, creative writing, and analytical skills
• Mathematics assessment covering numerical reasoning and problem-solving
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning papers
• Personal interview with senior staff members

The school particularly values students who demonstrate:

• Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
• Resilience and determination in facing challenges
• Warmth and consideration towards others
• Personal integrity and strong moral character
• Willingness to contribute to school community life

RMS recognises that academic potential can be demonstrated in various ways, and the assessment process is designed to identify students who will benefit from the school's holistic approach to education, rather than simply those who excel in traditional examinations.

How to Apply

The application process for 11+ entry follows a structured timeline that allows families to make informed decisions:

Step 1: Initial Engagement
Attend an Open Event or arrange a private tour to experience the school's atmosphere and meet key staff members.

Step 2: Application Submission
Complete the comprehensive application form, providing detailed information about your daughter's academic achievements, interests, and aspirations.

Step 3: Assessment Day
Participate in the entrance examinations and interview process, typically held during the autumn term preceding entry.

Step 4: Financial Planning
Explore scholarship and bursary opportunities. RMS offers academic, music, art, drama, and sport scholarships worth up to 25% of fees, alongside means-tested bursaries for families requiring financial support.

The admissions team takes a personal approach to each application, recognising that every family's circumstances are unique. Early engagement with the school is strongly recommended to ensure the best possible preparation for the assessment process.

Preparing for the The Royal Masonic School for Girls 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The The Royal Masonic 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 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.