Wimbledon High School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent girls' day school (ages 4-18)
• Location: Mansel Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 4AB
• Headmistress: Ms Fionnuala Kennedy
• Founded: 1880 (Girls' Day School Trust)
• Current Pupils: Approximately 1,051 students
• Fees: £5,999 to £8,297 per term (varies by year group)
• Entry Points: 4+, 7+, 11+, 16+
• Scholarships: Academic, arts, music, and sports scholarships available

About Wimbledon High School

Wimbledon High School represents over 140 years of educational excellence in South West London, serving as one of the founding schools of the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust. Located in the heart of Wimbledon, this vibrant academic community has cultivated generations of confident, intellectually curious young women who go on to make meaningful contributions to society.

The school's distinctive ethos centres on developing each girl's individual talents whilst fostering a strong sense of community and social responsibility. With its striking Victorian architecture and modern facilities, Wimbledon High provides an inspiring environment where academic rigour meets creative expression. The school's commitment to holistic education is evident in its exceptional co-curricular programme, which includes everything from competitive sports teams to award-winning drama productions.

What sets Wimbledon High apart is its forward-thinking approach to girls' education. The school pioneered innovative teaching methodologies that encourage critical thinking, collaborative learning, and entrepreneurial thinking. Recent initiatives include the school's sustainability programme, global partnerships with schools worldwide, and a comprehensive wellbeing framework that supports each student's mental and emotional development.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Wimbledon High School publishes day fees of £10,152 (Senior School, inc. 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: Applications for September 2027 Year 7 entry open 24 April 2026; closing date Tuesday 3 November 2026. Assessment dates: Stage 1: Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18 November 2026; Stage 2: Friday 8 January 2027. Two-stage 11+ assessment: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning tests at WHS, followed for successful candidates by a second-stage creative group task plus a reference from the candidate's current school. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Wimbledon High School's 11+ entrance assessment is carefully designed to identify students who will thrive in the school's dynamic academic environment. The process evaluates not only academic ability but also creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and potential for growth within the school's supportive community.

Assessment Components

• Mathematics: Problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 students
• English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills
• Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking using language-based problems and word relationships
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and visual problem-solving

The school employs innovative assessment methods that go beyond traditional testing formats. These include group activities that assess collaboration skills, creative tasks that evaluate original thinking, and interview-style conversations that help admissions staff understand each candidate's personality and interests.

Assessment Timeline

The 11+ assessment typically takes place in January for September entry. Candidates attend the school for a full assessment day, which includes written examinations, group activities, and individual conversations with teaching staff. This comprehensive approach allows the school to gain a complete picture of each applicant's potential.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Wimbledon High School is straightforward but requires careful attention to deadlines and requirements.

Application Steps

1. Registration: Complete the online application form via the school website by the October deadline
2. School Report: Current school provides academic reference and assessment
3. Assessment Day: Attend the comprehensive assessment day in January
4. Interview: Selected candidates participate in informal conversations with staff
5. Offers: Conditional offers made in February, based on assessment performance

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: Mid-October (previous academic year)
• Assessment Day: January
• Offer Letters: February
• Acceptance Deadline: March

Prospective families are strongly encouraged to attend the school's open events, which provide valuable insights into the school's culture, facilities, and educational philosophy. These events typically include tours led by current students, presentations by senior staff, and opportunities to observe lessons in progress.

Preparing for the Wimbledon High School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Wimbledon 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 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.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.