Entrance examinations

Whether applying to an Independent school, state selective or 11+ grammar schools' check the admissions section of the schools websites that you intend to apply for the key dates such as open days, interviews, and exams. We can also provide specific advice on good schools in and around London that you may wish to apply to, and guidance on the application process involved.

Many parents contact us, anxious about what is expected from the entrance exams, so we have provided some useful links to past papers within our exam papers page. Our tutors use these plus additional past papers and learning resources to prepare the students for their exams. Go to exam papers today to find out what can be expected from the entrance exams because your child comes first.

A further resource that many parents find useful are the league tables on our News feed page. The league tables should be used only as a guide, but do provide useful information on examination success rates. Some schools such as Eton and St Paul’s no longer submit their results for publishing so are not included in the tables.

Hampstead & Frognal Tutors have a sound knowledge of the entrance exam system, and considerable experience preparing students for the maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests. Our tutors are professional and passionate about their subjects, and dedicated to helping your son or daughter achieve their full potential, so contact us today because your child comes first.

Entrance exams levels

A brief summary of the criteria for each of the stages of entry are set out below.

4+ entry (reception) The process for 4+ entry can vary but schools tend to keep the first visit to the school informal to see how your child interacts in a social environment within the classroom. A teacher will provide the prospective children with activities, and an assessment of how the children respond and communicate with the teacher and the other children.

7+ entry (year 3) Most schools require the students to attend a 'play date' at the school to assess how the children interact, and respond in a social setting. Successful applicants will be invited for a follow up interview and observed activities. Some schools require students to sit tests that consist of basic maths and English tests.

11+ entry (year 7) Grammar schools, independent schools, state selective, and many religious schools require students to sit a test for entry to year 7. These tests will often consist of a selection of maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests. As the tests vary between schools it is advisable to refer to the admission criteria for the school that is being applied to. The criteria can usually be found on the individual school websites. A few schools such as City of London Boys' offer places from year 6 through their 10+ examination.

13+ entry (year 9) The 13+ process begins in year 7 or year 8 with an English and maths test, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessments. If your child is successful and passes the interview stage they will be given a conditional offer providing that they pass the 13+ exams set out by the Independent Schools Examination Board. These exams may include science, history, and a language.

Past clients have applied to and had offers from the following schools:- Haberdashers Aske's, City of London Boys, City of London Girls School (CLGS), Channing School, Dulwich college, North London Collegiate School (NLCS), Henrietta Barnett, Queen Elizabeth Barnet, Highgate, Dame Alice Owen's, Merchant Taylors UCS, St Albans, St. Paul's Boys/Girls, St Albans, Westminster, London Oratory and the Watford Grammar Schools. Do acquaint yourself with our useful exam papers page which has examples of past papers from some of these schools that our tutors use in addition to the back catalogue of other papers we have going back over 10 years.

Hampstead & Frognal tutors have extensive experience in preparing students for the entrance exams, and a good knowledge of the schools that many of our past and present clients have applied to. Our tutors can help your son or daughter thoroughly prepare for the entrance exams. Contact us today to book your first lessons and assessment because your child comes first.