City of London School (CLS) 11+ Practice Papers

City of London School (CLS) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

City of London School (CLS) is one of the UK’s most prestigious independent day schools for boys aged 10-18, located on the banks of the River Thames near St Paul’s Cathedral. It was founded in 1442, when Richard Whittington (the Lord Mayor of London) left funds in his will to educate poor boys in the City of London.

Over the centuries, CLS has grown into one of the top academic schools in the country, known for high academic achievement, a liberal and inclusive ethos, and strong links to the financial and legal sectors. The school moved to its current site at Queen Victoria Street in 1986, offering state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of London.

CLS is one of three independent schools run by the City of London Corporation, alongside City of London School for Girls (CLSG) and City of London Freemen’s School.

Pupil Numbers

Around 1,000 students across Years 6-13.
Highly selective entry at 10+, 11+, and 16+, with significant competition for places.
No boarding – CLS is a day school only, attracting students from across London and surrounding areas.

Academic Reputation

City of London School has a national and international reputation for academic excellence, consistently ranking among the top independent schools in the UK. It offers a broad, intellectually challenging curriculum, producing exceptional GCSE and A-Level results.

Key Academic Achievements:

GCSE Results:
- Over 80-90% of grades are 9-7 (A-A equivalent)* each year.
A-Level Results:
- The vast majority of students achieve A-B grades*, with many securing places at Oxbridge, Ivy League, and top Russell Group universities.
- Subjects such as Mathematics, Sciences, Economics, and Humanities are particularly strong.
Highly regarded for STEM, with strong links to top universities and industries in London.
Languages: CLS offers a wide range of modern and classical languages, including Mandarin, Arabic, Latin, and Greek.
Academic Scholarships & Olympiads: Regular success in Maths Olympiads, Science Challenges, and national debating competitions.

Awards & Recognitions

City of London School has earned numerous accolades for its academic and extracurricular excellence:

Regularly ranked among the top 10 independent schools in the UK.
ISI Inspection Report: Rated “Excellent” in all areas (Academic, Personal Development, and Pastoral Care).
Strong Oxbridge & Ivy League admissions record, with many students progressing to Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, and other elite global institutions.
STEM & Science Awards, including wins in the UKMT Maths Challenge, British Physics Olympiad, and Biology Olympiad.
National Debating Champions, with success in the Oxford and Cambridge Union Debating Competitions.
Highly regarded for Drama & Music, with students performing at venues such as the Barbican and West End theatres.

City of London School is a prestigious, high-achieving independent boys’ school, known for its academic excellence, strong university progression, and outstanding extracurricular opportunities. Its central London location, elite STEM & debating programmes, and strong industry connections make it a top choice for ambitious students.

🏫 City of London School – Contact Information

School Name: City of London School (CLS)
Type: Independent Day School for Boys (Ages 10–18)
Head: Alan Bird

📍 Address:

City of London School
107 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 3AL
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)20 3680 6300

📝 Exam Board: School’s own test

You can view the school’s location on the map below:

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for City of London School (CLS) in the 11+ Entrance Exam

City of London School (CLS) uses its own 11+ entrance test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam, which assesses English, Mathematics, and Reasoning skills.

Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?

✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the City of London School (CLS) entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.

How to Use ExamTutor for City of London School (CLS) 11+ Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Exam Format

📌City of London School (CLS) 11+ entrance test typically includes:

English – Reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar.
Mathematics – Problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.

✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.

2. Create a Structured Study Plan

✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management

✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.

5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance

✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.

6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress

✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.

Final Tips for Success

✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at City of London School (CLS) – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.

By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the City of London School (CLS) 11+ Entrance Exam.

📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at City of London School (CLS)! 🚀

City of London School (CLS) – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

City of London School (CLS) is a prestigious independent day school for boys, located in the heart of London. It is renowned for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and diverse extracurricular opportunities, including music, sports, debating, and STEM activities.

Admission to Year 7 at CLS is highly competitive, and entry is based on academic selection through an entrance examination, interview, and reference from the student’s current school.

Year 7 Admissions Criteria

To gain admission to City of London School for Year 7, students must complete the formal entrance assessment process, which includes:

1. Registration

✔ Parents must complete an online registration form and pay a non-refundable registration fee.
✔ Early registration is recommended as CLS is highly oversubscribed.

📅 Registration Deadline: Early November (Year 6)

2. Entrance Examination

📌 The entrance exam consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Online Pre-Test (November – Year 6)

Conducted using the ISEB Common Pre-Test, which includes:
- English (comprehension and grammar)
- Mathematics (numerical reasoning and problem-solving)
- Verbal Reasoning (language-based logical reasoning)
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (spatial awareness and pattern recognition)

✔ This stage acts as a screening test, and only top-performing students are invited to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Written Assessments (January – Year 6)

Candidates sit more in-depth written tests in:
- English – Extended comprehension and creative writing.
- Mathematics – Problem-solving and logical reasoning.

✔ Successful students from Stage 2 are invited for an interview.

3. Interview with a Senior Member of Staff

✔ Candidates who perform well in the Stage 2 assessments are invited for an interview.
✔ The interview assesses:

Academic curiosity and enthusiasm
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Personal interests and extracurricular activities
✔ CLS also requests a confidential reference from the candidate’s current school.

How to Apply for Year 7 Admission

Step 1: Register Online

📅 Deadline: Early November (Year 6)

Complete the City of London School online registration form.
Pay the non-refundable registration fee.

Step 2: Sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test

📅 Date: November (Year 6)

Candidates take the online adaptive pre-test, usually at their current school or a designated test centre.

Step 3: Stage 2 Written Assessments

📅 Date: January (Year 6)

Shortlisted candidates take English and Mathematics written exams at CLS.

Step 4: Interview Invitation

📅 Date: February (Year 6)

Successful applicants are invited for an interview with a senior teacher.

Step 5: Offer of a Place

📅 Date: Mid-February (Year 6)

CLS sends out offer letters to successful applicants.
Parents must accept the offer and pay a deposit to secure the place.

Scholarships & Bursaries

City of London School offers academic scholarships and means-tested bursaries to support talented students.

1. Scholarships

✔ Academic Scholarships – Awarded based on outstanding performance in entrance exams.
✔ Music Scholarships – Candidates must audition in addition to academic assessment.

2. Bursaries

✔ Means-tested bursaries are available for families requiring financial assistance.
✔ The bursary application involves a financial assessment and must be submitted alongside registration.

📌 Parents interested in bursaries should apply early, as funding is limited.

Key Dates to Remember

📌 Open Days & School Visits: Autumn Term (Year 6)
📌 Registration Deadline: Early November (Year 6)
📌 ISEB Pre-Test Date: November (Year 6)
📌 Stage 2 Written Exams: January (Year 6)
📌 Interviews: February (Year 6)
📌 Offer Letters Sent: Mid-February (Year 6)
📌 Acceptance Deadline: March (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry

(Exact dates may vary each year, so always check the CLS website for updates.)

Final Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Start preparing early – Ideally, 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Practice for the ISEB Pre-Test – Use online resources to improve reasoning and problem-solving skills.
✔ Focus on creative writing & comprehension – Strong writing skills are crucial for the English test.
✔ Build confidence in maths problem-solving – The exam requires logical thinking and numerical reasoning.
✔ Encourage extracurricular activities – CLS values well-rounded students with interests beyond academics.
✔ Prepare for the interview – Be ready to discuss hobbies, achievements, and academic interests.

Admission to City of London School Year 7 is highly competitive, but with early preparation, strong academic performance, and a well-rounded application, your child can maximise their chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit:
🔗 City of London School Website

City of London School (CLS) | 11+

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