About City of London School for Girls
City of London School for Girls (CLSG) is an independent day school for girls aged 11–18 in the Barbican, in the heart of the City of London, founded in 1894. It has an outstanding academic reputation and excellent modern facilities. As an independent school it charges fees — £10,082 a term (about £30,247 a year) for 2025/26, including VAT.
Entry to Year 7 is highly competitive (around 72–80 places) and runs in two stages. Stage 1 is a 60-minute online assessment, Cambridge Select Insight (formerly known as CEM Select); around 380 candidates are then invited to Stage 2 — the school's own written papers in English (45 min) and Mathematics (45 min) — with a taster lesson and an interview.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for City of London School for Girls
CLSG runs its own two-stage admissions. Register online directly with the school — registration for September 2027 entry opens in June 2026 and closes on 30 October 2026 (a registration fee applies). Stage 1 is Cambridge Select Insight, a 60-minute online assessment (formerly known as CEM Select). Around 380 candidates are invited to Stage 2 — the school's own written papers in English (45 minutes, creative writing and analysis) and Mathematics (45 minutes, problem-solving) — together with a taster lesson and an interview. A report from the current school is reviewed before offers are made.
Academic Performance at City of London School for Girls (GCSE & A-Level Results)
City of London School for Girls is one of the country’s leading academic schools, with consistently outstanding results across a broad curriculum.
- GCSE: an exceptionally high proportion of grades at 9–7 (around 95% in a recent year).
- A-Level: outstanding results, with the large majority of entries graded A*–B and many at A*–A.
- Progression: strong progression to Oxbridge and to top US, European and Russell Group universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for City of London School for Girls
As an independent City school, CLSG has no catchment area; girls travel in from across London. Places are awarded on the two-stage assessment and interview.
Around 20% of CLSG pupils receive financial assistance, with bursaries worth up to full fees; indicate your interest when you register and check the school's bursary pages.
Subjects Tested at City of London School for Girls
CLSG's 11+ has two stages. Stage 1 is Cambridge Select Insight (a 60-minute online assessment, formerly known as CEM Select), which explores verbal, numerical and non-verbal reasoning and academic potential. Stage 2 (for around 380 invited candidates) is the school's own written papers in English (45 minutes) and Mathematics (45 minutes), with a taster lesson and an interview.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for City of London School for Girls (CLSG)
City of London School for Girls (CLSG) uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the City of London School for Girls (CLSG) 11+ Exam
CLSG’s two-stage 11+ rewards broad, secure Year 6 skills: confident reasoning for the online Stage 1 and strong written English and maths for Stage 2. The steps below help.
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1894 through a bequest from the merchant William Ward and governed by the City of London Corporation, City of London School for Girls is a selective day school in the heart of the Barbican. It is known for exceptional pastoral care and its values of respect, responsibility and resourcefulness, with a strong commitment to bursaries (over a fifth of senior pupils receive financial assistance).
The school makes the most of its City location, with a strong arts tradition (including the annual Moat Fest outdoor theatre festival and a wealth of music ensembles) alongside sport, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and a wide range of clubs and societies. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
City of London School for Girls — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to CLSG at 11+?
Register online directly with the school; registration for September 2027 entry opens in June 2026 and closes on 30 October 2026. Stage 1 is the Cambridge Select Insight online test, with Stage 2 written papers, a taster lesson and an interview to follow.
What is the CLSG entrance assessment?
A two-stage process: Stage 1 is Cambridge Select Insight (a 60-minute online assessment, formerly CEM Select); Stage 2 is the school's own written English and Maths papers (45 minutes each), with a taster lesson and an interview.
Is the Stage 1 test a CEM test?
It is Cambridge Select Insight, the online assessment formerly known as CEM Select (now run by Cambridge); it is administered as part of CLSG's own admissions, not a shared consortium test.
Is CLSG selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a highly selective independent girls' day school, so it charges fees (£10,082 a term, about £30,247 a year, for 2025/26, including VAT).
How many places are there at 11+?
Around 72–80 in Year 7; about 380 candidates are invited to Stage 2.
When does the process run?
Registration opens in June 2026 and closes on 30 October 2026 for September 2027 entry; Stage 1 is in the autumn and Stage 2 written papers in early January (around 6 January 2027).
Does CLSG have a catchment area?
No. As an independent City school it admits girls from any area; the Barbican location is exceptionally well connected.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes — around 20% of pupils receive financial assistance, with means-tested bursaries worth up to 100% of fees.
How can my daughter prepare?
Build confident Year 6 English and maths, practise timed verbal and non-verbal reasoning for Stage 1, and develop creative writing and problem-solving for Stage 2. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.