Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) 11+ Practice Papers

Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) is a co-educational partially selective secondary school for students aged 11 to 18, located in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. It is one of the most prestigious and high-achieving state schools in England, known for its academic excellence, university success rates, and strong extracurricular programme.

1. History & Background

Founded in 1613, the school was established by Dame Alice Owen, a wealthy benefactor who left money in her will to provide education for 30 boys in Islington, London.
The school originally operated in Islington, before moving to Potters Bar in 1973, where it expanded significantly.
DAO is a partially selective state school, meaning a proportion of students are admitted based on academic ability, music aptitude, or proximity to the school.
It is one of a few state schools in the UK to have an endowed foundation, which helps fund scholarships, development projects, and student support programmes.
The school’s motto, “Doe’s No Waste,” reflects its emphasis on hard work, personal responsibility, and community service.

2. Pupil Numbers

Total student population: Approximately 1,450 pupils, from Years 7 to 13.
- Lower School (Years 7–11) – Around 1,100 students.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13) – Around 350 students.
Highly selective admissions process – Entry into Year 7 is based on:
- Partially selective testing (a mix of academic ability and music aptitude).
- Sibling and local catchment area admissions.
- Sixth Form entry requires strong GCSE results.

3. Academic Reputation & Results

DAO is consistently ranked among the top state schools in England, excelling in STEM, humanities, and creative subjects.

📈 Exam Performance & National Rankings

A-Level Results:
- Over 90% of grades were A–B*.
- Many students secure places at Oxford, Cambridge, and other top Russell Group universities.
GCSE Results:
- *Over 90% of grades were 9–7 (A–A equivalent)**.
Regularly ranked among the top 20 non-selective state schools in England.
Particularly strong in STEM subjects, with students excelling in maths, sciences, and computing.

🏆 Awards & Achievements

Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, with high praise for teaching quality, student progress, and leadership opportunities.
STEM Excellence – DAO students frequently win awards in UK Maths Challenges, Science Olympiads, and National Engineering Competitions.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme, with many students achieving Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
Music & Performing Arts Success – The school is known for its high-calibre orchestras, choirs, and drama productions.
Sporting Achievements, with teams competing at county and national levels in rugby, football, netball, and athletics.
Recognised for leadership development, encouraging students to take part in public speaking, debating societies, and charity initiatives.

Dame Alice Owen’s School is one of the UK’s most prestigious and high-achieving state schools, offering exceptional academic results, top university placements, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. With its rich history, modern facilities, and emphasis on leadership and personal development, DAO provides an outstanding learning environment for ambitious students.

🏫 Dame Alice Owen’s School – Contact Information

School Name: Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO)
Type: Partially Selective State Secondary School (Co-educational, Ages 11–18)

📍 Address:

Dame Alice Owen’s School
Dugdale Hill Lane
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire
EN6 2DU
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1707 643441

📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment

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 the Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) for Boys 11+ Entrance Exam

Admission to Year 7 at Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.

To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.

How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed

1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format

ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.

✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.

2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan

A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.

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.

✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.

4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques

Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.

📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.

5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day

Confidence is crucial for success in the 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) for Boys Preparation?

✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.

How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers

1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.

📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.

Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.

By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO).

📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀

Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

Dame Alice Owen’s School (DAO) is a highly selective partially state-funded secondary school in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. It is known for its academic excellence, outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, and a strong focus on extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports.

Admission to Year 7 at DAO is highly competitive, with places allocated based on academic selection (entrance exam), music aptitude, sibling priority, and local catchment area residence.

Year 7 Admissions Criteria

DAO has 200 places available for Year 7, allocated as follows:

1. Academic Entrance Exam (35% of Places – 70 Students)

✔ Applicants must sit the DAO Entrance Exam, which consists of:

Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment) – 50 minutes
English (written paper set by DAO) – 50 minutes
Mathematics (written paper set by DAO) – 50 minutes

✔ The highest-scoring 70 candidates in the entrance exam are offered places.

2. Local Catchment Area (65% of Places – 130 Students)

✔ Students living within the designated ‘priority catchment area’ receive priority admission.
✔ Catchment area includes parts of Hertfordshire, Barnet, Enfield, and Islington.
✔ Places are allocated based on proximity to the school if applications exceed availability.

3. Music Aptitude Test (10 Places Available)

✔ Applicants must take a two-stage music aptitude test:

Stage 1: A listening test assessing pitch, melody, rhythm, and texture.
Stage 2: A practical performance on an instrument or voice.

✔ The top 10 candidates are awarded places based on musical ability.

4. Sibling Priority

✔ Applicants with siblings currently attending DAO are given priority if they meet the admissions requirements.

5. Looked After or Previously Looked After Children

✔ Children in foster care or previously in care receive the highest priority for admission.

How to Apply for Year 7 Admission

Step 1: Register for the Entrance Exam & Music Test

📅 Registration Opens: May (Year 5)
📅 Registration Closes: Mid-June (Year 5)

Parents must register their child online via the Dame Alice Owen’s School website.

Step 2: Attend Open Events (Optional but Recommended)

DAO holds Open Evenings and School Tours for prospective students and parents.
These events provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet teachers, and learn about the entrance process.

Step 3: Sit the Entrance Exam & Music Aptitude Test

📅 Exam Date: Early September (Year 6)

The entrance exam is held at Dame Alice Owen’s School.
The music aptitude test takes place separately.

Step 4: Receive Exam Results

📅 Late September (Year 6)

Parents receive exam results before submitting the school preference form.
Only students who achieve a qualifying score will be considered for academic places.

Step 5: Submit Secondary School Preference Form (CAF)

📅 Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)

Parents must list DAO as a preferred choice on the Hertfordshire or relevant Local Authority Secondary School Application Form.

Step 6: National Offer Day – Receive Admission Decision

📅 March 1st (Year 6)

Parents are informed whether their child has secured a place at DAO.
If successful, parents must accept the offer to confirm their child’s place.

Step 7: Transition & Induction

📅 Summer Term (before September start)

Induction Days and Welcome Events help students settle into school life.

Key Dates to Remember

📌 Open Days: June-July (Year 5)
📌 Registration Deadline for Entrance Exam & Music Test: Mid-June (Year 5)
📌 Entrance Exam & Music Test: Early September (Year 6)
📌 Exam Results Sent: Late September (Year 6)
📌 Secondary School Application Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
📌 National Offer Day: March 1st (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry

(Exact dates may vary each year, so always check the Dame Alice Owen’s School website for updates.)

Scholarships & Bursaries

DAO does not offer scholarships or bursaries, as it is a state-funded grammar school. However, students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) may receive priority consideration in some cases.

Final Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Prepare for the entrance exam early – Use past papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Practice verbal reasoning – The GL Assessment verbal reasoning paper is crucial for success.
✔ Strengthen English skills – Focus on comprehension, creative writing, and grammar.
✔ Practice problem-solving and logical reasoning – Mathematics requires strong numerical and analytical skills.
✔ Attend Open Events – Learn more about the school’s expectations and environment.
✔ Ensure your child is within the catchment area – Proximity to the school is a key factor for most places.
✔ Consider the Music Aptitude Test – If your child has musical talent, this could be an alternative route to securing a place.

Admission to Dame Alice Owen’s 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:
🔗 Dame Alice Owen’s School Website
🔗 Hertfordshire County Council Admissions

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