George Heriot’s School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
🏛️ History of the School
- Founded: 1628 by George Heriot, the goldsmith and jeweller to King James VI and I
- Originally established as a charity school for “faitherless bairns” (orphans) of Edinburgh, providing free education to children who had lost a father
- The iconic Renaissance-style building on Lauriston Place opened in 1659, and remains the centrepiece of the school campus
- The school’s charitable mission continues today through the Foundationer programme, which provides full bursaries to children who have lost a parent
👩🎓👨🎓 Pupil Numbers
- Total students: Approx. 1,600 pupils
- Junior School (Ages 4–12): ~450
- Senior School (Ages 12–18): ~1,150
- Co-educational throughout all year groups
- All pupils are day students – no boarding provision
🎓 Academic Reputation
George Heriot’s is consistently ranked among Scotland’s top independent schools for academic performance. It offers the Scottish Curriculum leading to National 5s, Highers, and Advanced Highers, with outstanding results across all levels.
📈 Academic Results:
- Highers
- ~92% of pupils achieved A or B grades
- Advanced Highers:
- High A-grade attainment, particularly in Sciences, Maths, and Humanities
- Pupils regularly achieve straight As, with many taking multiple Advanced Highers in S6
🎓 University Progression:
- High proportion of leavers go on to:
- Russell Group and Scottish universities, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Aberdeen
- Oxford and Cambridge (several offers each year)
- Fields such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Arts, and Sciences
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- Scottish Independent School of the Year (Tes Independent School Awards)
- Named among the top five independent schools in Scotland by The Times Parent Power Guide
- Charity and Values Awards:
- Widely recognised for its Foundationer programme, which provides free education to over 50 children annually who have lost a parent
- Inspection Reports (Education Scotland & HMI):
- Consistently rated Excellent for both attainment and pastoral care
🏫 George Heriot’s School – Contact Information
School Name: George Heriot’s School
Type: Independent Co-educational Day School (Ages 4–18)
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
📍 Address:
George Heriot’s School
Lauriston Place
Edinburgh
EH3 9EQ
Scotland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)131 221 6700
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.george-heriots.com
📱 Social Media:
-
Instagram: @georgeheriots
-
Twitter/X: @George_Heriots
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Facebook: George Heriot’s School
📝 Exam Board: School’s own test
The school’s address can be viewed on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for George Heriot’s School, in the 11+ Entrance Exam
George Heriot’s School 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 George Heriot’s School 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 George Heriot’s School 11+ Exam Preparation
1. Understand the Exam Format
📌 The George Heriot’s School 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 George Heriot’s School – 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 George Heriot’s School 11+ Entrance Exam.
📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at George Heriot’s School! 🚀
George Heriot’s School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Independent Co-educational Day School | Edinburgh, Scotland | Ages 4–18
George Heriot’s School is a prestigious independent co-educational day school located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1628, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, pastoral care, and a wide-ranging co-curricular programme. The school serves pupils from Primary 1 (age 4) to Senior 6 (age 17/18).
In Scotland, Year 7 in the English system roughly corresponds to Primary 7 (P7). However, entry into Senior 1 (S1)—equivalent to Year 8 in England—is the usual main intake point at age 11–12.
🎯 Key Entry Point for 11-Year-Olds: Senior 1 (S1)
Although families may refer to “Year 7”, George Heriot’s key intake at age 11 is Senior 1 (S1) in the Scottish system.
✅ Senior 1 (S1) Admissions Criteria
Admission to S1 is selective and based on:
- Entrance Assessment
- School Reports & Reference
- Interview (if required)
🔹 1. Entrance Assessment
Applicants are invited to sit a competitive entrance assessment, typically in January of Primary 7 (Year 6 in England), for entry the following August.
📋 The assessment includes:
- English – reading comprehension, writing skills
- Mathematics – number work, problem-solving
- Reasoning and general knowledge
Assessments are designed to identify academic potential, not just current attainment.
🔹 2. School Reports & Reference
- Parents submit a recent school report
- A reference from the current headteacher or class teacher may also be requested
🔹 3. Interview (Optional/If Needed)
- For some candidates, particularly if more context is needed
- May be informal and child-friendly
📝 How to Apply for Senior 1 (S1)
✅ Step 1: Visit the School (Optional but Recommended)
- Attend an Open Morning (usually in autumn) or arrange a private visit
🔗 Visit George Heriot’s
✅ Step 2: Register for Entry
- Complete the online application form
- Pay the registration fee: £75 (non-refundable)
🔗 Apply Online
✅ Step 3: Entrance Assessment
- Held in January 2025 (for August entry)
- Takes place on-site at the school
✅ Step 4: Offer of Place
- Offers made within a few weeks of the assessment
- A deposit is required to secure the place
🎓 Bursaries & Financial Assistance
George Heriot’s School has a strong charitable foundation and provides means-tested bursaries for pupils entering from Primary 6 (P6) upwards.
- Bursaries may cover partial or full fees
- Awarded based on financial need, not academic performance alone
📌 Foundation Places are available to children who have lost a parent, in keeping with the school’s historic founding principles.
