🏫 Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Independent Day School for Boys | Elstree, Hertfordshire | Ages 4–18 | Part of the Haberdashers’ Schools Family
📚 History of Haberdashers’ Boys’ School
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, known as Habs Boys, was founded in 1690 by the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. The school originally served boys in Hoxton, London, before moving to West Hampstead and eventually settling in Elstree, Hertfordshire, in 1961.
Habs Boys is one of the most academically prestigious independent boys’ schools in the UK. It shares a 100-acre campus with its sister school, Haberdashers’ Girls’ School (Habs Girls), offering collaborative opportunities while maintaining a single-sex learning environment until Sixth Form.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure
-
Total Pupils: ~1,250
-
Senior School (Years 7–13): ~950 boys
-
Junior School (Years 3–6): ~300 boys
-
Year 7 Intake: ~100–110 boys (additional to those progressing from the Junior School)
-
Class Size (Year 7): Around 20–22 pupils
-
Sixth Form: ~300 (includes some girls from Habs Girls for joint classes)
-
Age Range: 4–18
-
Boarding: None – day school only
-
Gender: Boys only
- Exam type / Board: CEM Select test
🎓 Academic Reputation
Habs Boys is consistently ranked among the top 10 independent schools in the UK based on academic performance. It offers a broad, intellectually challenging curriculum and a strong culture of academic ambition and curiosity.
✅ Key Academic Features:
-
High-achieving in STEM, Humanities, and Languages
-
Emphasis on critical thinking, research, and project-based learning
-
Extensive university preparation, including Oxbridge and international applications
-
Sixth Form offers A-Levels and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
📊 Recent Academic Results:
-
GCSEs:
-
~90% Grades 9–7 (A*/A)
-
-
A-Levels:
-
~90% Grades A*–A
-
~25% of students receive Oxbridge offers annually
-
Vast majority attend Russell Group or Ivy League/top global universities
-
🏆 Awards & Recognition
-
Featured consistently in:
-
Sunday Times Top 10 Independent Schools
-
The Times Parent Power Guide
-
-
ISI Inspection: Rated “Excellent” in both academic achievement and personal development
🏫 Haberdashers’ Boys’ School – Contact Information
School Name: Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys)
Type: Independent Day School for Boys (Ages 4–18)
Location: Elstree, Hertfordshire
📍 Address:
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School
Butterfly Lane
Elstree
Hertfordshire
WD6 3AF
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)20 8266 1700
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @HabsBoys
-
Facebook: Haberdashers’ Boys’ School
-
Instagram: @habsboysofficial
📝 Exam Board: CEM Select
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 Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys), in the 11+ Entrance Exam
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) uses CEM Select 11+ entrance test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam, which assesses 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 Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) 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 Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) 11+ Exam Preparation
1. Understand the Exam Format
📌 Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) 11+ entrance test typically includes:
- 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 Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) – 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 Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) 11+ Entrance Exam.
📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys)! 🚀
✏️ Year 7 Admissions – Criteria & How to Apply
✅ Entry Point: Year 7 (11+)
Habs Boys accepts a new intake of around 100–110 pupils into Year 7 each year (many others progress internally from the Junior School).
Entry is highly selective, based on:
-
Entrance Examination
-
Interview
-
Reference from current school
🧪 Entrance Exam Format (11+ Entry)
Held in January of Year 6.
Examination subjects:
-
English – Comprehension and creative writing
-
Mathematics – Problem-solving and reasoning
-
Reasoning – Verbal and/or non-verbal reasoning (GL/CEM-style)
📌 All applicants who perform well in the exam are invited to an interview.
👨🏫 Interview Process
The interview is conversational and exploratory, with senior staff or the Head of Lower School. It focuses on:
-
Academic curiosity
-
Personality and interests
-
Problem-solving ability
-
Engagement with co-curricular life
🏅 Scholarships & Bursaries
Scholarships:
-
Academic Scholarships (awarded based on exam and interview performance)
-
Music Scholarships (audition required)
-
Art and Sport Scholarships (may be available in special cases)
Scholarships typically provide up to 10–20% fee remission, plus enrichment opportunities.
Bursaries:
-
Means-tested bursaries of up to 100% of fees available
-
Aimed at bright boys from lower-income households
-
Application includes financial assessment and academic performance review
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Open Mornings | May & September |
| Registration Deadline | November |
| Entrance Exam | January |
| Interviews | Late January – Early February |
| Offers Issued | Mid-February |
| Acceptance Deadline | March |
