About Haberdashers' Boys' School
Haberdashers' Boys' School (Habs Boys) is a leading independent day school for boys aged 4–18 in Elstree, Hertfordshire, founded in 1690 by the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers (formerly Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School). Set on a 100-acre campus shared with the Haberdashers' Girls' School, it has a co-educational Sixth Form. As an independent school it charges fees — around £7,800 a term (about £23,400 a year; confirm the current figure).
Entry to Year 7 runs in two rounds. Round 1 is an online Cambridge Select Insight test (formerly known as CEM Select), assessing English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and problem-solving; candidates who progress sit Round 2 — the school's own written English and Mathematics papers — in December.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Haberdashers' Boys' School
Habs Boys runs its own two-round admissions. Register online directly with the school at the start of Year 6. Round 1 is an online Cambridge Select Insight test (formerly known as CEM Select) assessing English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and problem-solving. Boys who progress sit Round 2 in December — the school's own written English and Mathematics papers (the English includes comprehension and a writing task). A reference from the current school is also considered before offers are made.
Academic Performance at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School is a leading academic school with consistently strong results across a broad curriculum.
- GCSE: a high proportion of strong grades across a wide range of subjects.
- A-Level: strong A-Level results, with most Year 13 leavers going on to top universities.
- Progression: high rates of progression to leading universities, including Oxbridge.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Haberdashers' Boys' School
As an independent school, Habs Boys has no catchment area; boys travel in from across north London and Hertfordshire. Places are awarded on the two-round assessment.
Habs Boys offers scholarships (academic and co-curricular) plus means-tested bursaries; around 10% of pupils across the Haberdashers' schools receive financial support. Apply alongside your entry application.
Subjects Tested at Haberdashers' Boys' School
The Habs Boys 11+ has two rounds. Round 1 is an online Cambridge Select Insight test (formerly known as CEM Select), assessing English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and problem-solving. Round 2 (for those who progress) is the school's own written English and Mathematics papers in December, with comprehension and a writing task.
How to Prepare for the Haberdashers' Boys' School (Habs Boys) 11+ Exam
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Independent 11+ Practice Papers and Quest Software for Haberdashers' Boys' School (Habs Boys)
Which test this school sets. Haberdashers' Boys' School uses Quest Assessments for its first-round 11+ assessment — an online test covering English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with a puzzles and comprehension section, usually followed by a written task and an interview. The four subjects are exactly what the practice papers and the Quest software below cover. Checked September 2026 — always confirm with the school.
Haberdashers' Boys' School (Habs Boys) uses the Independent 11+ 11+ format. Our practice papers mirror that exact format, with a short tutor video explaining every question. Quest, our interactive practice software, comes in a Independent 11+ edition too: 4,600 questions across English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning in short tests with medals to win, an Exam Hall of timed mocks, official-format sitting papers, flashcards, a daily five, a Weekly Challenge set by a friendly Guardian and a hero your child unlocks by learning, with a working-out board under every question and My Corrections — plus a Skills Report and a week-by-week plan for parents. Start with the free samples, then choose a pack when you're ready.
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View Independent 11+ practice papers →Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1690 through the legacy of Robert Aske and the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (formerly Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School) is a day school for boys aged 4–18 on a 104-acre Hertfordshire campus shared with Haberdashers’ Girls’ School. It has a Church of England foundation, strong pastoral care, and a model of single-sex education on a co-educational campus, with sixth formers taught at least one subject in mixed classes.
There is an enormous co-curricular programme — from Model United Nations and Robotics to chess, music, drama and a full sporting calendar — served by a wide coach network. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Haberdashers' Boys' School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Habs Boys at 11+?
Register online directly with the school at the start of Year 6. Round 1 is an online Cambridge Select Insight test; boys who progress sit written English and Maths papers in December.
What is the Habs Boys entrance process?
Two rounds: Round 1 is an online Cambridge Select Insight test (formerly CEM Select) covering English, Maths and reasoning; Round 2 is the school's own written English and Mathematics papers in December.
Is the Round 1 test a CEM test?
It is the Cambridge Select Insight test, formerly known as CEM Select (now run by Cambridge); it is used as the school's own Round 1, not a shared consortium test.
Is Habs Boys selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective independent boys' day school, so it charges fees (around £7,800 a term, about £23,400 a year; confirm the current figure).
Does Habs Boys have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits boys from any area, across north London and Hertfordshire.
When is the written round?
In December of Year 6 (December 2026 for September 2027 entry), after the online Round 1 earlier in the autumn.
Are scholarships and bursaries available?
Yes — academic and co-curricular scholarships plus means-tested bursaries; apply alongside your entry application.
Is the Sixth Form co-educational?
Yes — the Sixth Form is shared with Haberdashers' Girls' School, though the main school (including 11+) is for boys.
How can my son prepare?
Build confident Year 6 English and maths, practise the online reasoning format for Round 1, and develop comprehension and writing for the written round. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.
Start preparing for the Haberdashers' Boys' School (Habs Boys) 11+
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