About Highgate School
Highgate School is a co-educational independent day school in Highgate, north London (North Road, N6), founded in 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley. With a pre-prep, junior and senior school it educates over 1,900 children and is consistently ranked among the country's leading independent schools. As an independent school it charges fees — £10,525 a term (about £31,575 a year) for the senior school in 2025/26, including VAT.
Entry to Year 7 is highly competitive: around 85 external places (alongside about 100 pupils moving up from the Junior School) are offered from roughly 800 candidates. Selection is by the school's own entrance examination in December — papers in English, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning — followed by a group interview and activities, with a reference from the current Head.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Highgate School
Highgate runs its own admissions. Submit the online application (a £210 application fee applies); the form opens on dates the school advertises in summer 2026. Your child sits the entrance examination in December of Year 6 — papers in English, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning — and successful candidates attend a group interview and activities (including a taster lesson) in January; a reference from the current Headteacher is required. Results are emailed in February 2027. Around 85 external places are offered at 11+, alongside about 100 pupils progressing from the Junior School.
Catchment Area for Highgate School
As an independent school, Highgate has no catchment area; pupils travel in from across north London and beyond. Places are awarded on the entrance examination and interview, with around half of new 11+ entrants coming from state primary schools.
As a charity, Highgate offers means-tested bursaries (up to full fees) and Music Awards at 11+; apply for financial support alongside your entry application.
Subjects Tested at Highgate School
Highgate's 11+ has three papers — English (comprehension, analysis and creative writing), Mathematics (problem-solving and arithmetic) and a multiple-choice Non-Verbal Reasoning paper — followed by a group interview and activities. The papers reflect the Key Stage 2 curriculum and are designed so no narrow preparation is needed.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for Highgate School
Highgate School uses the Independent 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 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
Academic Performance at Highgate School
Highgate School has an outstanding academic record at GCSE and A‑Level, with many leavers progressing to leading UK and overseas universities. As a selective independent it sets its own standards through its entrance assessment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co‑curricular at Highgate
- ✓Pastoral: a strong tutor and house system in a fully co-educational community.
- ✓Co‑curricular: extensive music, drama, sport and clubs on its Highgate campus.
How to Prepare for the Highgate School 11+ Exam
Highgate's 11+ rewards secure English and maths, confident creative writing and familiarity with multiple-choice non-verbal reasoning. Build broad Year 5/6 skills rather than drilling a fixed format. 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.
Highgate School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Highgate at 11+?
Submit the online application (a £210 application fee applies) when the form opens, on dates advertised in summer 2026. Your child then sits the December entrance exam, with interviews in January.
What is on the Highgate 11+ exam?
Three papers — English (comprehension, analysis and creative writing), Mathematics, and a multiple-choice Non-Verbal Reasoning paper — followed by a group interview and activities, with a reference from the current Head.
Is Highgate selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a highly selective co-educational independent day school, so it charges fees (£10,525 a term, about £31,575 a year, for the senior school in 2025/26, including VAT).
How many places are there at 11+?
Around 85 external places (from roughly 800 candidates), alongside about 100 pupils moving up from the Junior School.
Is Highgate co-educational?
Yes — Highgate is fully co-educational, admitting both girls and boys.
When is the entrance exam?
In December of Year 6 (December 2026 for September 2027 entry); interviews follow in January 2027 and results are emailed in February 2027.
Does Highgate have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits pupils from any area; around half of new 11+ entrants come from state primary schools.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — as a charity Highgate offers means-tested bursaries (up to 100% of fees) and Music Awards at 11+; apply alongside your entry application.
How can my child prepare?
Build confident Year 5/6 English and maths, practise timed creative writing, and become familiar with multiple-choice non-verbal reasoning. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.