About North London Collegiate School (NLCS)
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is a girls independent day school in Edgware, London. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #3 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 99.2%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for North London Collegiate School (NLCS)
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Admissions Criteria
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is a girls independent day school in Edgware, London. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at North London Collegiate School (NLCS) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at North London Collegiate School (NLCS). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit North London Collegiate School (NLCS)'s own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about her interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether her child has been offered a place at North London Collegiate School (NLCS).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at North London Collegiate School (NLCS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending North London Collegiate School (NLCS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — North London Collegiate School (NLCS) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to North London Collegiate School (NLCS)
Step 1 — Visit NLCS at an Open Event
Visit NLCS at an Open Event — explore the 30-acre Edgware estate and meet staff and pupils
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form between May and November
Complete the online registration form between May and November (registration deadline mid-October 2025 for 2026 entry)
Step 3 — Pay the £150 registration fee at the time of application
Pay the £150 registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — Indicate clearly on the form
Indicate clearly on the form if applying for a Music Scholarship or a Bursary
Step 5 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your daughter's current Headteacher immediately following registration
Step 6 — Your daughter sits the entrance exam in December at NLCS
Your daughter sits the entrance exam in December at NLCS — written papers in English and Mathematics
Step 7 — A number of students invited back for friendly informal
A number of students invited back for friendly informal interview in mid-January
Step 8 — Final selection made
Final selection made — offers in February (around 60 places at 11+, 70-75 places per year cumulative)
Independent Subjects Tested at North London Collegiate School (NLCS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at North London Collegiate School (NLCS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Sports Scholarships, plus the new Sophie Bryant Scholarship (from Sept 2025). Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Music Scholarships (audition), Sports Scholarships (trial), plus the Sophie Bryant Scholarship (new from September 2025)
Additional notes: North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is an independent day school for girls in Edgware (founded 1850 by Frances Buss — considered one of the first schools to offer girls the same opportunities as boys). 30-acre estate. ISI 'Excellent'. ~60 places at 11+ (70-75 places per year cumulative). Independent of the 11+ London Consortium Schools group. Offers both A-Levels and IB Diploma. Sister campuses in South Korea, Dubai and Singapore.
Independent Practice Papers for North London Collegiate School (NLCS)
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) uses School's own bespoke 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 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the North London Collegiate School (NLCS) 11+ Exam
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.
Academic Performance at North London Collegiate School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
NLCS is one of the highest-achieving schools in the UK, consistently ranked in the top five nationally at GCSE, A-Level and the IB.
- GCSE: an exceptional record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level & IB: outstanding results (in 2025 around 85% of A-Level grades at A*–A, and an average IB Diploma score of about 43, far above the UK and global averages).
- Progression: students progress to leading UK and international universities, including Oxbridge, Russell Group and Ivy League.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for North London Collegiate School
North London Collegiate School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a highly selective girls’ day school, places are open to families from across north London, Hertfordshire and the surrounding area, with entry by competitive assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on a 30-acre campus around the 18th-century Canons house at the western edge of Edgware (close to Stanmore and Canons Park tube stations); entry runs from the Junior School (from age 4) through 11+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss — a pioneer of girls’ education and the first woman to call herself ‘Headmistress’ — North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is one of the country’s most academically distinguished independent day schools for girls (ages 4–18), on a 30-acre campus around the historic Canons house in Edgware. Recently named the Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year, it is unashamedly ambitious for its pupils while celebrating their individual and creative spirit, with a warm atmosphere, glorious facilities and a uniquely global outlook through its sister schools in Jeju, Dubai, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City.
Co-curricular life is exceptional — strong in STEAM, sport (hockey, netball, athletics and rowing), the performing arts and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about North London Collegiate School
How do I get into North London Collegiate School (NLCS)?
To gain entry to North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does North London Collegiate School (NLCS) use?
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at North London Collegiate School (NLCS)?
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at North London Collegiate School (NLCS)?
Yes. North London Collegiate School (NLCS) offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to North London Collegiate School (NLCS)?
Most independent schools including North London Collegiate School (NLCS) accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for North London Collegiate School (NLCS)?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at North London Collegiate School (NLCS). No registration required.
When is the North London Collegiate School (NLCS) 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is Mid-October 2025 (for 2026 entry); November of year preceding entry. The registration fee is £150. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are North London Collegiate School (NLCS) 11+ results announced?
At North London Collegiate School (NLCS), 11+ assessment results are February (offers made). The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.