About Northampton High School
Northampton High School is an independent day school for girls (all-through, ages 2–18) in Hardingstone, Northampton, part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) and founded in 1878. A polished, friendly school on a single spacious site, it is known for strong academics and sport. As an independent school it charges fees — around £5,200 a term for the senior school (about £15,600 a year; confirm the current figure).
Entry to Year 7 is by the school's own online entrance assessment, taken on an Assessment Day in January — short online papers in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Comprehension and Puzzles — alongside team-building activities. High-scoring candidates are considered for a Reach Scholarship.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Northampton High School
Northampton High runs its own admissions. Register online directly with the school (a £120 registration fee applies, £240 overseas). On the Assessment Day in January, your daughter sits short online assessments in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Comprehension and Puzzles, alongside team-building activities and lunch at the school. High-scoring candidates are automatically considered for a Reach Scholarship. Formal offers are made in mid-February (a £500 deposit secures a place), with an acceptance deadline in early March.
Catchment Area for Northampton High School
As an independent school, Northampton High has no catchment area; girls travel in from across Northampton and the surrounding area. Places are awarded on the entrance assessment.
Northampton High offers Reach Scholarships (for high performers in the entrance assessment) and means-tested bursaries; apply alongside your entry application.
Subjects Tested at Northampton High School
Northampton High's 11+ is the school's own online assessment, taken on a January Assessment Day — short papers in English (comprehension and writing), Mathematics (to Year 5 curriculum), Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Creative Comprehension and Puzzles — designed to identify potential rather than just attainment, alongside team-building activities.
Academic Results at Northampton High School
Northampton High School is a high-performing GDST school with a strong record at GCSE and A-level, with leavers progressing to a wide range of leading universities and degree apprenticeships.
- Academic profile: strong, well-rounded outcomes across the sciences, humanities and languages.
- Destinations: dedicated higher-education and careers guidance supports competitive applications.
Confirm the school's latest published results on its official website.
Pastoral Care & Co-curricular Life at Northampton High School
As part of the Girls' Day School Trust, Northampton High School combines a nurturing, individual approach with a broad co-curricular programme; the Sixth Form is co-educational.
- Pastoral care: small classes and strong pastoral and wellbeing support within a close community.
- Co-curricular: a wide range of sport, music, drama, STEM and Duke of Edinburgh, with access to the GDST's national network.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for Northampton High School
Northampton High 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
How to Prepare for the Northampton High School 11+ Exam
Northampton High's assessment rewards secure Year 5 skills and familiarity with the online format rather than heavy drilling. Build confident English and maths and practise timed verbal and non-verbal reasoning. 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.
Northampton High School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Northampton High at 11+?
Register online directly with the school (a £120 registration fee applies). Your daughter attends a January Assessment Day with short online assessments and activities; offers are made in mid-February.
What is on the Northampton High 11+ assessment?
Short online papers in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Comprehension and Puzzles, taken on a January Assessment Day, alongside team-building activities.
Is Northampton High selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective independent girls' day school (part of the GDST), so it charges fees (around £5,200 a term, about £15,600 a year; confirm the current figure).
Is it a Independent 11+ test?
No — it is the school's own GDST online assessment, designed to identify each girl's potential, not a GL, CEM or consortium test.
Does Northampton High have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits girls from any area, across Northampton and the surrounding region.
When is the Assessment Day?
In January of Year 6 (January 2027 for September 2027 entry); offers follow in mid-February, with an acceptance deadline in early March.
Are scholarships and bursaries available?
Yes — high-scoring candidates are considered for a Reach Scholarship, and means-tested bursaries are also available.
Can my daughter join before Year 7?
Yes — Northampton High is an all-through school from age 2, so girls can join earlier and progress to the senior school.
How can my daughter prepare?
Build confident Year 5 English and maths and practise timed verbal and non-verbal reasoning; the maths does not go beyond Year 5. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.