About Sydenham High School
Sydenham High School is a girls independent day school in Sydenham, London. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the GDST 11+ entrance assessment, part of the Girls' Day School Trust family, covering 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.
Sydenham High School 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 #588 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 30.6%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Sydenham High School
Sydenham High School Admissions Criteria
Sydenham High School is a girls independent day school in Sydenham, London. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the GDST 11+ entrance assessment, part of the Girls' Day School Trust family, covering 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 Sydenham High School 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 Sydenham High School. 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 — GDST entrance assessment: Your daughter will sit the GDST 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. The assessment is consistent across the GDST family of schools and designed to identify academic ability and 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 Sydenham High School.
- ✓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 Sydenham High School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Sydenham High School 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 Sydenham High School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Sydenham High School 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 Sydenham High School
Step 1 — Visit Sydenham High School in South East London (GDST member
Visit Sydenham High School in South East London (GDST member, founded 1887)
Step 2 — Contact Admissions on 020 8557 7004
Contact Admissions on 020 8557 7004 or email admissions@syd.gdst.net
Step 3 — Registration for 11+ opens in April
Registration for 11+ opens in April when your daughter is in Year 5
Step 4 — Complete the online registration form by the deadline in
Complete the online registration form by the deadline in November of Year 6
Step 5 — Pay the £150 registration fee (UK applicants
Pay the £150 registration fee (UK applicants) / £240 (international applicants)
Step 6 — Your daughter sits the 11+ assessment in the autumn term
Your daughter sits the 11+ assessment in the autumn term — Mathematics, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Step 7 — Shortlisted candidates attend an informal interview
Shortlisted candidates attend an informal interview with senior staff
Step 8 — Following assessment, offers communicated
Following assessment, offers communicated — on acceptance pay the GDST acceptance deposit
Independent Subjects Tested at Sydenham High School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Sydenham High School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships at 11+ and 16+. Means-tested bursaries via GDST. Available to pupils joining a GDST senior school in Year 7 or Year 12.
Outcome announced: Bursary awards available for those whose parents might not afford full fees. Bursary recipients with 50%+ award don't pay exam fees.
Additional notes: Sydenham High School is an independent girls' day school in South East London (founded 1887, member of the GDST). Motto: 'Fear Nothing'. Headmistress Antonia Geldeard (appointed 2022). 62% of GCSEs at Grade 9-7 (A*-A) in 2024; 46% of A Levels at A*/A. Strong pastoral support. Year 7 Chromebook leasing scheme (£65-80/term). Lunch compulsory to Year 11 (£324/term).
Independent Practice Papers for Sydenham High School
Sydenham High School uses GDST 11+ Entrance Assessment 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 Sydenham High School 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.