Admissions at age 13+

Please send for a prospectus and then complete the application form and return it with the fee (£50) to the Admissions Registrar. All applications are acknowledged. It is advisable to apply before the end of Year 7. Applications after this may be accepted up to 1st December, depending on numbers. Once your child is registered the school will be in contact with you from time to time and you will be sent the newsletter which comes out each term.

The summary which follows describes 2007 entry is of course subject to any future changes which may be decided.

Gaining a place
Candidates sit tests at the school on a day in late January. Each paper is about an hour long and the subjects are: English, Maths, Science and French. There is also a short verbal and non-verbal reasoning test. Each test is based on the Common Entrance syllabus. The majority of candidates are interviewed two weeks later. They come to the school for up to an hour and are given two interviews. We also receive a confidential reference from your child's Head.

Gaining an academic scholarship or award
All candidates are automatically considered for an academic award. Those who do best in the entry tests may be given longer or additional interviews to test the breadth and depth of their knowledge. Several awards are granted each year with the maximum being 50% of the fees, although all amounts can be increased in case of need.

Bursaries
Those who apply for a place at the school but are unable to afford the full fees are usually asked to complete a Financial Circumstances form and submit it to the Bursar. For those with a low family income, a number of bursaries are available, some of which are provided by the Friends of Highgate School Society.

Music Awards
Candidates for music awards are given auditions, a short written theory paper, an aural test and read at sight. The musical auditions and tests take place on a Thursday early in February at the School. As a guide, a playing standard of at least Grade 6 is expected on a first instrument and it is helpful to have a second instrument (or voice) to a good standard. Special consideration is given to Cathedral Choristers. Music candidates must also pass the academic tests. A number of Music Awards are made each year with a maximum of 50% of the fees. In cases of financial need this amount can be increased.

Visiting the Senior School
Parents and pupils who are considering Highgate for a 13+ place are expected to come to an Open Morning.

These Senior School Open Mornings are held throughout the year in term time on a Tuesday or a Wednesday morning during term time and last about two hours.

Please book your place for an Open Morning by ringing the Admissions Coordinator on the number below.

Senior School private visits can be arranged for those who are going to move to the area but at present live too far away to attend one of the official Open Mornings or for anybody who needs to discuss their child’s special circumstances in more detail than is possible at an Open Morning.

You can also visit the school by coming to a concert, play or a sports match. For events which need tickets ring the School Secretary on the number below.

Housemaster's visit
Housemasters visit the families of all new 13+ students in their homes either at the end of the summer term or during the summer holidays. They bring with them a welcome pack which covers many aspects of the student's introduction to the Senior School. The visit enables the housemaster to get to know the student and family and to answer questions.

Induction
On the afternoon before the beginning of the Michaelmas term all new 13+ students visit the school for Induction. They are given information about their start in the school and a tour to help them to get to know their way around.


View Senior School 13+ Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Download an application form.


For a prospectus or further information, please contact:
the Admissions Coordinator
Highgate School
North Road
London N6 4AY
Tel: (020) 8347 3564
Fax: (020) 8340 7674
Email: admissions@highgateschool.org.uk