Admissions at 11+

Key Dates for 11+ Entry for 2011

Application deadline is 30 November 2010.
11+ Entrance Examination will take place on Thursday 13 January 2011.

Please send for a prospectus and then complete the application form and return it with the fee (£75) to the Admissions Coordinator. All applications are acknowledged. It is helpful to apply before the end of Year 5. Once your child is registered the school will contact you from time to time and you will be sent the newsletter which comes out each term. The application deadline for 2011 entry is 30 November. Please consult the admissions policy and the policy on financial assistance on our website or available from the admissions office.

By September 2008, Highgate Senior School completed its evolution into a school that educates pupils from age 11 to 18; also all the year groups in the school will be co-educational in September 2010.

This major development of the school has been carefully planned. Two years of extensive preparation have made ready the pupils, the staff and the fabric of the school. For example, a classroom block and the space in front of it have been extensively refurbished to provide a safe and welcoming environment in which the younger pupils are based, including a reading area, ICT suite and generous locker space.

Moving to secondary school is a major change in a child’s life. The coordinator for Years 7 and 8, and our team of experienced form tutors, ensure that it is as smooth a change as possible. We invite all the pupils who will be in Year 7 to an Induction Afternoon in June, so that they feel confident during the summer holidays, and there is a similar event the day before term starts in September. We also take all the Year 7 pupils to an outward bound centre for two days of team-building and group activities just before the beginning of term, during which lots of strong friendships are forged.

We are delighted by our Year 7 pupils: individuals enjoy many academic, creative and sporting achievements; groups of pupils win team competitions, play in musical ensembles or rehearse and perform plays; the year groups as a whole are happy, vibrant and friendly. If you come to an Open Morning you will be able to meet some of these pupils for yourself, and we are sure you will enjoy their excellent company as much as we do.

The summary which follows describes 2011 entry is of course subject to any future changes which we may decide to make. Please consult our admissions policy and the policy on financial assistance.

Gaining a place

Candidates sit tests at the school on a day in January. There are papers in English and Maths, plus a non-verbal reasoning test. A significant proportion of candidates are interviewed about two weeks later. We also receive a confidential reference from your child's Head. In 2011, there will be places for 30-40 pupils (girls and boys) to join 80 pupils from the Junior School moving into Year 7 in the Senior School.

Gaining an academic scholarship or award

All candidates are automatically considered for an academic award based on their performance in the entry tests and interview and their reference. Up to ten awards are granted each year (with the usual maximum being one third of the tuition fees) and up to 15 prizes worth up to £1,000 annually for candidates showing outstanding promise in either mathematics or English, although all amounts can be increased in case of need by means of a bursary. Further information on academic scholarhips and awards can be found here.

Bursaries

Highgate School was founded as a charity by Sir Roger Cholmeley in 1565. Since then we have always given financial support to a number of pupils whom we know will thrive at Highgate but whose families cannot afford the full fees. Currently there is a range of bursary support available. Some pupils are awarded small bursaries that supplement the significant contribution made by their parents/carers; other pupils are awarded large bursaries that cover most or all of the fees. Bursaries are funded out of the income the school receives from sources other than fees. The Friends of Highgate School also support some awards. Further information on bursaries can be found here or contact Robert Wilne, the Director of Sir Roger Cholmeley's Charity (robert.wilne@highgateschool.org.uk or 020 8347 2102).

Music Awards

Candidates for music awards are given auditions, an aural test and read at sight. The auditions take place after the academic tests. As a guide, a playing standard of at least Grade 4 is expected on a first instrument and it is helpful to have a second instrument (or voice) at a lower standard. Music candidates must also pass the academic tests. A number of Music Awards are made each year with a maximum of 25% of the tuition fees. In cases of financial need this amount can be increased by means of a bursary. Further information on music awards can be found here.

Visiting the Senior School

Parents and pupils who are considering Highgate for a 11+ place are expected to come to an Open Morning. These Senior School Open Mornings are held throughout the year on a Tuesday or a Wednesday morning during term time and last about two hours. The visit consists of a tour of the Senior School and the Mills Centre for Art, Design and Technology, a talk by the Head Master for parents and a separate presentation for the children. The Open Morning finishes with refreshments and an opportunity to meet other members of staff.

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 020 8340 1524.

 

Download an application form for 11+ entry (PDF).
Download our latest Exam Results booklet (PDF).

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