Admissions at 13+: Frequently Asked Questions

There is no mould into which we try to cram our pupils. We want to have the pleasure of educating imaginative, alert, interested pupils who are keen to develop their talents, be they academic, musical, artistic, dramatic, sporting – or all of the above! We want to create a happy, thriving school of socially confident individuals who value each other, themselves, and the wider world.

I have returned the Application Form and fee to the school. What happens next?

We will write to acknowledge their receipt. All candidates will be contacted again in December giving final details for the entry tests in January.

I have not yet seen round the school. When is it possible to arrange a visit?

There are Open Mornings throughout the year in term time on a Tuesday or a Wednesday morning. It is best to visit when your child is in Year 6 or 7. A reservation can be made by telephoning the Admissions Coordinator on 020 8347 3564. During the visit there is a talk given by the Head Master for parents, and a separate presentation for their children. Also, you will be taken round the Senior School and the Mills Centre by some pupils then, over coffee, will have the opportunity to meet some teaching staff. You are encouraged to bring your child with you.

I find that I cannot now attend the Open Morning on the day I have arranged. What should I do?

Please let the Admissions Coordinator know as soon as possible as she may have other families waiting for a cancellation. She will try to give you an alternative date to attend. However, at certain times of the year demand for places at Open Mornings can be very high, so we would ask for your understanding.

Can I apply if my child is at a state school?

Every year a few candidates apply for 13+ entry from state schools, though it is more usual to apply for 11+ entry. Those who apply from state schools may need some help to familiarize themselves with the syllabus for the entry tests, which is based upon Common Entrance. We can assist with information about this, and you can also look at the I.S.E.B. website for syllabus details. A few candidates will not have studied French and we can make allowances for that. A number of pupils successfully have sat the 13+ entry tests from state schools.

What happens if we are applying from abroad?

Those who are abroad can usually take the entrance tests at their school abroad, but they will need to visit the UK for an interview before we can offer a place. Alternatively a candidate can come to the UK for the day of the tests, and have the interview a day or so later in order to avoid having to visit the UK for a second time. To ensure their safety, we require pupils who join us to be living with one or both parents, or a legal guardian, in London.

Do you recommend sitting tests for more than one school?

It is important to be guided by your child’s present Headmaster or Headmistress on this. Many will only sit for one school. Others may feel that they need a second choice as a ‘safety net’. We recommend that a candidate should generally sit for a maximum of two schools.

How many places are available at 13+? How many sit for those places?

For 2010 entry there are 20-30 places available for boys and girls who will join 125 pupils currently in Year 8. Since Prep school Heads guide their candidates carefully on school selection, the majority of those who sit will have Highgate as their first choice. A high proportion of the three or more candidates who sit for each place are accepted at one of their chosen schools.

Do you offer Scholarships and Bursaries?

Yes, we do. Scholarships are awarded on academic achievement in the tests and interviews irrespective of family financial circumstances. You can apply for a bursary if you need help with the fees. Further details on scholarships are available here; further details on bursaries are available here; or contact Robert Wilne, the Director of Sir Roger Cholmeley's Charity (robert.wilne@highgateschool.org.uk or 020 8347 2102).

What subjects will our child be tested in? What is the standard required?

He/she can expect to sit tests of about one hour each in Maths, English, the Sciences (20 minutes each), and French (alternatively, German or Spanish if French has not been studied), plus a short verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning test. Apart form the latter, the tests are based on the Common Entrance syllabus and are similar in standard to the Common Entrance papers for those subjects. Candidates are not expected to require significant special preparation. We receive a confidential reference from your child’s Headmaster or Headmistress.

What happens on the day of the entry tests?

You will be asked to leave your child as he/she enters the Mallinson Sports Centre in Bishopswood Road. He/she should arrive between 9.10 and 9.25 a.m., pick up the examination number in the foyer, go down to the main hall and find the allocated desk. There will be members of staff present to answer questions if there are any worries. Only pencils, pens, a ruler, a rubber and the usual maths equipment will be needed, and a calculator will not be allowed. There are short breaks after each paper and a longer break at lunchtime. Lunch is taken in the school Dining Hall. Your child should be ready to be collected at 4.25 pm.

What happens after the entry tests?

A significant proportion of the candidates are called for interview about two weeks after the tests. They will be interviewed in pairs with a child from a different school. The interview is not a second academic test but an opportunity to be taught something new. A second interview will focus on your child’s extra-curricular interests. Those who did best in the entry tests are given longer scholarship interviews. Parents can wait while their child is being interviewed.

When will we hear whether our child has a place?

Letters are sent out in late February. Those who have been successful are usually given an unconditional place i.e. not dependent upon the results achieved at Common Entrance proper in June. To assist parents, a number of independent and state schools in North London, including Highgate, endeavour to issue results on or around the same date.

If our child has been successful at more than one school, can I hold more than one place?

No, about a week after the offers are sent out we will need a definite acceptance. The contract between us will involve your making only one such acceptance. You will be sent our standard Terms and Conditions and they are available in advance on request.

Does our child sit Common Entrance?

Those who are at a preparatory school and are being prepared for Common Entrance, are required to sit it in June. Those applying from other schools, including State schools, may not be required to sit Common Entrance. The results establish the final standard that your child has achieved, across the full range of subjects, on leaving their present school but they are not part of the selection process.

Is it compulsory to have studied French and Latin?

A few pupils have not done any French before they start at the school but all will study French and another language for one year and take a modern language GCSE in due course. Those who have not studied Latin can take the alternative Classical Civilisation option (see below).

What next?

Your child will be asked to make two subject choices before joining us. She or he will choose between Latin and Classical Civilisation and also between Spanish, German, Russian and Ancient Greek. He or she will be assigned by the Head Master to one of the twelve Houses (based on where you live). The future Housemaster will arrange to visit you late in the summer term, or during the summer holiday, and will bring all the joining information that you require.

Download an application form for 13+ entry (PDF).

Download our latest Examination 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