Admissions at 16+: 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.

How is coeducation being introduced at Highgate?

We have welcomed girls as well as boys into our Sixth Form since 2004. The mixed Sixth Form is already a successful part of Highgate’s planned change to become fully and equally coeducational at all ages over the coming years. By September 2010 the whole Highgate Foundation (ranging from Pre-Prep to the Upper Sixth) will be fully coeducational and in September 2009 there will be over 80 girls in the Sixth Form.

Why has Highgate made this change?

We are extending the choice available to pupils and parents. We have found that there are many who would prefer coeducation, given the option. We also believe that both girls and boys should be able to benefit from the high quality of teaching, excellent resources, strong pastoral care and extra-curricular programme we can offer. Girls who join our Sixth Form from other schools add enormous value to the whole School as well as benefiting themselves. If you come to Highgate as a Sixth Former you will be a greatly valued member of the community from the start. We will help you to achieve your ambitions for A levels and higher education, to develop your individuality, independence and self-reliance, and to gain the qualities and understanding you will need to become the adults, parents, employees and leaders of the next generation.

How good are Highgate's results and what academic standard will you require?

We are used to our pupils achieving very good results. In 2009 89.3% of A level grades were A or B and 70% were A grades. Almost all our pupils go on to good selecting universities. If you are expecting five or more A and A* grades at GCSE, including your proposed A level subjects, you should certainly consider applying, although this is likely to be the minimum standard. Most of the girls and boys who join us will achieve a good number of A* grades, as do a high proportion of the boys who are already here.

How do I apply?

Before we can consider you as an applicant, your parents must complete and return one of our standard application forms. No fee is required unless a place is offered and accepted. You yourself will be asked to complete a supplementary information form in September or October. We hope you will choose to visit the School for an Open Evening. These are held in June, September and October. Also in October from 9.15am until about 10.30am parents who have contacted us to say that they would like to do so are welcome to pay a further informal visit to see round on a normal working morning. While sons and daughters will also be very welcome, we recognise that they may not wish to be absent from their current school for this purpose. The closing date for applications to be assessed in November 2010 is 5pm on Friday 15 October.

How will you assess pupils for entry?

The main assessment day for 2011 entry will be Saturday 6 November and all firm applicants will be asked to attend one of the two sessions that day (morning or afternoon). The programme will include general interviews as well as interviews in each of the subjects nominated for Sixth form study. In addition, candidates will sit a short thinking skills test: no preparation is required for this test. You will meet heads of department and other teachers of those A Level courses you choose. While there is no special preparation required, you will be expected to be able to talk about work you have been doing recently or to give an indication of why you would be interested in the subject. If you are applying for Art and DT, please bring your portfolio with you. Letters with our decision will be sent out by early December.

What are the subject choices?

For 2011 entry we can offer the twenty-four A Level courses listed below. Within our subject blocking system we will arrange the timetable wherever possible to allow a pupil’s chosen combination of options and this will be confirmed before places are offered. If we do not offer a subject which you had hoped for please let us know, although this list is unlikely to change in the immediate future: Mathematics, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology; English Literature, History, History of Art, Geography, Economics, Government & Politics; Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theatre Studies; Art, Design Technology, Music; Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Theatre Studies.

How many places do you have available?

Around 125 boys will be moving up from Year 11 and we expect to be able to offer about thirty-five to forty further places for 2011. Although for these first few years girls are in a minority we are already confident that they feel welcome, valued, fully-supported and make plenty of friends. Please ask our present Sixth Former for their impressions when you visit us. There will be up to ten places for boys.

Are there any scholarships or bursaries?

Yes, there are. 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 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). We also make some Sixth Form awards for academic potential, based on the assessment day, and for musical ability – if you already play or sing to Grade 8 or above, please ask for an audition. Further information on academic awards can be found here; further information on music scholarships can be found here. If you wish to be considered for an academic award, please tell us so you can have a scholarship interview.

Where do Sixth Formers study and relax?

The excellent Sixth Form Common Room have stewardesses who serve refreshments; and they are popular places to work informally and to meet friends. The Library and Sixth Form Reading Room with Wi-Fi and laptop computers are also open throughout the day so that useful work can be completed during study periods.

What else do you offer?

We want pupils to take full advantage of their opportunities at school and many also want to put something back into the community. You’ll probably already be thinking of the importance of showing a wide range of activities and interests on your university and job applications in the future. On Tuesday afternoons especially, some Sixth Formers work for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, while others enjoy Combined Cadet Force, Young Enterprise projects, Community Service and other options. Music and drama activities run throughout the year with plenty of chances to rehearse and perform. There are mixed choirs and recent productions have included the musicals Sweeney Todd and Les Misérables. An active pupil Charity Committee will value your support, and you may wish to train as a Peer Counsellor or to participate in a partnership project with our local primary school. If you would like to develop an idea of your own, we’ll be happy to help.

What about the chance to do sport?

We have a strong team of expert teachers and sports coaches, and are very fortunate in our on-site pitches, sports centre and other facilities such as the Caen Wood Hall, which is equipped for dance and aerobics. A new all-weather pitch (hockey, netball and tennis) was completed in March 2009. You will receive encouragement whether you are interested in taking up a new sport or in developing your skills in a sport you have enjoyed for some time - you might enjoy sailing on the Welsh Harp reservoir or climbing at the Sobell Centre. Hockey, netball, fencing, swimming, tennis and athletics are among more than fifteen sports available, as are several team games such as football and cricket.

What will we be allowed to wear?

Our Sixth Form dress code requires both boys and girls to dress smartly and formally for school; for boys this means a suit and for girls either a trouser suit or matching skirt and jacket. A copy of the dress code is circulated when places are offered but you are welcome to ask for it at an earlier stage.

Who can answer questions and who will I be able to ask for help and support?

All Sixth Formers are members of one of twelve Houses. The teacher in charge is called the Housemaster. He or she, together with Sixth Form tutors, will help you, monitor your progress and be the main point of contact for your parents. Two of our many female teachers have special responsibility for supporting girls who join the School, and Miss Louise Shelley is the Assistant Head with overall responsibility for coeducation.

Download our A Level Courses booklet (PDF).

Download our latest Exam Results booklet (PDF).

Download our Sixth Form Admissions application form, the Supplementary Information form and the AS Subject Groups (PDF).

For specific enquiries about admissions, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@highgateschool.org.uk, or ring 020 8347 3564.