Admissions at 7+: Frequently Asked Questions

I have returned the application form and fee to the school. What happens next?

We will acknowledge in writing receipt of your application. In the September prior to entry we will write to you for confirmation that you still want your child to sit the 7+ tests.

I have not yet seen the school. When is it possible to arrange this?

The Principal of the Junior School (Mark James) takes groups of parents round the school regularly, starting at 9.15 am and finishing at approximately 10.45 am. Tours are usually on a Thursday morning. If you want to arrange a visit, please telephone the Junior School Office on 020 8340 9193.

During the visit, you will be able to see the school, meet the children and teaching staff at work and learn much more about the education we offer. You will also be given more information about the entry procedure and invited to ask any questions you might have.

Will there be an opportunity for my child to visit the school?

Yes. We will invite you and your child to visit the school on the last Saturday in September prior to the year of entry.

I find that I cannot join the tour on the day I have arranged. What should I do?

Please let us know as soon as possible. We will then arrange an alternative date.

What happens next?

In the November of the year before your child’s possible entry, if you have confirmed that your child is a candidate, we write to his or her present school for a confidential entry report. If you would prefer us not to do this at this time for any reason, you should let us know, but we are unable to offer places without the present school knowing of the application.

And then?

In the January of the year of your child’s possible entry in September (we only take children in at the beginning of the academic year), we will ask you to bring him or her to the school for some simple tests.

What do the tests consist of?

The children sit tests in English and Mathematics; see Criteria for entry to Year 3 (7+) (guidelines for the personal and academic aptitudes which pupils need to demonstrate at tests and interviews) which are published on the school website. The tests allow the school to identify children who should cope with the scholarly nature of the academic education offered by Highgate. A proportion of the children are invited for interviews. The criteria by which children are chosen for interview are:

a) Results gained in the written tests. It is anticipated that successful children will fare well in all aspects of the written tests but a child who fares poorly in one paper but strongly in another will be considered.
b) The confidential report from the child’s current school.

Should I inform the school that my child has any Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD)?

Yes, of course. Parents or carers are expected to indicate any SLD which a candidate may have. Reasonable steps will be taken to accommodate the needs of those with an SLD. Extra time may be allowed in the part of the written test, subject to the written recommendation of an educational psychologist and the approval of the Highgate Learning Support Coordinator who will advise the Principal whether the educational experience and schooling are likely to be compatible with the child’s SLD. Any report must have been submitted with the application and by the deadline.

What arrangements do you make for children with specific learning difficulties?

Specific Learning difficulties are taken into account and are not a barrier to entry.

What happens at interview?

The expectation is to interview after the written tests have been assessed and during a two-week period to ensure parity for all candidates. The interview is not a second academic test, but is a major factor in the selection process. The aim is to make the procedure fair and consistent for all children. The children are interviewed in groups of approximately 4. The aim is to see how they work in collaboration with other children, how they express themselves and how they tackle problem-solving.

How is the decision to offer a place finally made?

Once interviews have taken place, the 7+ Admissions Panel, chaired by the Principal of the Junior School, meets to recommend children to whom offers of places should be made. The decisions of the panel are final and are not subject to appeal.

When do I know whether my child has got a place or not?

In February, on a date agreed each year among a number of other local independent schools, we write to you with an offer of a place. You then have about two weeks to decide whether or not to accept the place. However, the sooner you are able to make a firm decision the better, as this will enable us to give those on our Reserve lists a better indication of the position. If you do accept the place a deposit of £1000 is requested, being £750 towards the first term’s fees and £250 which will be credited against your child’s final term’s account at Highgate.

What happens if he or she is not offered a place?

We may offer a few candidates a place on a Reserve List. We will then let you know as soon as possible if we are later able to offer a firm place.

What happens if I wish to make a complaint?

In the event that a parent or carer wishes to make a complaint about the way in which their child’s application has been handled (in other words, the admissions process), they should write to the Head Master setting out the reasons for the complaint before the end of the term in which the entrance test was sat. The Head Master will examine the grounds for the complaint and will respond in writing within 28 days, setting out his decision and the timetable for any further steps which may include a recommendation to the Secretary of the Foundation that an Appeals Panel be convened involving one or more Governors. Appeals against admissions decisions are not accepted.

Can I apply again for entry at a later age if my child is not accepted or I decide on another school?

Yes, certainly, although we do not recommend applying for a third time after two unsuccessful applications (this excludes an unsuccessful application to the Pre-Preparatory School). There are many instances of students being accepted at 11, 13 or 16 for whom we could not offer a place at 3 or 7.

We already have a child at Highgate. Will my other child(ren) automatically be offered a place?

Although we give particularly careful consideration to siblings, we do not give them priority and are not always able to offer them places. Because of the competitive entry procedure to the school, each child is assessed on his or her individual merits. If we have to decide between two or more candidates who meet our entrance criteria, we may give preference to siblings or children of former pupils or children with a particular skill, talent or aptitude.

Is transfer to the Senior School automatic?

It is expected but not automatic. The Principal of the Junior School confirms passage to the Senior School in the November prior to transfer, subject to good academic and behavioural track record in the Junior School.

Download an application form for 7+ entry
View Criteria for Entry at 7+

You may also download samples of our 7+ assessment tests in Mathematics and English.
7+ Assessment sample Mathematics test
7+ Assessment sample English test (in addition to the comprehension there is a short spelling test and a piece of creative writing on a specified topic)

For a prospectus or further information, please contact:
Highgate Junior School
Cholmeley House
3 Bishopswood Road
London N6 4PL
Tel: (020) 8340 9193
Fax: (020) 8342 7273
Email: jsoffice@highgateschool.org.uk