Top London Independent Schools – Entrance Exam Guide 2025/26
Choosing the right independent school in London is one of the most important decisions for parents. With exams at 7+, 8+, 10+, 11+, and 13+, the process can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down with school-specific exam formats, key dates, mock test strategies, and how GLECTA helps parents and pupils succeed.
📊 Entrance Exam Timeline (At a Glance)
| No. | School / Consortium | Exam Entry Point | Assessment Style | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Paul’s Girls’ School | 11+ | English, Maths, VR, NVR | Yes |
| 2 | St Paul’s School (Boys) | 13+ | ISEB Pre-test, then school exams | Yes |
| 3 | City of London School for Girls | 11+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 4 | City of London School (Boys) | 11+, 13+ | Maths, English, Reasoning | Yes |
| 5 | North London Collegiate | 11+ | English, Maths, VR | Yes |
| 6 | Highgate School | 11+ | Consortium exam (English, Maths, Reasoning) | Yes |
| 7 | Latymer Upper School | 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 8 | Hampton School | 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 9 | Alleyn’s School | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 10 | Dulwich College | 11+, 13+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 11 | Whitgift School | 11+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 12 | Trinity School, Croydon | 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 13 | King’s College School, Wimbledon | 11+, 13+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 14 | Westminster School | 13+ | Pre-test + school exams | Yes |
| 15 | Westminster Under School | 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 16 | South Hampstead High School | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 17 | Godolphin and Latymer | 11+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 18 | Putney High School | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 19 | Francis Holland Schools | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 20 | Channing School | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 21 | Alleyn’s Junior School | 7+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 22 | James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 23 | Merchant Taylors’ School | 11+ | English, Maths, VR, NVR | Yes |
| 24 | Haberdashers’ Boys’ School | 11+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 25 | Haberdashers’ Girls’ School | 11+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 26 | University College School (UCS) | 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 27 | Mill Hill School | 13+ | ISEB Pre-test, Maths, English | Yes |
| 28 | Mill Hill International | 13+ | English, Maths (international intake) | Yes |
| 29 | King’s School, Wimbledon Juniors | 7+, 8+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 30 | Radnor House, Twickenham | 11+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 31 | Ibstock Place School | 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 32 | Kew House School | 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 33 | Queen’s College, London | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 34 | Belmont School (Mill Hill Juniors) | 7+, 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 35 | Alleyn’s Lower School | 7+, 8+ | English, Maths | Yes |
| 36 | Notting Hill & Ealing High School | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 37 | Sydenham High School | 11+ | Consortium exam | Yes |
| 38 | Kingston Grammar School | 11+ | English, Maths, Reasoning | Yes |
| 39 | Reed’s School | 11+ | English, Maths, VR | Yes |
| 40 | St James Senior Boys’ & Girls’ | 11+ | English, Maths | Yes |
🎯 How to Prepare for Independent School Exams
- Start Early: 12–18 months in advance for 11+ and 13+.
- Mocks & Past Papers: Practise both GL & CEM style + school-specific papers.
- Balanced Revision: Mix English, Maths, VR, NVR with writing practice.
- Interview Training: Mock interviews help with confidence and body language.
- Time Management: Use “1 mark = 1 min” pacing.
✨ GLECTA Advantage
At GLECTA Tutoring, we support parents with:
- Bi-weekly mocks (March–June) and weekly mocks (July onwards).
- School-specific practice papers for London independents.
- Interview preparation (questions, body language, confidence).
- Exam-hall coaching: OMR practice, avoiding careless errors, time hacks.
- Parent feedback reports after every mock.
👉 Explore Independent School Courses 👉 Book Mock Exams 👉 Request a Callback
❓ Detailed FAQs
Which London independent schools are hardest to get into?
St Paul’s Girls’, Westminster, and King’s Wimbledon are among the toughest, with acceptance rates below 15%.
When should my child start preparing?
Ideally 12–18 months before the exam, with increasing mock frequency from March of the exam year.
Do these schools use GL or CEM?
Most independents set their own exams, but preparation overlaps heavily with GL (vocabulary, comprehension) and CEM (reasoning, problem-solving).
How does GLECTA prepare students?
Through mocks, timed drills, interview coaching, and personalised reports tailored to the target schools.
Are interviews as important as exams?
Yes – many schools use interviews to test confidence, curiosity, and fit. Academic ability alone isn’t enough.
What types of interview questions come up?
Opinion-based (e.g., “What book did you recently enjoy?”), problem-solving puzzles, and confidence/interest questions.
Do mocks really help?
Yes – they reduce nerves, improve timing, and highlight careless mistakes before the real exam.
Which year groups are entry points?
7+, 8+, 11+, and 13+ are the main entry points, with some schools also having 10+.
How do I choose between 11+ and 13+ entry?
If your child is academically strong early, target 11+. If they’ll mature later, 13+ may be a better fit.
What’s the difference between consortium exams and individual school exams?
Consortiums share one exam (e.g., North London Girls’ Consortium), while top schools like St Paul’s and Westminster run their own.
Are scholarships available?
Yes – many independents offer academic, music, or sport scholarships. Preparation differs slightly.
What role do parents play in preparation?
Supporting routines, providing calm, and outsourcing practice to tutors where needed.
What’s the pass mark for these schools?
Varies, but top schools often expect 70–80%+ on past papers.
Can GCSE and A Level prep at GLECTA support later years?
Yes – many parents continue with us for GCSE, iGCSE, and A Levels.
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