11 Plus Schools in London
If you are a parent in London thinking about grammar school entry for your child, you are not alone — and you are not starting too early. London is home to some of the most competitive selective schools in the entire country. Thousands of children sit the 11+ each year for a very limited number of places.
Choosing the right school — and understanding how to apply — can make a real difference. This guide gives you a clear, up-to-date overview of the best 11 plus schools in London, how they select pupils, and what you need to do.
📌 Before diving in, make sure your child is fully prepared — read our complete 11+ Exam Preparation Guide first.
Types of 11+ Schools in London
Grammar Schools (State-Funded — Free)
Grammar schools are completely free to attend. They select pupils based on academic ability through the 11+ entrance exam.
Key facts at a glance:
- Found across seven Greater London boroughs: Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Enfield, Kingston upon Thames, Redbridge, and Sutton
- Each borough runs its own admissions process with different exam formats
- The Henrietta Barnett School receives approximately 15 applications per place, Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls’ School around 14, and Queen Elizabeth’s School Barnet roughly 12
- Some London grammar schools test over 2,000 candidates for around 120 places
Independent (Private) Schools
Independent schools set their own entrance exams, separate from the standard 11+. They charge fees, but many offer bursaries and scholarships. Schools like Westminster, St Paul’s, and City of London School are among the most prestigious — and most competitive — in the world.
Top Grammar Schools in London by Borough
Barnet (North London)
The Henrietta Barnett School
- Gender: Girls only
- Exam: GL Assessment (Round 1) + school-set Round 2
- Achieved 97.2% GCSEs at 9–7. More than 2,500 girls apply for fewer than 100 places
- Catchment: No strict catchment, but distance used as tie-breaker
- Ranking: Named Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025
Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE Boys)
- Gender: Boys only
- Exam: GL Assessment
- Recent results: 98% GCSE grades at 9–7 and 88% A-Level grades at A–A*
- Catchment: No strict catchment
- Ranking: Named State Secondary School of the Year for academic excellence in 2026
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School
- Gender: Girls only
- Exam: GL Assessment
- Faith criteria: Priority given to Catholic applicants
- Catchment: No strict distance rule, but faith criteria applies
Barnet Tip: Queen Elizabeth’s and Henrietta Barnett consistently rank in the national top 5. Register early — demand is extremely high.
Bromley (South East London)
St Olave’s Grammar School
- Gender: Boys only
- Exam: Two-stage SET — Stage 1 (September), Stage 2 (November)
- Achieved 93.4% A-level A*–B and 95.1% GCSE 9–7 results in 2025
- More than 10 applicants for every available place
- Catchment: No strict catchment; distance used as tie-breaker
Newstead Wood School
- Gender: Girls only
- Exam: GL Assessment
- Strong academic reputation, consistently high GCSE results
- Catchment: No strict distance rule
Sutton (South West London)
The Sutton Consortium includes: Nonsuch High School (girls), Sutton Grammar School (boys), Wallington County Grammar School (boys), Wallington High School for Girls, and Wilson’s School (boys). All use the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) — two multiple-choice papers.
Wilson’s School
- Gender: Boys only
- Exam: SET Stage 1 + school-specific Stage 2
- Achieved 97.4% GCSEs at 9–7 and 95.4% A-level grades at A*–B
- Ranking: Named State Secondary School of the Year for GCSEs 2026, ranked #3 grammar school in the UK 2025
- Catchment: No strict catchment
Tiffin School
- Gender: Boys only
- Location: Kingston upon Thames
- Exam: Two-stage school-specific test
- Founded in 1880, specialist status in performing arts and languages. 180 places available each year
- Catchment: No strict catchment; national draw
Tiffin Girls’ School
- Gender: Girls only
- Location: Kingston upon Thames
- Exam: Two-stage school-specific test
- Ranked 6th nationally in Sunday Times 2025
- 180 places available each year, located close to Richmond Park
- Catchment: No strict catchment
Sutton Tip: Because all Sutton Consortium schools share the same Stage 1 SET, your child can target multiple schools with one exam. Make the most of this.
Enfield (North London)
The Latymer School
- Gender: Co-educational
- Exam: GL Assessment (Maths, Verbal Reasoning, English)
- Founded in 1624, known for academic excellence and strong pastoral care
- Catchment: No strict catchment; distance used as tie-breaker
Redbridge (East London)
Ilford County High School
- Gender: Boys only
- Exam: GL Assessment (via Redbridge Consortium)
- Catchment: No strict catchment
Woodford County High School
- Gender: Girls only
- Exam: GL Assessment (via Redbridge Consortium)
- Catchment: No strict catchment
Bexley (South East London)
Bexley grammar schools include Beths Grammar School (mixed), Bexley Grammar School (mixed), Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School (mixed), and Townley Grammar School (girls). They use the Bexley Selection Test in GL format, with no strict catchment for most schools and a high pass mark of around 210–220 out of 280.
Top Independent Schools for 11+ Entry
| School | Gender | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster School | Boys (co-ed 6th form) | Westminster | Top Oxbridge progression |
| St Paul’s School | Boys | Barnes | Outstanding academic results |
| City of London School | Boys | City of London | Broad opportunity, central location |
| Godolphin and Latymer | Girls | Hammersmith | Leading girls’ independent |
| North London Collegiate | Girls | Edgware | Consistently top GCSE & A-Level |
Bursaries and Scholarships
- Bursaries — means-tested, can cover up to 100% of fees
- Scholarships — merit-based, typically reduce fees by 5–30%
- Always contact individual schools directly — many bursary places go unclaimed because parents simply do not ask
Key Factors When Choosing a London School
1. Catchment Area
- Most London grammar schools do not have strict catchment area requirements, but distance from the school can be used as a tie-breaker when places are oversubscribed
- Faith schools (e.g. St Michael’s) use religious criteria before distance
- Always read the individual admissions policy on each school’s website
2. Exam Board
- London uses mixed testing arrangements. The Sutton Consortium uses the SET. The Henrietta Barnett School and Queen Elizabeth’s School use GL Assessment for Round 1. Tiffin Schools, St Olave’s, and The Latymer School set their own school-specific tests
- Your child’s preparation must match the specific format of each target school
3. Academic Reputation
- Check published GCSE and A-Level results
- Look at Ofsted ratings and Progress 8 scores
- Visit open days and speak to current parents where possible
How to Apply for 11+ Schools in London
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
| Step | Action | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research target schools | Year 5, Spring |
| 2 | Register for each school’s 11+ exam | Year 5, May–July |
| 3 | Sit the 11+ exam | Year 6, September |
| 4 | Receive results | October–November |
| 5 | Submit Common Application Form (CAF) | By 31 October, Year 6 |
| 6 | Receive school offer | 1 March (National Offer Day) |
Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit via your local authority
- Deadline: 31 October each year
- List up to six schools in order of preference
- Grammar school registration is separate from the CAF — do not miss individual school deadlines
Supplementary Information Forms (SIF)
- Required by some schools — especially faith schools
- Collects religious practice or other specific criteria
- Missing the SIF deadline can seriously affect your child’s application
- Always check each school’s website individually
Planning to apply for these schools? Make sure your child is ready with expert support — explore our 11+ Tuition Programme and give them the best possible start.
FAQs About London 11 Plus Schools
Q: Which is the hardest grammar school to get into in London?
A: The Henrietta Barnett School is widely considered the hardest, with around 2,500 applicants for fewer than 100 places. Queen Elizabeth’s School Barnet and the Tiffin Schools are similarly oversubscribed, with 12–14 applicants per place.
Q: Can I apply to schools outside my borough?
A: Yes. London grammar schools are open to children from any borough. However, if distance is used as a tie-breaker, living further away may put your child at a disadvantage when scores are equal.
Q: What is a passing score for London grammar schools?
A: There is no fixed pass mark. Each school sets its own cut-off score, which changes every year depending on how many pupils sit the exam and how competitive the cohort is.
Q: How many schools can my child apply to?
A: You can list up to six schools on your CAF. However, you must register for each grammar school’s 11+ exam separately — registration is not automatic.
Q: Do London grammar schools use CEM or GL Assessment?
A: It varies by school. Most Barnet and Redbridge schools use GL Assessment. The Sutton Consortium uses the SET. Tiffin Schools and St Olave’s use their own school-specific tests. Always check directly with each target school.
Q: When should we start preparing?
A: Ideally, start in Year 4 with light skills-building and ramp up fully in Year 5. London schools are among the most competitive in the country, so early and consistent preparation is essential.
Final Thought
London’s 11+ schools are some of the finest in the country — but competition for places is fierce. The key is to start early, research your target schools carefully, and ensure your child’s preparation matches the specific exam format each school uses.
Ready to get started? Our expert 11+ Tuition Programme is designed specifically for London grammar school entry. Join hundreds of families already preparing for 2027 entry.