11+ Exam 2026 Entry
Highgate School is one of London’s leading independent co-educational day schools, located in North London. Known for its academic results and strong co-curricular provision, it attracts hundreds of applicants for limited 11+ places each year. Entry at Year 7 in September 2026 is highly competitive.
On this page, you’ll find free official Highgate 11+ practice papers (3 English and 1 Maths), premium Highgate-style papers created from recent exam feedback, and details of our expert-led holiday revision courses. These resources will help your child build confidence, strengthen core skills, and maximise their chances of success in the competitive Highgate 11+ process.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Highgate School is one of North London’s most sought-after co-educational independent schools. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the 11 Plus exam for Year 7 entry in 2026, including key dates, exam format, preparation strategies, and how to access both official and premium Highgate practice papers.
Highgate School at a glance
- Independent co-educational day school in Hammersmith, London
- Founded: 1565
- Ages: 4–18 (Year 7 entry for 11+) – approx. 70 places available at 11+
- Address: North Road, Highgate, London N6 4AY
- Website: highgateschool.org.uk
- Contact: +44 (0)20 8347 3564
Key Dates for the 2026 Highgate School 11+ Exam
Registration Deadline
Wednesday 5 November 2025 – Registration deadline – all forms and fees must be submitted online by 12pm.
Entrance Exam
Tuesday 2 December 2025 – Entrance Examination (English, Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning). sat on-site at Highgate.
Interviews
Monday 12 to Friday 16 January 2026 – Interviews and group exercises for selected candidates.
Full Timeline
- Thursday 22 May 2025 – Registration opens
- Wednesday 5 November 12PM – Registration deadline
- Tuesday 2 December 2025 – Entrance Examination (English comprehension, English writing, Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning).
- Monday 12 to Friday 16 January 2026 – Interviews and group exercises for selected candidates.
- Mid-February 2026 – Offers emailed to successful applicants.
- Wednesday 4 March 2026 – Acceptance deadline for offers.
Admissions Process
Register
Submit the online application form by 12.00 noon, Wednesday 5 November 2025.
Sit Exam
All candidates sit the 11+ entrance examinations on Tuesday 2 December 2025. These include papers in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Interview
Successful candidates are invited back between 12–17 January 2026 for interviews and activity sessions. These are designed to assess curiosity, reasoning, and wider potential beyond exam results.
Offer & Acceptance
Offer letters are sent in mid-February 2026. Parents are asked to confirm acceptance by the published March deadline.
Please note: All supporting documents, including any access arrangement requests, must be submitted by the registration deadline. Late applications are not accepted.
Highgate School 11+ Exam Format – What to Expect in 2026
Mathematics
60 minutes. Written-response questions testing arithmetic, fractions, percentages, algebra and multi-step reasoning. One official sample paper is available via the Elite School Tutors website.
English
Comprehension and writing. Two comprehension and one writing sample papers are available via the Elite School Tutors website. The exam tests vocabulary, inference, analysis, creativity, structure and technical accuracy.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Multiple-choice questions assessing logic, spatial awareness and pattern recognition. No official samples exist, so pupils must prepare using premium Highgate-style practice papers.
Prepare with the right practice papers
Highgate provides three official English sample papers and one Mathematics paper for prospective candidates. We have made all of these available for free download on our website.
While these papers are a useful starting point, they are limited in number and do not cover the Non-Verbal Reasoning exam. To give your child broader and more realistic preparation, we have created a set of premium Highgate-style practice papers. These mirror the difficulty, style and timing of the real exam, and include detailed mark schemes, timed versions and model answers, all designed by experienced 11+ teachers.
How to Prepare for the Highgate 11+ – Proven Strategies
Success in the Highgate 11+ exam requires more than just ability – it takes strategic preparation. Here are our top recommendations:
Start early & build a routine
Begin at least a year before the exam if possible. Short, regular sessions beat last-minute cramming. Start with the official Highgate sample papers (3 English, 1 Maths – available via Elite School Tutors), then extend practice with our premium Highgate-style papers, including Non-Verbal Reasoning, to cover all areas fully.
Identify strengths & weaknesses
Track progress across Maths, English and NVR. Use mark schemes and model answers to highlight weak areas, then revisit those topics regularly.
Practice under timed conditions
Replicating exam conditions is vital. Sit full papers to time, mark them straight away, and compare with model answers. This builds pace, accuracy and exam confidence.
Focus on problem-solving
In Maths, encourage multi-step reasoning and neat working. In English, practise close reading and answering with evidence. For NVR, develop speed and pattern recognition through regular exposure to question types.
Refine exam technique
Teach your child to pace themselves, check work, and apply techniques under pressure. Using our mark schemes alongside model answers helps show what top-band responses look like in practice.
Don’t forget interview preparation
Strong written performance leads to an interview in January. Encourage your child to talk confidently about their interests, problem-solve aloud, and show curiosity beyond the classroom.
Expert Tip
Many pupils see significant score improvements after 6–8 weeks of structured practice. Short, focused sessions combining official Highgate papers with premium Highgate-style practice are more effective than long, occasional study bursts.
Highgate School 11+ Practice Papers – Free & Premium
Free Papers
Premium Highgate-Style Papers
Download the official Highgate practice papers free from our website. Perfect for familiarising your child with the question style and difficulty level.
Our premium papers replicate the exact format, difficulty, and timing of the real Highgate exam. Created by qualified teachers with decades of experience, they include mark schemes and model answers.
Detailed mark schemes
Timed versions included
Designed to mirror the real exam
Highgate School Scholarships & Bursaries
Academic Scholarships
Highgate awards Academic Scholarships at 11+ to candidates who perform exceptionally well in the entrance exams and interviews. No separate application is usually required, as scholarships are offered based on overall performance in the admissions process.
Music Scholarships & Means-Tested Bursaries
Music & Art Scholarships
Talented pupils may apply for Music or Art Scholarships. Shortlisted candidates are invited to auditions (Music) or to submit a portfolio (Art), and awards are made on the basis of talent and potential.
Means-Tested Bursaries
Highgate offers a generous bursary programme. Families who meet the financial criteria can apply for bursary support when submitting the registration form. Awards are means-tested and can cover up to 100% of school fees depending on financial circumstances.
Highgate 11+ FAQs – Answers to Common Questions
Does Highgate publish past papers?
Are the official sample papers enough preparation?
How many candidates apply for Highgate 11+ each year?
When should preparation start?
Will your premium papers reflect the latest exam format?
Are your resources suitable for home practice?
Do you provide feedback on completed papers?
Ready to get started?
Give your child the best possible chance at Highgate School with expert guidance, realistic practice papers, and proven preparation strategies.
