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  • Independent school for boys and girls

Highgate School: entry, tests, dates and fees

Highgate School, North Road, London N6 4AY

Facts checked 19 October 2026By ExamKind Editorial TeamSchool website

Can we apply, and when?

For September 2027 entry

  • Registration closes, 11+ entry

    Wed 4 Nov

    Wednesday 4 November 2026, for September 2027 entry

    Checked, source: Highgate School, checked

  • Places at 11+

    80

    Each year at 11+

    Checked, source: Highgate School, checked

  • Fees at 11+, day

    £10,929a term

    2026-27 school year, including VAT

    Checked, source: Highgate School, checked

Your next steps for 11+ entry

  1. Next: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    in about 2 weeks

  2. Coming up: Bursary applications close

    in about 2 weeks

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  3. Coming up: Scholarship applications close

    in about 2 weeks

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

Highgate School sets its own tests and decides after them and the interviews. We have not found a published pass mark, so we do not show one.

How entry works

How entry works

Ways in, and how children are assessed

Highgate School takes new pupils at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+. Each way in has its own tests and dates.

  • 11+ entryjoins Year 7 of the Senior School

    80 places

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, an interview, a group activity, a reference from the current school and taster day.

    Registration closes: Wednesday 4 November 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

Other ways in: 4+, 7+ and 16+Places, tests and registration for each

  • 4+ entryjoins Reception at the Pre-Prep school

    60 places

    How children are assessed: a play-based observation.

    Registration closes: Friday 25 September 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

  • 7+ entryjoins Year 3 of the Junior School

    50 places

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, an interview, a group activity, a reference from the current school and taster day.

    Registration closes: Wednesday 4 November 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

  • 16+ entryjoins Year 12 (Sixth Form)

    30 places

    How children are assessed: an interview, a reference from the current school and GCSE grade requirements.

    Registration closes: Friday 16 October 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

Source: Highgate School, checked

More about entry from our guide

Highgate has four main doors in, and each one leads to a different part of the school: the Pre-Prep, the Junior School, the Senior School and the Sixth Form. The 7+ and 11+ work in a similar way. Children first sit short written tests in English and maths at the school. Then a shortlist comes back in January for a group interview and some taster lessons. The 4+ is based on play, and the 16+ is based on interviews, with no written papers at all.

11+: Year 7 of the Senior SchoolHighgate School: JoinsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: From next September, we hope to welcome approximately 80 new children into Year 7 of our Senior School.View the official source

Highgate hopes to welcome about 80Highgate School: PlacesChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: From next September, we hope to welcome approximately 80 new children into Year 7 of our Senior School.View the official source new children into Year 7, who join pupils moving up from its own Junior School. For September 2027 entryHighgate School: Current cycleChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Applications for entry into year 7 for September 2027 are now open.View the official source, the 11+ is made up of:

  • the school's own English paperHighgate School: Own englishChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: The first stage of the application process involves attending the School for written entry tests, currently comprising papers in English and Mathematics.View the official source
  • the school's own maths paperHighgate School: Own mathsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: The first stage of the application process involves attending the School for written entry tests, currently comprising papers in English and Mathematics.View the official source
  • a group interviewHighgate School: InterviewChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: A significant proportion of our candidates are invited back for the second stage assessment in January which consists of a group interview and taster lessons.View the official source
  • a group activityHighgate School: Group activityChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Candidates are interviewed in groups which will test their listening skills, their ability to collaborate with other children and their problem-solving ability.View the official source
  • taster dayHighgate School: Taster dayChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: A significant proportion of our candidates are invited back for the second stage assessment in January which consists of a group interview and taster lessons.View the official source lessons in the second round
  • a reference from the current schoolHighgate School: ReferenceChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: We also request a confidential reference from your child’s Headteacher.View the official source

Round one: written papers. Every applicant sits the English and maths papers at Highgate on 1 December 2026Highgate School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Tuesday 1 December 202 6: 11+ Entrance ExaminationsView the official source. Highgate writes these papers itself. Its policy says the English paper follows the Key Stage 2 curriculum that children cover in primary school. The school has also removed the non-verbal reasoning paper it used to set, so the written round is now English and maths only.

Round two: group interviews and lessons. A good share of children are asked back for round two, which runs from 11 January 2027 to 15 January 2027Highgate School: Interview date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Monday 1 1 to Friday 1 5 January 202 7: 11+ Activities and InterviewsView the official source. They are interviewed in small groups rather than alone, and they try some taster lessons. The group format lets staff see how a child listens, shares ideas and solves a problem with others.

Highgate also asks your child's head teacher for a confidential reference. Offer letters go out on 12 February 2027Highgate School: Offer date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Friday 12 February 202 7: Offer letters sentView the official source, and families have until 3 March 2027Highgate School: Acceptance deadline (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Wednesday 3 March 202 7: Acceptance deadlineView the official source to accept a place.

7+: Year 3 of the Junior SchoolHighgate School: JoinsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Next September, we will welcome approximately 50 new children into our Junior School, to join 60 of our pupils moving from Pre-Prep into Year 3.View the official source

About 50Highgate School: PlacesChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Next September, we will welcome approximately 50 new children into our Junior School, to join 60 of our pupils moving from Pre-Prep into Year 3.View the official source new children join the Junior School in Year 3, alongside pupils moving up from Highgate's own Pre-Prep. For September 2027 entryHighgate School: Current cycleChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Applications for 7+ 2027 are now open.View the official source, the 7+ includes:

  • the school's own English paperHighgate School: Own englishChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: This consists of tests in English and Mathematics.View the official source
  • the school's own maths paperHighgate School: Own mathsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: This consists of tests in English and Mathematics.View the official source
  • a group interviewHighgate School: InterviewChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: After the first assessment, your child may be invited back to a second assessment in early January, this involves a taster lesson and group interview.View the official source
  • a group activityHighgate School: Group activityChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Children are usually interviewed in groups and are given a task which is designed to be both stimulating and fun.View the official source
  • a taster dayHighgate School: Taster dayChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: After the first assessment, your child may be invited back to a second assessment in early January, this involves a taster lesson and group interview.View the official source lesson
  • a reference from the current schoolHighgate School: ReferenceChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: We will also request a confidential report from your child’s current Headteacher.View the official source

Children take short English and maths tests at the school on 1 December 2026Highgate School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Tuesday 1 December 2026: 7+ Assessment DayView the official source. Some are then invited to an interview and activity day, held from 5 January 2027 to 8 January 2027Highgate School: Interview date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Tuesday 5 – Friday 8 January 2027: 7+ Interview and Activity Day for shortlisted pupilsView the official source, with a taster lesson and a group task. At this age the task is meant to feel like an enjoyable class activity, not a test. Offer letters are sent on 22 January 2027Highgate School: Offer date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Friday 22 January 2027: Offer letters sentView the official source.

4+: Reception at the Pre-Prep schoolHighgate School: JoinsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: In September, we look forward to welcoming approximately 60 new children into Reception at our Pre-Prep school.View the official source

Highgate expects to take about 60Highgate School: PlacesChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: In September, we look forward to welcoming approximately 60 new children into Reception at our Pre-Prep school.View the official source children into Reception. The 4+ is a play-based assessmentHighgate School: Play observationChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Children will join a small group, with teaching staff leading them in story-time, various play-based activities and exploratory 1-2-1 tasks to assess learning readiness.View the official source, with no written test. Small groups of children spend time with teachers, listening to a story, playing and trying a few simple one-to-one tasks. The first round runs from 2 November 2026 to 20 November 2026Highgate School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Monday 2 November – Friday 20 November 202 6: First round of entrance assessmentsView the official source. Children on the shortlist come back in January for a second session in the same format.

Applications for September 2027 entryHighgate School: Current cycleChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Applications for 4+ entry in 2027 have now closed.View the official source closed on 25 September 2026Highgate School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Friday 25 September 202 6, noon: Applications closeView the official source. For September 2028 entry, the closing date is Highgate School: Registration deadline (2028)Not yet published by Highgate School; last checked 9 Oct 2026.The source says: Our next intake will be in September 2028 and will be for children born between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024.View the official source, and the school invites families to register interest so they hear when applications open.

16+: Year 12 (Sixth Form)Highgate School: JoinsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Next September, we hope to welcome approximately 30 new pupils into Year 12, from a variety of schools and backgrounds.View the official source

Highgate hopes to take about 30Highgate School: PlacesChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Next September, we hope to welcome approximately 30 new pupils into Year 12, from a variety of schools and backgrounds.View the official source new students into Year 12. Applications for September 2027 entryHighgate School: Current cycleChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Applications for 2027 entry are now open.View the official source close at noon on 16 October 2026Highgate School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Friday 1 6 October 202 6, noon: Applications closeView the official source. The 16+ looks at:

  • an interviewHighgate School: InterviewChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Applicants will have interviews in each of the subjects nominated for their Sixth Form study, plus a general interview with a senior member of staff so they can get to know more about each individual’s interests and ambitions.View the official source in each chosen subject, plus a general one
  • GCSE grade requirementsHighgate School: Gcse requirementsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: The entry requirements for Highgate Sixth Form are 8s or 9s at GCSE in the four subjects applicants want to study at A level, and an additional four 7s or equivalent.View the official source
  • a reference from the current schoolHighgate School: ReferenceChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: the confidential report from the candidate’s current school and the school report provided by the candidate;View the official source

There are no written entrance papers at 16+. Instead, applicants spend an assessment day at Highgate on 14 November 2026Highgate School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Saturday 1 4 November 202 6: 16+ Assessment DayView the official source. They have an interview in each subject they hope to take at A level. They also meet a senior teacher for a wider talk about their interests and plans.

Any offer depends on strong GCSE grades, especially in the A level subjects a student has chosen. Highgate's sixth-form web page and its admissions policy word the grade rules a little differently, so read both, or ask the admissions team, before you apply. Offers are sent on 1 December 2026Highgate School: Offer date (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Tuesday 1 December 202 6: Offer letters sentView the official source and must be accepted by 10 December 2026Highgate School: Acceptance deadline (2027)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Thursday 1 0 December 202 6, noon : Acceptance deadlineView the official source.

Key dates

11+ dates for September 2027 entry

Highgate School

  1. Done: Registration opens for 11+ entry

  2. Next: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    in about 2 weeks

  3. Coming up: Bursary applications close

    in about 2 weeks

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  4. Coming up: Scholarship applications close

    in about 2 weeks

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

  5. Coming up: Entrance tests

  6. Coming up: Interviews

  7. Coming up: Scholarship assessments

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

  8. Coming up: Offers sent

  9. Coming up: Accept or decline an offer by

    in about 19 weeks

Dates for the other ways in4+, 7+ and 16+

4+ entry, September 2027

  1. Done: Registration opens for 4+ entry

  2. Done: Registration closes for 4+ entry

  3. Next: Entrance tests

  4. Coming up: Offers sent

  5. Coming up: Accept or decline an offer by

    in about 15 weeks

7+ entry, September 2027

  1. Done: Registration opens for 7+ entry

  2. Next: Registration closes for 7+ entry

    in about 2 weeks

  3. Coming up: Entrance tests

  4. Coming up: Interviews

  5. Coming up: Offers sent

  6. Coming up: Accept or decline an offer by

    in about 15 weeks

16+ entry, September 2027

4 earlier steps, all doneShow

  1. Done: Registration opens for 16+ entry

  2. Done: Registration closes for 16+ entry

  3. Done: Bursary applications close

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  4. Done: Scholarship applications close

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

  1. Next: Scholarship assessments

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

  2. Coming up: Entrance tests

  3. Coming up: Interviews

  4. Coming up: Offers sent

  5. Coming up: Accept or decline an offer by

    in about 7 weeks

A year younger? 11+ dates for September 2028 entrySome are not published yet; we show what the school has said.

  1. Not published yet: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026

  2. Not published yet: Entrance tests

    Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026

  3. Not published yet: Offers sent

    Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026

At a glance

Highgate School in brief

tap a value for its source

Ages
4 to 18AgesChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: We welcome pupils aged 4 to 18 across our Pre-Prep, Junior School, Senior School and Sixth FormView the official source
The ages the school teaches, from youngest to oldest.
Day or boarding
day school
Whether pupils go home each day or can live at the school.
Scholarships
1 kinds
Awards for a talent, such as academic work, music or sport.
Ways in
4+, 7+, 11+, 16+
The ages at which the school takes new pupils (4+, 11+ and so on).
Help with fees
Yes, up to 100%
Bursaries reduce fees for families on lower incomes, after a check of income and savings.
Registration fee
£210including VAT
Paid to the school when you register your child for its tests.

Fees

From £10,929 a term, including VAT
4+ entry, day
£9,453 a term, including VAT
7+ entry, day
£10,011 a term, including VAT
11+ entry, day
£10,929 a term, including VAT
16+ entry, day
£10,929 a term, including VAT

Fees for the 2026-27 school year, as the school publishes them. We never add or remove VAT.

fees shown include VAT

Registration fee: £210 (including VAT).

Deposit when you accept a day place: £4,000.

Source: Highgate School, checked

Joining atPart of the schoolFee for 2026-27Highgate School: Academic yearChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: For the 2026-27 academic yearView the official source
4+Pre-Prep£9,453 per term, including VATHighgate School: DayChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: | Pre-Preparatory School | Reception to Year 2: | £9,453 per term |View the official source
7+Junior School£10,011 per term, including VATHighgate School: DayChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: | Junior School | Years 3-6: | £10,011 per term |View the official source
11+Senior School£10,929 per term, including VATHighgate School: DayChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: | Senior School | Years 7-13: | £10,929 per term |View the official source
16+Sixth Form£10,929 per term, including VATHighgate School: DayChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: | Senior School | Years 7-13: | £10,929 per term |View the official source

These are the fees Highgate publishes for 2026-27Highgate School: Academic yearChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: For the 2026-27 academic yearView the official source, and fees shown include VATHighgate School: Vat treatmentChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: The following figures are inclusive of VAT:View the official source. One Senior School fee covers every year from Year 7 to Year 13, which is why the 11+ and 16+ figures match. Lunch is charged on top of these fees each term. Fees go up from year to year, so look at the school's current list before you plan.

Every entry point has an application fee of £210, including VATHighgate School: Registration feeChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: There is a standard application fee of £210 (including VAT), for all entry points.View the official source. Families on the lowest incomes who apply for a bursary pay a much smaller fee, and sitting the tests abroad costs more. When you accept a place at 4+, 7+ or 11+, the deposit is £4,000Highgate School: Deposit dayChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: For Pre-Prep, Junior School and Senior School entry, the deposit is £4000.View the official source. The Sixth Form has its own, separate deposit.

Bursaries and scholarships

Bursaries up to 100% of fees
Bursaries (help with fees)
Available, up to 100% of the fees. They depend on a check of household income and savings. Income guide: £107,000 total family income (the school's guide figure).
Scholarships
For music, at 11+ and 16+ entry.

Source: Highgate School, checked

  • Bursaries: means-tested bursaries availableHighgate School: AvailableChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Each year, we offer several fee-assisted places (bursaries) to eligible families who apply at 7+, 11+ and 16+.View the official source
  • Largest bursary: 100%Highgate School: Max percentChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: As a rough guide, if your total family income is less than £45,000 and if you don’t have significant assets (e.g. savings), then your child could be entitled to 100% funding of school fees, as well as additional help with uniforms, IT or educational trips.View the official source of fees
  • Income guide for a partial bursary: up to £107,000 (total family income, guide)Highgate School: Income thresholdChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: If your total family income is between £45,000 and £107,000 then you may be eligible for a partial bursary.View the official source

Highgate offers bursaries to families who apply at 7+, 11+ and 16+. Places in the Pre-Prep are full fee-paying. A bursary depends on what your family can afford, so the school looks at income and savings, not at test marks. Families with low incomes and few savings may have the whole fee covered, and that help can stretch to uniform, school trips and IT. Key workers may apply with a higher income than the figure above. Our bursaries guide explains how these checks tend to work.

Highgate does not give academic scholarships. Its only awards are for music, made at two points: scholarships at 11+Highgate School: 11 plusChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: We make music awards (Scholarships, Exhibitions and Music Potential awards) for pupils joining the School at 11+ by means of audition at the point of entry.View the official source and scholarships at 16+Highgate School: 16 plusChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: We make music awards (Scholarships, Exhibitions and Music Potential awards) for pupils joining the School at 16+ by means of audition at the point of entry.View the official source. Children audition, and the school makes awards at a few levels: scholarships, exhibitions and music potential awards. At 11+ there is a first-round discovery day before the main auditions.

Highgate's published information differs on the most a music scholarship can take off the fees. We have left that figure out and asked the school to confirm it. If your family needs help with fees, apply for a bursary as well, since a music award alone may not be enough.

Open days

This year's events have passed

  1. Done: Sixth Form Open Evening (passed)

  2. Done: Open Day (passed)

  3. Done: Open Day (passed)

  4. Done: Open Day (passed)

Source: Highgate School, checked

Highgate's open events for September 2027 entryHighgate School: Current cycleChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: Applications for entry into year 7 for September 2027 are now open.View the official source took place in September and October.

The school says it will announce the next round of 11+ events in the spring. Its visits pages list new dates and explain how to book.

Results, as published by the school

A level grades A* to A: 87% (2026)

  • A level grades A* to A, 2026

    87%A level grades A* to A, 2026Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 87% of all Y13 grades were A* or AView the official source

    No earlier year published

  • A level grades A* to B, 2026

    98%A level grades A* to B, 2026Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 98% of all Y13 grades were A*, A or BView the official source

    No earlier year published

  • GCSE grades 9 to 7, 2026

    96.2%GCSE grades 9 to 7, 2026Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 61.7% of grades were awarded a 9; 86.6% of grades were marked 8 or 9; 96.2% were marked 7, 8 or 9.View the official source

    No earlier year published

  • GCSE grades 9 to 8, 2026

    86.6%GCSE grades 9 to 8, 2026Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 61.7% of grades were awarded a 9; 86.6% of grades were marked 8 or 9; 96.2% were marked 7, 8 or 9.View the official source

    No earlier year published

Results are the school's own figures. Schools count them in different ways, so compare with care.

Highgate reports these figures for its pupils. We show them exactly as the school publishes them.

MeasureFigure
A level grades A* or A87% (2026)Highgate School: A level astar apercent (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 87% of all Y13 grades were A* or AView the official source
A level grades A* to B98% (2026)Highgate School: A level astar bpercent (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 98% of all Y13 grades were A*, A or BView the official source
GCSE grades 9 to 886.6% (2026)Highgate School: Gcse9to8 percent (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 61.7% of grades were awarded a 9; 86.6% of grades were marked 8 or 9; 96.2% were marked 7, 8 or 9.View the official source
GCSE grades 9 to 796.2% (2026)Highgate School: Gcse9to7 percent (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 61.7% of grades were awarded a 9; 86.6% of grades were marked 8 or 9; 96.2% were marked 7, 8 or 9.View the official source
Pupils with places at Oxford or Cambridge34 (2026)Highgate School: Oxbridge offers (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 34 pupils received places at OxbridgeView the official source
Pupils going on to study medicine or veterinary science7 (2026)Highgate School: Medicine offers (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Highgate School.The source says: 7 pupils will study Medicine/VeterinaryView the official source

Official documents and sources

22 sources, each kept as an archived copy

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