is one of the leading co-ed independent schools in the country. Situated a short distance from central London and adjacent to leafy Hampstead Heath, the school boasts an enviable location and is home to some best-in-class facilities among London schools, including a newly-opened Junior School building and an excellently equipped Art and Design Centre. Founded in 1595, Highgate is a school with a rich history paired with a modern and socially-minded outlook. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and for their role in society, practiced through initiatives such as community action groups and volunteering programmes.
Highgate offers a rigorous, academically-minded education with a focus on scholarship and a belief in the enjoyment of learning for its own sake. It aims to cultivate curiosity and nurture confidence in its pupils, and equip them with the resilience, creativity and risk-taking needed for participation in higher education and the world of work.
Entering Highgate School in Year 7 (11+ entry):
Approximately 80 pupils join Highgate in Year 7 in September each year.
11+ Entrance Process for Highgate School:
The assessment for Highgate comprises three parts, the first of which is a series of test papers taken at the school in December of Year 6. Applicants sit tests in English, Mathematics and Non-verbal reasoning. Sample papers for Maths and English tests can be found here:
Following the entrance exams, a significant proportion of candidates will be invited for group activities and interviews at Highgate. A reference will also be requested from each candidate鈥檚 current headteacher. The interviews take place in January of Year 6.
Offers are made in early February, following the interview stage.
Entering in Year 12 (Sixth Form Entry):
Highgate welcomes around 30 new boys and girls in Year 12 each year. These join the 185 Highgate pupils moving into Sixth Form.
16 Plus Entrance Process:
Admission to Highgate in Year 12 is by means of academic interviews, which take place in the November before entry. Candidates will take a short interview in each of the subjects most likely to be studied at A-level. They will also have a general interview with either the Deputy Head, the Head of Admissions, the Head of Sixth Form, or a member of the Senior School staff.
There is no written assignment for entry in Year 12, but admission is contingent upon meeting the required GCSE results: at least three 8/9 grades and five 7 grades in mainstream, academic subjects, including English and Mathematics. A confidential report will also be requested from the applicant鈥檚 current school.
Offers are made in late November.
Scholarships at Highgate School
Music awards are open to applicants at both 11+ and 16+. These are awarded following two rounds of audition and can take the form of a scholarship, which usually brings a 5-10% fee remission, or an exhibition, which carries no fee remission. Both awards offer free tuition in one or two instruments, depending on the award, to successful applicants.
Highgate do not award academic scholarships based on entrance tests. The school has a substantial bursary programme, with means-tested places available for those who would not otherwise be able to meet the cost of Highgate鈥檚 fees.
What questions does Highgate School ask at interview?
Like many school interviews the Highgate School interview seeks to explore the following about each student:
- Family (e.g. What do you like to do on the weekend as a family?)
- School (e.g. What do you most enjoy about your current school?)
- Academic Learning (e.g. What is your favourite subject and why?)
- Reading (e.g. Do you enjoy reading?)
- Extracurricular (e.g. What activities do you get involved in at school outside of the classroom?)
- Hobbies (e.g. What do you do in your spare time at outside of school?)
- Highgate School (e.g. Why would you like to come to Highgate School?)
Why is Highgate School so popular?
Highgate is an award-winning school with an outstanding academic record. In 2021, it was named Independent School of the Year by the Sunday Times Schools Guide.
Its recent grades reflect its high academic standards: in 2023, Highgate celebrated 84% A*/A grades at A Level and 93% Grades 9-7 at GCSE. In the same year, 30 Sixth Formers achieved places at Oxbridge.
Is Highgate School hard to get into?
Highgate is highly competitive and as a matter of course they interview more candidates than there are places available. Although entrance test results are an important factor in the decision-making process, Highgate are looking for well-rounded individuals for both 11+ and 16+ entry. Group interviews at 11+ are intended to test a candidate鈥檚 listening skills, their ability to collaborate with others and their problem-solving ability.
Potential candidates for Highgate should possess intellectual curiosity and be prepared to demonstrate how they will contribute to the co-curricular life of the school. Other important factors that Highgate assesses are a student鈥檚 teachability, interpersonal skills and behaviour.
Highgate School Famous Alumni
- Sir John Taverner
- John Rutter
- Rev John Venn
Tutors for Highgate School Admissions
Keystone has over a decade of experience providing tuition to families who wish to send their children to some of the leading UK independent schools including Highgate School.
The tutors we work with are experienced in the intricacies of the 11 plus and 16 plus entrance to Highgate School.
For more details on how Keystone can help with preparation for entry to Highgate School, please call the office for a chat with one of our client managers, or contact us via our request a tutor form.