Find out more about how to join our Senior School with key dates and the full process below.
ADMISSION TO YEAR 7 (Sept 2026)
KEY DATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY
| Registration opens | Thursday 1 May 2025 |
| Registration closes | Friday 14 November 2025 |
| Deadline for Bursary applications | Friday 14 November 2025 |
| Deadline for Sports Scholarship applications | Friday 14 November 2025 |
| Deadline for Music Scholarship applications | Friday 14 November 2025 |
| Entrance exam | Thursday 4 December 2025 |
| Interviews | Mid-January 2026 |
| Sports Scholarship trials | Wednesday 14 January 2026 |
| Music Scholarship auditions | Saturday 17 January 2026 |
| Offers notified | Mid-February 2026 (TBC) |
| Acceptance by | Early March 2026 (TBC) |
Entrance Exam
All students entering at 11+ will take an entrance exam in December consisting of written papers in English and Maths. The examinations are held at the School and are completely separate from those of the 11+ London Consortium Schools group.
You can find some sample papers for the Maths and English exams below.
Interview
Following the entrance exam, a number of students will be invited back for an interview in mid-January, and from these, the final selection will be made. Interviews are friendly and informal; it is a chance for us to get to know each girl a little better. Interviews are incredibly important at NLCS, and we ensure that the whole process is run as smoothly as possible.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Register your daughter for 11+ entry in September 2026 by clicking the link below.
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Sample Papers
You can find some sample papers for the Maths and English exams here:
Please note we do not provide answers for these sample papers.
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Bursaries
Since its foundation in 1850, North London Collegiate School has been committed to providing accessible, affordable education for pupils of ability. To attract able students and to help those who would otherwise be unable to attend a fee-paying school, we offer bursaries and music scholarships to pupils joining the Senior School.
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Handel Music Scholarships
A number of music scholarships are awarded at 11+ (for 5 years) and at 16+ on the basis of merit. Students must pass the entrance examination and a music audition conducted by the Music Department to qualify.
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Sophie Bryant Scholarship
This prestigious award (for first award from September 2025) will be offered to a small number of girls entering NLCS in Year 7 and Year 12 who exhibit a deep love of learning combined with enthusiasm for wider achievement beyond the classroom.
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Sports Scholarships
Sports Scholarships are awarded to exceptional sportswomen who demonstrate ability and potential in one or more of the school’s main sports.
“We want to thank you for making the process manageable for our daughter. She was treated with kindness at every turn and this matters very much to me. “
— NLCS Parent
Occasional Places
A limited number of places occasionally become available in Years 8, 9 and 10.
Parents are asked to complete the expression of interest form and will be notified about assessments if places become available.
STAGE 1 – ATTEND AN EVENT
The best way to find out about our school is to attend an event and there a number to choose from. We offer Open Days and Taster Mornings, click Visit us to see what events we currently have available.
STAGE 2 – REGISTER
When registration for 11+ entry into the Senior School opens, you will need to complete our online registration form.
If you indicate on our registration form that you are applying for a bursary, we will send you an additional form to complete.
STAGE 3 – ENTRANCE EXAM
Everyone who has registered for the 11+ entry by the deadline will be invited to take an entrance exam. The exam will consist of written papers in English and Maths. You can find sample papers on the Joining the Senior School section of our website.
STAGE 4 – INTERVIEW
Following the entrance exam, a number of students will be invited back to school for an interview. These are conducted by experienced members of staff and provide an opportunity for us to get to know each student a little better and provide them with the chance to ask any questions. During the interview there will be further Maths and English testing, in the form of verbal questions.
STAGE 5 – OFFERS
Following interviews, those students who have been selected for a place to start in September will be sent an offer by email. Everyone who has been offered a place will be invited to an offer holders’ event at school, in plenty of time to help you make a decision.
