You can find some sample papers for the Maths and English exams here:

Please note we do not provide answers for these sample papers.

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 to pupils joining the Senior School.

If you wish to apply for a bursary, you must indicate this on the registration form. We strongly recommend applying for a bursary at the same time as making your application, rather than waiting until offers are made, as there may not be enough time for our external partner, BAA, to complete the necessary financial assessment checks.

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.

We offer one Music Exhibition on Organ each year to a student who shows outstanding musical promise on piano or organ. This is awarded on merit, following both the entrance exam and a practical audition with our Music Department. Please note, this award does not offer any fee remission.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR ORGAN AWARD HOLDER

Our Organ Exhibition is designed to nurture talent and develop confidence in the specific area of organ playing, helping students to flourish as keyboard musicians.

Award Holders benefit from:

Tuition – weekly 45-minute lesson from a professional organist (during term time)
ABRSM exam entry – covering the cost of the entries for organ exams through NLCS
Practice time on our 3-manual Hill, Norman and Beard pipe organ
Solo performance opportunities as part of our Old House and Lunchtime Concert series
Masterclasses with leading performers once Grade 8 has been attained
Concerto performance – the opportunity to perform an organ concerto in Year 13 (Diploma level needs to be attained
Conducting masterclasses and tuition – developing skills in choral conducting
College organ scholarship application support – when it comes to applying to university support will be offered through the audition process for college/university organ scholarship applications including the opportunity to travel to Oxford or Cambridge to meet with a current organ scholar

We offer a programme that recognises not only musical excellence but the individuality and creativity each award holder brings to our musical community.

WHAT WE EXPECT OF ORGAN AWARD HOLDERS

Award holders play an important role in shaping the musical life of the school. While we understand that students will have a variety of academic and co-curricular commitments, the role of Organist must be approached with commitment, pride and a strong sense of responsibility.

We expect our Organ Award Holders to:

Maintain high personal standards by engaging fully with organ tuition
Practice regularly and consistently on the organ to make rapid progress
Enter annual face-to-face ABRSM organ examinations up to Diploma level through NLCS
Perform as a soloist when the opportunity arises
Communicate any scheduling clashes with the Music Department as early as possible and respond promptly to communications
Be an active member of the Music Department by joining at least one ensemble, orchestra or choral group (as applicable to instrumental/vocal skill)
Accompany whole school services or events on the organ
Accompany a choral group on piano (once deemed to be ready, usually from Year 10)
Develop conducting skills and once deemed to be ready, usually in Year 12, act as assistant conductor to one of the choral groups

We value the dedication our Organ Award Holders bring to the school and are committed to helping them flourish as musicians, leaders and collaborators.

The Doris Gregory Organ Exhibition covers the cost of organ tuition and ABRSM examinations for the duration of the student’s studies at NLCS, though it is reviewed at the end of Year 11 to ensure award holders are taking full advantage of the programme. Note that there is no school fee remission with this Exhibition and if at any point during tenure the student withdraws from the Organ Exhibition it cannot be transferred to another instrument nor can it be converted to a Handel Music Scholarship.

Applicants for the Doris Gregory Organ Exhibition are eligible to apply additionally for the 11+ Music Scholarship, though candidates should be aware of the significant extra commitment should an offer of both awards be made. (See 11+ Handel Music Scholarship section for details of requirements.)

HOW TO APPLY

One Doris Gregory Organ Exhibition is awarded at 11+ on the basis of merit. Students must meet the required standards and pass the entrance examination. The Organ Exhibition is awarded following an audition by the Music Department.

Candidates must already:

be at the standard equivalent to ABRSM or Trinity Grade 6 merit or above on piano or organ
have passed ABRSM or Trinity Grade 5 Theory

Once you have registered your daughter, a confirmation email will then be sent containing the application form for the 11+ Doris Gregory Organ Exhibition, along with details of how to submit the supporting documents required (listed below).

The music exam certificate and mark sheet for Grade 6 Piano or Organ showing grade merit or above, or if higher grade already passed, latest music exam certificate and mark sheet
Exam mark sheet for Grade 5 Theory or above
Reference from your daughter’s piano or organ teacher

Candidates who meet the required standard will be shortlisted and invited for a 40-minute audition where they will be required to:

Perform for up to eight minutes on piano or organ: this can either be two short pieces or one longer piece
Perform a piece of sightreading on piano or organ (at Grade 6 level)
Demonstrate musicianship in short aural tests
Discuss their music-making in and out of school as well as their goals pertaining to playing the organ
Complete a short written theory test (at Grade 5 level)

All parts of the audition are important and must be prepared by all candidates.

In general, in any music audition we are looking for:

Technical confidence and proficiency
Ability to perform with a natural musicality and flair
A willingness and confidence to perform at significant school occasions
Musical potential though candidates will already need to be performing at a particularly high level.

Auditions will take place in January 2027.

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.

Sports Scholarships are awarded to exceptional sportswomen who demonstrate ability and potential in one or more of the school’s main sports.