Joining the Senior School

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The Admissions Department

We attract all types of personalities, and there is no typical North Londoner. We don't use rank orders or labels, and there is a strong commitment to the individual. Your child might be shy when they join us, but whilst here, they will develop a relaxed self-confidence and a bond with the School that lasts forever.

Admissions

ADMISSION TO YEAR 7 (Sept 2025)

Registration for 2025 is now closed

KEY DATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 ENTRY

Registration opensEnd of May 2024
Registration closesFriday 15 November 2024
Deadline for Bursary applicationsFriday 15 November 2024
Deadline for Sports Scholarship applicationsFriday 15 November 2024
Deadline for Music Scholarship applicationsFriday 15 November 2024
Entrance examThursday 5 December 2024
InterviewsMid-January 2025
Sports Scholarship trialsWednesday 15 January 2025
Music Scholarship auditionsFriday 17, Saturday 18 January 2025
Offers notifiedFriday 14 February 2025
Acceptance byEarly March 2025

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

Registration for 11+ entry in September 2025 is now closed.

Entrance Exam

All students entering at 11+ will take an entrance exam on Thursday 5 December 2024 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 child a little better. Interviews are incredibly important at NLCS, and we ensure that the whole process is run as smoothly as possible.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

“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

Registration for 11+ entry into the Senior School opens in May.  You will need to complete the online registration form.

If you are applying for a bursary you will need to complete a bursary application form.

If you are applying for a Music Scholarship you will need to complete the online scholarships form and return it with a copy of your latest music exam mark sheet(s) and a reference from the teacher of your first instrument.

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.