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The Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) 11 Plus (11+) Exam Guide

Exam Information 5 min read
Table of contents
  1. About The Henrietta Barnett School
  2. Key information for 2027 entry to The Henrietta Barnett School at 11 Plus (11+)
  3. Admissions Information for 2027 entry to The Henrietta Barnett School at 11 Plus (11+)
  4. How can I register my child for the 11 Plus (11+) exams at The Henrietta Barnett School?
  5. What is the 11 Plus (11+) entrance exam format at The Henrietta Barnett School?
  6. How to prepare your child for the 11 Plus (11+) The Henrietta Barnett School exam

About The Henrietta Barnett School

The Henrietta Barnett School (HBS), founded in 1911, is a non-denominational grammar school with academy status for girls aged 11-18. Located in the Hampstead Garden Suburb of London, HBS is recognised nationally for its academic excellence and was placed at the top of all schools in the country by The Times. [1] 

HBS offers a broad education and prides itself on being an uplifting, welcoming, and vibrant community. With outstanding teaching facilities and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities offered in an open and supportive environment, each student is encouraged to achieve their full potential. In 2022, 94% of HBS students achieved Grades 9-8 in all their GCSEs and 97% attained A*-B in A Levels. Additionally, 28 pupils received offers from Oxbridge universities. [2] 

Alongside their impressive academic record, HBS offers an exceptional list of extra-curricular activities, from sports and music lessons to chess club and the Green Team. The school aims to broaden its students’ interests and encourage them to go outside their comfort zones. HBS’s cross-curricular approach offers pupils the opportunity to excel in an inclusive, versatile, and challenging environment. [3] 

Key information for 2027 entry to The Henrietta Barnett School at 11 Plus (11+)

  • School type: girls’ grammar school with academy status
  • Open event: July 2026
  • Registration deadline: July 2026
  • Exam: early September 2026 (Round One), early October 2026 (Round Two)
  • Common Application Form (CAF) Deadline: 31 October 2026
  • National Offer Day: 1 March 2027
  • Contact Details: 020 8458 8999,  [email protected], www.hbschool.org.uk

Admissions Information for 2027 entry to The Henrietta Barnett School at 11 Plus (11+)

Admission to The Henrietta Barnett School for Year 7 is through academic assessment, based on the 11+ exam results. Securing a Year 7 spot at HBS is highly competitive due to the approximately 2,000 applications received annually for fewer than 100 available spaces. 

It is strongly recommended that prospective students and their parents attend one of HBS’s Open Days. The next Open Day will be held in July 2026 and more information about it will be available on their website from May 2026. This will allow you and your child to familiarise yourself with the facilities, meet the staff, and ensure HBS is the right choice for you.

As it is likely that the school will receive more applicants than available places, HBS has implemented the following oversubscription criteria, giving priority to:

  • Looked after, or previously looked after, children 
  • Children eligible for Pupil Premium funding (20 candidates)
  • All remaining candidates in rank score order from the 11+ exam

For more information on HBS’s admission criteria for Year 7, or any other queries about the school, you can visit the school’s website at https://www.hbschool.org.uk/admissions/year-7/. 

How can I register my child for the 11 Plus (11+) exams at The Henrietta Barnett School?

The Henrietta Barnett School follows the co-ordinated admissions process set out by the London Borough of Barnet. For your daughter to be considered for a Year 7 place, you must complete both The Henrietta Barnett School Entrance Test Entry Form, which can be located on the school’s website following registration opening, and the Common Application Form (CAF).

The school does not have a catchment area meaning anyone can apply and sit the entrance exam. However, they do take into consideration the distance from the school when determining offers after the Round Two test. 

The deadline for the HBS Entrance Test Entry Form is July 2026 and the deadline for the CAF is 31 October 2026. These applications must be completed and returned before their deadlines to ensure your child is considered for a Year 7 place at HBS.

What is the 11 Plus (11+) entrance exam format at The Henrietta Barnett School?

The Henrietta Barnett School entrance exam consists of two rounds:

  • Round One: takes place in early September 2026 – multiple-choice tests in English, verbal, and non-verbal reasoning, written by GL Assessment 
  • Round Two: takes place in early October 2026 – standard format/written tests in English and maths
    • English: tests literacy, comprehension and creative writing skills
    • Maths: tests numeracy and problem-solving skills, based on Key Stage 2 curriculum

Following Round One of testing, the results of these questions will be compiled, standardised, and placed in rank order. 

Entrance to HBS is highly competitive and only the top 300 candidates will be invited back to sit the second round of testing.

The results of both tests are used to determine the place allocation for Year 7. The list of candidates will be passed onto the Local Authority which will make the offer of places on National Offer Day.

How to prepare your child for the 11 Plus (11+) The Henrietta Barnett School exam

The most useful way to prepare for The Henrietta Barnett School’s 11+ entrance exam is to use practice tests to familiarise your child with the exam content and format.

These tests can help your child to build their confidence and improve their performance in the exam.

For The Henrietta Barnett School 11+ preparation, we recommend the following packs: 

Stage One

Key Recommendations

Also available as smaller bundles:

Further Recommendations

Stage Two

Key Recommendations

Further Recommendations

Both Stages

Targeted Skills

Stage One

Key Recommendations

Also available as smaller bundles:

Further Recommendations

Stage Two

Key Recommendations

Further Recommendations

Both Stages

Targeted Skills

Mock Exams

Find out more about Examberry’s in-person mock exams: please click here.

Tuition

Find out more about Examberry’s in-person and online tuition courses for The Henrietta Barnett School 11+ preparation: please click here.

Creative Writing Course

Find out more about Examberry’s in-person creative writing tuition courses for 11+ preparation: please click here.

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