The Henrietta Barnett School 11 Plus Guide

Are you planning to apply to The Henrietta Barnett School? This guide contains everything you need to know about The Henrietta Barnett School, what the school is like, how the Henrietta Barnett School 11+ exam works, entry requirements, key dates, catchment area, and exactly how to prepare your daughter to give her the best possible chance. 

About the Henrietta Barnett School

The Henrietta Barnett School, often called HBS, is a girls' grammar school in Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London. It consistently ranks among the top state schools in England and is known for its excellent academic results, strong community spirit, and high expectations.

Every year, thousands of families across London consider applying. The school offers 120 places in Year 7, making it one of the most competitive selective schools in the country. That is why preparing well for the Henrietta Barnett School 11+ exam matters so much.

If your daughter is in Year 5 or Year 6, now is the perfect time to start thinking about what the admissions process looks like and how you can give her the best possible chance.

Key facts at a glance

• School type: Girls' grammar school

• Location: Hampstead Garden Suburb, London

• Year 7 places: 120

• Exam board: GL Assessment (Round 1)

• Catchment area: No formal catchment

Does the Henrietta Barnett School have a catchment area?

No, there is no formal Henrietta Barnett School catchment area. Girls from all over London (and beyond) can apply and sit the 11+ exam.

However, there is an important distance rule you should know about. When it comes to giving out places, children who live within three miles of the school are given priority over those who live further away. Distance is measured as the straight-line distance from your home to the school's main entrance.

If you do not live close to the school, your daughter can still apply and get a place if she scores highly enough. But living nearby does help when places are tight.

Important Henrietta Barnett School 11+ registration dates for 2027 entry

Getting your dates right is absolutely essential. Miss the registration window and your daughter cannot sit the exam. Here are all the key dates you need to save:

1st April 2026: Test registration opens on the school website

30th June 2026: Open Day (Year 5 students and parents booking required)

1st July 2026: Test registration closes; do not miss this deadline

Early September 2026: First round exam takes place

Late September 2026: First round results released

Early October 2026: Second round exam, by invitation only (top 300)

31st October 2026: Deadline to apply for secondary school places (common application)

1st March 2027: National secondary school offers day

How to apply: The Henrietta Barnett School admissions process step by step

Applying to HBS is a two-stage process. Here is exactly what happens:

Step 1: Register for the test

From 1 April 2026, a registration link will be available on the school's admissions page. You need to register your daughter by 1 July 2026. Registration is free.

Step 2: Take the first round exam

The first round exam takes place in early September 2026. All registered girls sit this exam. Results come out in late September. If your daughter ranks in the top 300 out of all the girls who sat the exam, she will be invited to the second round.

Step 3: Sit the second round exam (if invited)

The second round takes place in early October 2026. Only the top 300 girls from round one are invited. After round two, scores from both exams are combined, and children are ranked.

Step 4: Apply to your common application form

If your daughter meets the qualifying standard, you name The Henrietta Barnett School on your Common Application Form (CAF). This must be submitted to your local authority by 31 October 2026. Offers go out on 1 March 2027.

For more details on the wider process, our grammar school admissions guide walks you through every stage, from registration to offers day.

What does the Henrietta Barnett School 11+ exam look like?

There are two rounds. They test different things and have a different format. Here is what your daughter can expect in each one.

Round One - GL Assessment exam

All questions are multiple choice. Your daughter uses a question booklet and a separate answer sheet.

• English - reading comprehension and language questions

• Verbal reasoning - words, letters, symbols and logic

• Non-verbal reasoning - shapes, patterns and visual puzzles

Round Two - HBS's own papers

Written by school staff. Not multiple choice, answers are written out in full.

• English - reading comprehension and creative writing

• Maths - Year 5 and Year 6 curriculum content

The first round is all about speed and accuracy with multiple-choice questions. The second round asks your daughter to really show what she can do, in extended writing and mathematical reasoning. Both rounds matter, and both need specific preparation.

Our expert 11 plus tutors are experienced in preparing girls for exactly this two-round format - both the GL Assessment style and the school's own written papers.

How to help your daughter prepare for the 11+ exam

The Henrietta Barnett School 11+ exam is competitive, but it is also very manageable with the right preparation. Here are the most effective things you can do.

1. Start early and build a clear plan

Ideally, start preparing in Year 5, around 12 to 18 months before the exam. This gives your daughter time to build skills steadily, without any last-minute panic. A structured plan covering English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning makes all the difference.

Our 11 plus tuition programmes are built around exactly this kind of structured, progressive preparation, helping your daughter improve week by week, in a way that works around family life.

2. Focus on all four subjects

Round one tests English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Round two tests English and maths. That means your daughter needs to be confident across all four subjects. Do not neglect maths just because it only appears in round two; it carries significant weight in the final score.

3. Practise with realistic mock exams

There is no better preparation than sitting papers under real exam conditions. This helps your daughter get used to the timing, the format, and the pressure of a real test. Our 11 plus mock exams are designed to mirror the actual HBS exam experience as closely as possible, giving her valuable practice before the real thing.

4. Build reading habits early

Strong reading makes everything easier, comprehension, vocabulary, creative writing and even verbal reasoning. Encourage your daughter to read every day, even just for 15 minutes. Mix fiction and non-fiction, try different genres, and read together when you can. The habits built now will pay off in the exam room.

5. Consider an intensive boost closer to the exam

As the exam date gets closer, some families find it helpful to do focused, concentrated preparation over a short period. Our 11 plus intensive courses are designed for exactly this, giving your daughter a sharp, focused boost in the weeks before the exam, covering exam technique, timing, and any remaining gaps in her knowledge.

Final Thoughts

The Henrietta Barnett School is one of the most sought-after grammar schools in London, and for good reason. With just 120 places available each year and a two-round exam process that tests English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and maths, the competition is fierce. But it is absolutely achievable with the right preparation.

At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we have been helping families navigate exactly this process. Whether your daughter is in Year 4 and just beginning her journey, or in Year 5 and looking to close the gap quickly, we have a programme that meets her exactly where she is right now, and takes her where she needs to be.