The Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) is a highly selective girls' grammar school located in Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London. Admission to Year 7 is determined by a two-stage examination process, assessing academic ability across several subjects.
Prospective pupils typically begin their 11+ preparation well in advance of the examination dates, focusing on developing strong foundational skills in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
The Henrietta Barnett School uses a competitive two-stage examination process. The first stage screens candidates based on English and Mathematics. These tests are often in a multiple-choice format, designed to assess core curriculum knowledge and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.
Candidates who perform strongly in Stage 1 are invited to sit the Stage 2 examination. This second stage typically focuses on Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These tests evaluate a different set of skills, including logical thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to work with abstract information, which are less reliant on school curriculum and more on innate aptitude.
For the English component, preparation should include extensive reading to improve comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Practising various question types, such as retrieving information, inferring meaning, and understanding literary techniques, is crucial. Regularly writing short essays or creative pieces can also help develop composition skills.
Mathematics preparation should cover the Key Stage 2 national curriculum thoroughly, extending to more advanced problem-solving questions. Focus on mental arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra foundations, geometry, and data interpretation. Timed practice of past papers or similar questions helps pupils become familiar with the exam style and time constraints.
Verbal Reasoning tests assess linguistic ability and logical thought. Practice with a wide range of question types, including codes, analogies, synonyms/antonyms, and deductive reasoning, is essential. Developing a strong vocabulary and understanding word relationships are fundamental to success in this area.
Non-Verbal Reasoning requires identifying patterns, sequences, and relationships in shapes and figures. This section often feels unfamiliar to primary school pupils as it is not part of the standard curriculum. Regular practice with diverse Non-Verbal Reasoning puzzles helps children recognise different patterns and develop strategies for solving them efficiently. There are many commercially available practice papers that can assist with this.
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Start free →No, The Henrietta Barnett School is a state-funded grammar school. It does not charge tuition fees.
The school typically offers 93 places in Year 7 each year. However, this number can be subject to minor changes, so it's always best to check the school's official admissions policy for the most current information.
A grammar school is a secondary school that selects pupils based on their academic ability, typically through an 11+ examination. This differs from comprehensive schools, which admit pupils of all abilities without an entrance exam.
The Henrietta Barnett School does not operate a traditional catchment area in the same way as some other schools. Admission is based primarily on performance in the entrance examinations. However, usually a certain proportion of places are reserved for pupils living within a specific local area, which is defined by the school. Always consult the school's admissions policy for precise details on any such arrangements.