The Henrietta Barnett School tests in two rounds. Round One, in early September of Year 6, covers verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and English, multiple choice and scored by GL Assessment. The top 300 sit Round Two in early October: English and maths at Key Stage 2 level. The school does not publish the Round Two format, so Prism practises written answers.
| Stage | Paper | How it is answered | Prism practice paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Verbal reasoning | Multiple choice | 40 questions, 40 minutes |
| Round 1 | Non-verbal reasoning | Multiple choice | 40 questions, 40 minutes |
| Round 1 | English | Multiple choice | 30 questions, 40 minutes |
| Round 2 | English (written) | Written answers | 12 questions, 50 minutes |
| Round 2 | Maths (written) | Written answers | 25 questions, 50 minutes |
Test setters rarely publish how many questions a paper has, so the question counts are the length of Prism’s practice papers; timings follow the setter’s published guidance where there is any. Arrangements change from year to year: always check them with the school or local authority.
The Henrietta Barnett School test covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
Some answers are written, not chosen, so practise without options to fall back on: write the number or the words yourself, show the working where the paper asks for it, and check each answer against the question.
The table shows the millimetres of rain that fell each day. Which has the fewest?
Mon: 13 Tue: 4 Wed: 20 Thu: 24 Fri: 21
Answer: D, Tue
Compare the numbers: Tue has 4, the smallest.
What does the word “copious” mean?
Answer: D, in large amounts
Two words have been written in the same code. What is the rule?
STAR → UVCT PARK → RCTM
Answer: D, Each letter moves 2 forward
Which figure is the odd one out?
Answer: C
The Henrietta Barnett tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
The main test usually takes place in September of Year 6. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the Henrietta Barnett format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Practise straight away at your child’s school year in maths and English, with verbal and non-verbal reasoning for the 11 Plus, and every answer explained. A free check, whenever you like, shows what to practise next and builds a weekly plan, for their year or for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
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