Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the range of these numbers?
10, 12, 3, 5, 11, 7
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 9
How to work it out
Range = largest − smallest = 12 − 3 = 9.
City of London School for Girls: 11 Plus entry
A independent school in North & Central London for girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
At a glance
- Type
- Independent school
- Pupils
- Girls
- Area
- North & Central London, London
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- Independent school 11+ (own papers)
- Tested
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Competition
- Super-selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 88% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the Independent school 11+ (own papers)
Most independent schools set their own maths and English papers in January of Year 6, often with a reasoning test, creative writing and an interview.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ assessment | Maths | 25 | 60 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | English | 12 | 60 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | Puzzles & Problem Solving | 15 | 30 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare
The Independent school 11+ (own papers) 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 January.
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.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “fleeting” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, lasting a very short time
How to work it out
- “Fleeting” (adjective) means lasting a very short time.
- For example: We had a fleeting glimpse of the comet.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Change one letter at a time to turn the first word into the last. Every step must be a real word. Which word goes in the middle?
HALL → ? → CALM
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, CALL
How to work it out
HALL → CALL (one letter changed) → CALM (one more letter changed).
Why the other options are wrong
- A (TALL): TALL is one step from HALL, but it needs two more changes to reach CALM.
- C (WALL): WALL is one step from HALL, but it needs two more changes to reach CALM.
- D (HILL): HILL is one step from HALL, but it needs two more changes to reach CALM.
- E (FALL): FALL is one step from HALL, but it needs two more changes to reach CALM.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B
How to work it out
- Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
- The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.
Other selective schools in North & Central London
- City of London School
- Highgate School
- University College School
- North London Collegiate School
- Haberdashers’ Boys’ School
- Haberdashers’ Girls’ School
- Channing School
- South Hampstead High School
- Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park
- Queen’s College, London
- Mill Hill School
- Forest School
- Bancroft’s School
- Chigwell School
- Brentwood School
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does City of London School for Girls use?
City of London School for Girls uses the Independent school 11+ (own papers), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning and includes a piece of writing. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for City of London School for Girls?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 88% consistently in practice for a super-selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for City of London School for Girls?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in January.
Preparing for City of London School for Girls?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Start the free assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with City of London School for Girls. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.