Mill Hill School: 11 Plus entry

A independent school in North & Central London for boys and girls, with entry at 11+ and 13+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.

At a glance

Type
Independent school
Pupils
Mixed
Area
North & Central London, London
Entry
11+ and 13+
Entrance test
Independent school 11+ (own papers)
Tested
Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Highly selective
Prism’s suggested target
80% 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.

StagePaperQuestionsTime
11+ assessmentMaths2560 minutes
11+ assessmentEnglish1260 minutes
11+ assessmentReasoning4040 minutes
11+ assessmentPuzzles & Problem Solving1530 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 1Aim for about 60 seconds

In 7,314,991, what is the value of the digit in position 1 from the left?

The digit is 7.

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, 7000000

How to work it out

Count the columns from the right: the 7 sits in the 1,000,000s column, so it is worth 7,000,000.

Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

What does the word “tranquil” mean?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, calm and peaceful

How to work it out

  1. “Tranquil” (adjective) means calm and peaceful.
  2. For example: We spent a tranquil afternoon by the river.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds

Which word can go after “hat” to make a new word?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, red

How to work it out

  1. hat + red = hatred.
  2. Say each option after “hat” and check it makes a real word.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure is the odd one out?

Show the worked answer

Answer: E

How to work it out

  1. In each figure the number of dots matches the number of sides of the shape, except the odd one out.
  2. Shading and angle are distractors.

Other selective schools in North & Central London

Questions parents ask

What entrance test does Mill Hill School use?

Mill Hill School 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 Mill Hill School?

Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 80% consistently in practice for a highly 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 Mill Hill School?

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 Mill Hill School?

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 assessment

Prism Learning is not affiliated with Mill Hill School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.