A Guide to the 11 Plus London Consortium Exams
October 25th, 2024
In this article, experienced independent school teacher and tutor Jess, presents an overview of the new 11 plus examinations at London Consortium Schools.
The Consortium schools comprise of the following girls’ schools:
Channing, Francis Holland Sloane Square, Francis Holland Regents Park, Godolphin and Latymer, More House School, Northwood College for Girls, Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Queen’s College, Queen’s Gate, South Hampstead High School, St Augustine’s Priory, St Helen’s School, St James Senior Girls’ School and St Margaret’s School.
The New Consortium Exams Explained
Girls sit one exam (usually at their own primary or prep school) and the results are shared with the schools which she has applied for. In addition to the exam, individual schools decide on their own interview policy; for example, Channing School interviews all girls who have applied for a place whereas SHHS only interviews girls who have done well enough in the examination. Schools take into account three things when considering whether or not to offer a place: examination results, interview performance and reference from current school.
This year, the closing date for registrations is Friday 8th November 2024 and the exams will take place on Friday 29th November, Tuesday 3rd December or Thursday 5th December 2024. The offer date is Friday 14th February 2025. The deadline to accept is Thursday 6th March 2025 BUT do be aware that some schools close their lists BEFORE this date if they have filled all the places quickly! Don’t delay in accepting an offer from your first choice school, if your daughter is lucky enough to be offered a place there.
Has the exam format changed for 2025 entry?
The exam format has not changed since 2023, when a new (online) assessment process was introduced. The aim is to go beyond testing only cognitive ability and performance and several new components have been introduced, which aim to assess the true potential of a child in creative thinking and problem-solving, alongside Maths, English and reasoning skills.
They are designed to be a clearer reflection of a child’s underlying ability, strengths and potential and it is hoped by schools that they will be harder to prepare and be coached for. Thus it is also hoped that they will also reduce pressure on children facing 11+ exams.
What do the Consortium exams involve?
The exam will be in 2 parts, with a break in-between.
North London Consortium Exams Part 1:
Mathematics – 20 minutes
Non-Verbal Reasoning – 10 minutes
English Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning – 30 minutes
North London Consortium Exams Part 2:
Problem solving – 15 minutes
Creative and Analytical Section – 25 minutes
What does this mean for tutors working with girls who are sitting the Consortium exams?
Lots of the Maths, English and Reasoning material which students will face in the Consortium exams will be relevant to other 11+ entrance exams. In terms of Part 2 of the process, there are many useful activities which will help students prepare for this section, as well as interviews. A range of open questions and activities on a variety of different texts and stimuli will help to develop confidence in a student’s own responses and ideas, without veering too far from the spirit of the new process.
Do you offer tutors for the North London Schools Consortium Exams?
Yes, we have a good number of tutors who have specific experience with these exams.
Hi,
Do you know how many questions in each section of Consortium exam (not duration but number of questions to answer)?
Cheers