Usually, when parents start shopping around for their daughters' schools, prestige is the least consideration. Academic excellence, affordable tuition and, above all, a campus where their daughters will feel welcome and happy, sure. But couldn't one have all of that and prestige, too? At the City of London School for Girls, the answer is a resounding yes.

  • the fees might be a bit more than comparable schools but you get great value for your money
  • students enjoy all the best that London has to offer against their academic background
  • competitive entry ensures that only the top students fill its classrooms
  • the City of London Girls' School maintains a reputation for academic excellence
  • it is one of the most diverse campuses in England

Who wouldn't want their daughter to attend such a school? If only there were a guide to tell you what you need to know about the admissions process! Well... Please have a seat, grab a cup of tea, and scroll through our complete guide to admissions, exams and interviews to get into the City of London School for Girls.

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About City of London School for Girls

The City of London School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged 7-18. Relatively new for a top-rated English school, the City of London School for Girls was established by City merchant William Ward in 1894. That first year, the school accepted 53 girls.

Scepticism surrounding girls’ education was still so pervasive in those days. Many church-backed schools and even secular ones wouldn't believe that there's a point to educating females. Mr Ward took that under advisement.

A black-and-white snapshot of a blonde female student sitting at a desk, peering intently at her open laptop computer
Not so long ago, most people thought that educating girls was pointless. Photo by Anthony Da Cruz on Unsplash

The school was originally built for easy conversion into offices following its inevitable failure. Perhaps he needn't have bothered. The city survived sexism, war, and multiple relocations to become one of the leading schools in England. And nobody is saying it's pointless to educate girls anymore. At least, not so it matters.

The city takes full advantage of their central London location. Teachers routinely take learning out of the classroom and into the city's world-class museums, art galleries and theatres around town. Girls are encouraged to think independently, and, above all, to develop a healthy sense of “respect, resilience, and responsibility.”

To find out if the City of London School for Girls is right for you and your daughter, plan on attending one of their Open events. Like James Allen's Girls' School, City hosts them several times each year, from June through October. You and your daughter may tour school grounds, chat with staff and students, and ask as many questions as you’d like. You don’t need to make a reservation; just arrive at the school’s reception half an hour before the events' start times.

City of London Girls' School Admissions Policy

For 7+ student entry, the City of London School for Girls generally has limited placement. Some years, there are as few as two dozen places for which a hundred or more prospective pupils might vie. To register, your daughter will need to be at least seven years old at the time of entry. She will sit her entry test when she is in Year 2, the November prior to entry.

For 11+ student entry, placement is a bit more generous. Some years see as many as 75 open positions. If your daughter is in Year 5 or 6, she may register for City’s January entrance exam to begin her application process.

It is important to note that girls applying for placement at the City of London Girls' School will no longer be considered a part of the North London Independent Girls’ Schools’ Consortium. This will affect their application to certain schools. Fortunately, Guildford High School does not count among their number; you may still apply there regardless of how your City application turns out.

For 16+ student entry, registration is generally open until mid-October (be sure to check the school's website for exact dates). Placement at this level is hyper-competitive. Some years, the school only has places for 15 - 20 new girls. To complete the registration process, your daughter must sit four A-Level exams. She will also submit to an interview with a Sixth Form tutor and must have earned at least 8 GCSEs at A* or A.

This is, of course, just a general overview. As these data change from year to year, you should make sure you have the latest information. For more about registrations and important dates, City has compiled an Admissions Booklet. Also, this information is available on the school's website.

A small blonde girl in a yellow jumper holds two brown eggs up to her eyes and makes a pouting face.
The City of London School for Girls wants to know your daughter, even if she's a bit silly. Photo by Hannah Tasker on Unsplash

City of London School for Girls’ exams and interviews

For 7+ entries, your daughter will complete an assessment in reading, story writing, and mathematics.  Around 50 girls will then be invited to take a second assessment; one that is more social in nature. During that portion of the initial assessment, girls will be evaluated on how they interact with the staff and with each other.

After all, if the school has any further questions for you or your daughter, you will be invited to interview a member of the Prep staff. These tests are meant to replicate the girls’ typical school day. They should be a friendly, no-pressure way to introduce yourself and your daughter to City’s culture and academic expectations. With that in mind, City encourages your daughter to ask any and all questions. They will do everything they can for your daughter to enjoy her time learning new things during the assessment.

A woman wearing a blue hijab stand next to a sign about memorising, reading a red-covered book.
The City of London School for Girls' is one of the most diverse independent school campuses in England. Photo by Lisda Kania Yuliani on Unsplash

For 11+ entries, your daughter will write both an English and a Maths exam. To keep matters stress-free, students are sat together in small groups. They will write their individual exams for a total of two and a half hours (one hour and fifteen minutes each).

If your daughter does well on her papers, she will be scheduled for an interview with a teaching staff member in late January. The interview is about 20 minutes long. Unlike Haberdashers' School for Girls, City advises parents and students against running mock interviews. Instead, prepare for your tests and interview by familiarizing yourself with City’s sample papers. The school further recommends reading lots of books and getting used to talking at length about your interests and skills in a candid and open manner.

For 16+ entries, your daughter will sit four 45-minute papers in the A-Level subjects of her choosing - with one caveat. If she has chosen Design and Technology or Art, she must bring a portfolio of her recent work to her entrance exam. The goal here is to weigh your daughter’s potential so it is fine if she chooses a subject that is new to her.

Providing she does well on her papers, your daughter will be asked to interview with a member of staff in mid-November. To stand out - to shine brighter than other prospective students, take a look at City’s sample papers. That way, you'll know what to expect every step of the way. And then, be prepared to have a friendly chat with staff about your interests, academics and current affairs. Good luck!

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Jon

As an Englishman in Paris, I enjoy growing my knowledge of other languages and cultures. I'm interested in History, Economics, and Sociology and believe in the importance of continuous learning.