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Every parent wants to give their children their best shot at a dignified, productive life. Such a life as generally results from quality education. Fortunately for English parents, there is no lack of schools providing just that. Indeed, England abounds with fine institutions; Latymer Upper School is a sterling example of such. What does this school have to offer?
- more than 140 clubs and societies
- a rich athletics program, including a rowing team that has produced no fewer than three Olympic medalist winners
- a boating club
- a Theatre and Arts Centre
- a Modern Languages Centre
- various labs, including a Design and Technology lab suite as well as a Science lab suite
Tuition at Latymer Upper is currently £7510 per term (2022 school year). That sounds like a lot of money but if you were looking for the most well-rounded learning experience, it's a pretty small price tag. If you want to get into Latymer Upper School, we want to help you achieve that goal. To get started, here’s a handy guide to Latymer’s admissions and entrance exams. At the end of this article, you'll find more resources to help you get into Latymer.
About Latymer Upper School
Latymer Upper School was established in 1624 by the Latymer Foundation and its namesake, Edward Latymer. Latymer dedicated a portion of his estate to the care and education of eight disadvantaged boys. Notably, he didn't just leave money for their education but also to clothe these 'eight poore boyes', as is written in his papers. Initially, the school was housed in Fulham's churchyard but, soon, those facilities were too small to accommodate the school.
Today's facilities, located between King's Road and the Thames River, have been the school's campus since 1890. At that time, the school still only educated boys. Latymer didn't welcome female students until 1996, but only into Sixth Form. Only in 2004 did this school become fully coeducational. Now, the school welcomes over 1,200 pupils of either gender to its classrooms each year.
Latymer Upper is quite different from Hurtwood House, which was coeducational from the start. But these schools embrace similar mission statements. Latymer envisions “first and foremost a 'learning school', vibrant, global in perspective, innovative in its teaching and learning and combining the best of the traditional and the modern.”
How to Know if Latymer Upper School is Right for You
While guides and reviews are helpful, there is nothing quite like visiting the school for yourself. Latymer hosts several Open Days throughout the fall. Participating in such an event will allow you and your family to get a better feel for the school before deciding if you’d like to register.
Because Latymer Upper is such a popular school, Open Day bookings tend to fill up fast. Also, because Latymer is more flexible than, say, Alleyn's School, they offer a few open places, particularly to musically-gifted students. The best way to secure your chance to visit the campus is to keep an eye on their website's Open Days page.
Note that Latymer's Open Days vary depending on which entry you need. If your child is 11+, they will visit the school during the day while 16+ applicants enjoy an evening on campus. Also, both events require tickets. So you should contact Latymer’s Admissions Office to register your interest and book your place.
Latymer Upper Admissions Policy
If your child is entering at 11+ or 16+, they must complete the school's online registration form. The school specifies a date at the start of each school year so be sure to monitor the school's Admissions web page. Fortunately, it is clearly laid out, presenting the most important information in a table format.
Prospective students will sit entrance exams early in December. The school will then contact successful 11+ students in mid-December to arrange their interviews with a member of the school's staff. Offers are then made to qualifying students and their families by mid-February. You will have until the beginning of March to let the school know you've accepted their offer.
After registration, candidates applying to 16+ will write a favourable personal statement. They should also submit a copy of their Year 10 report and a current school reference. Latymer Upper has devised its own entrance examination, much as Bancroft's School has.
But Latymer also expects prospective students to have sat at least 9 GCSEs, earning high marks in the subjects the student intends to study at A-Level. The most academically accomplished, well-rounded students will be invited to interview in mid- to late November. Offers are sent out early in December, with responses expected two weeks after.
Latymer Upper School Interviews and Examinations
On average, 1100 pupils sit Latymer’s 11+ entrance exam each year. Students will write two two-part papers in English and Maths. The English paper is divided into a multiple choice section that focuses on linguistics, terminology and non-fiction. They will also address a creative writing section that focuses on grammar and expression.
Likewise, the Maths paper includes a multiple choice section and a short and long answer section. Both papers will cover what the student should have learned up to Key Stage 2. Around 400 students will then be called back for an interview, 170 of whom will be invited to attend Latymer in the fall.
Students applying at 16+ will be assessed via their personal statement. Latymer admissions staff will also consider their year 10 school report, a reference from their current school, and an interview with Latymer staff. The personal statement should state why your child wishes to enrol in Latymer school. They may then go on to detail their short and long-term academic goals and how they see themselves contributing to Latymer’s culture and academics.
Note that, just as prospective 16+ pupils applying to Highgate School, your student will sit an exam that the school has written. The school staff will then consider the whole of your candidacy, from GCSE marks to your personal statement. Once they make their decisions, selected students will be interviewed the following November.
Latymer mails specimen papers to all students upon registration that will help your son or daughter prepare for their exams. For the students registering for 16+ admissions, you can prepare by buffing up your interview skills. You might also consider revising with an online resource centre, or booking a private tutor to write the perfect personal statement. Good luck!
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