Applying to The Henrietta Barnett School (or “HBS” for short) is no small step. For many families, it’s the culmination of years of preparation. The moment where all those practice papers, vocabulary drills and logic puzzles meet the reality of one of the most challenging 11 Plus exams in the country.
Each year, thousands of bright, ambitious girls apply for around 120 Year 7 places. The process is split into two rounds, and competition is fierce. But for the right students, the school is a life-changing experience.
In this guide, we’ll unpack exactly what the HBS entry process involves — from exam format to catchment rules, pass marks and practical tips. To better understand how the two rounds differ, what the HBS 11+ really looks like, and the kind of results your daughter needs, read on.
Henrietta Barnett School: A Brief Introduction
Nestled in the heart of leafy Hampstead Garden Suburb, The Henrietta Barnett School is one of the most respected grammar schools in the country.
Founded in 1911 by Dame Henrietta Barnett, the school was established to provide exceptional education for girls in North London — something revolutionary at the time. Over a century later, that ethos remains: academic excellence, creativity and social responsibility.
HBS consistently ranks among the top state schools in the UK, with extraordinary GCSE and A Level results. Indeed, it currently takes top spot in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table. But what really sets it apart is the atmosphere.
Henrietta Barnett is a place where driven, intelligent and curious girls thrive. It’s a school where music, the arts, debate and individuality are prized just as much as academic results.
What’s the entrance test for Henrietta Barnett School?
Henrietta Barnett uses a two-round selection process for year 7 entry. It’s a rigorous test that pinpoints the highest-performing candidates from a strong field. As such, it’s structured differently from “standard” 11 Plus exams. In round 1, your child faces English, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning questions. The top 300 scoring candidates are then invited to sit round 2.
Here’s how it works…
- Round 1 is a GL Assessment multiple-choice paper testing English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Round 2 is a free-response written exam set by the school itself, covering English and Mathematics.
It’s worth noting that while the school’s admissions information describes the tests as assessing “skills appropriate to the Key Stage 2 curriculum,” feedback from parents and tutors suggests the papers are pitched at a higher level.
Each year, around 2,500–3,000 girls sit Round 1, and around 10% progress to Round 2. That gives you an idea of competition — but also the selectivity that makes HBS such a remarkable school.
What’s the format for the HBS 11 Plus exam?
Let’s take a closer look at what each stage involves.
Round 1: GL Assessment – English, Verbal Reasoning & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Round 1 of the Henrietta Barnett 11 Plus is a multiple-choice paper split into three separate, timed sections. It’s designed and marked by GL Assessment, the same provider used by schools like QE Boys and the South West Herts Consortium.
However, HBS’s paper is known to be tougher than most other grammar schools, especially the English component. While the exact format changes from year to year, here’s how the sections break down.
1. English
Roughly 30 minutes, including 5 minutes planning. Multiple-choice.
The English component focuses heavily on reading comprehension and vocabulary. Students must infer meaning, interpret tone and understand how language is used to convey emotion and perspective.
For example:
- Preparing for this section of the exam isn’t about grammar drills or writing essays. Instead, vocabulary and comprehension skills are everything.
- Many questions demand an instinctive grasp of high-level words and subtle differences in meaning.
- Children who read widely (classic fiction, complex narratives and quality journalism) tend to perform best.
2. Verbal Reasoning
Roughly 25 minutes. 34 multiple-choice questions.
This section is a real test of logical thinking, pattern recognition and speed. Unlike standard English, verbal reasoning questions focus on how words relate to one another. Think synonyms, antonyms, sequences, letter codes and more.
- HBS’s verbal reasoning test is widely considered more challenging than SW Herts or standard GL Assessment tests.
- Given the number of questions, time is incredibly tight. Students must be comfortable performing quickly and accurately under pressure.
- Practising a wide variety of question types is essential for building both accuracy and confidence.
3. Non-Verbal Reasoning
Roughly 8 minutes, multiple-choice. Split between two quick-fire 4 minute sections.
This section tests visual-spatial logic. Things like spotting patterns, transformations and relationships between shapes and figures.
- Expect two sub-sections, each featuring a variety of question types.
- Time pressure is intense, and the pace can feel almost impossible at first.
- The key is familiarity. Once students understand each question format, speed and accuracy improve.
Each component includes a brief practice exercise before the timed section begins, but the entire paper is taken in one sitting.
Round 2: Bespoke Written Papers – English and Maths
The second stage of the Henrietta Barnett 11+ is where things get more challenging. Round 2 is less about multiple-choice speed and more about depth of understanding, written communication and logical reasoning.
The papers are set and marked by the school itself. Officially, they test Key Stage 2 knowledge, but families report the difficulty is closer to early secondary level.
Here’s a breakdown.
English Paper
Roughly 30 minutes. Includes both comprehension and creative writing.
- Usually includes a comprehension section and a written task.
- The comprehension questions require longer, more thoughtful answers. Students must analyse character, motivation and tone, as well as literary devices like metaphors and similes.
- The creative writing task might ask for a continuation of a story, a description or a short argument or letter.
- Examiners look for fluency, original ideas, ambitious vocabulary and clarity of expression.
Maths Paper
Roughly 60 minutes. Half the questions are multiple-choice, half are free-response.
- Covers the full Key Stage 2 syllabus. Think fractions, percentages, algebraic reasoning, ratio, area and perimeter, as well as logical problem-solving.
- Questions are often multi-step and word-heavy, demanding both calculation and comprehension.
- In the free-response section, method marks are crucial. Children should clearly show their working, even if they don’t reach the final answer.
Is there a catchment area for Henrietta Barnett School?
One of the most unusual things about HBS is that it doesn’t have a defined catchment area. That’s part of what makes it so competitive. Anyone from across Greater London (or even further afield) can apply.
However, “no catchment” doesn’t mean “distance doesn’t matter.” Absolutely anyone can sit Round 1 of the HBS 11 Plus, no matter where they live. However, if you get through to Round 2, candidates within three miles of the school are prioritised.
As a result, many successful candidates live within a few miles of the school. But there are also students who travel from further out (from Barnet, Harrow, even parts of Hertfordshire). This gives the school a fantastically diverse mix — something Henrietta Barnett is rightly proud of.
In rare tie-break situations, distance from the school can also be used to determine final offers, measured in a straight line from your home address.
You can find all the latest information on the school’s admissions pages.
What’s the pass mark for Henrietta Barnett?
There isn’t a fixed “pass mark” for the Henrietta Barnett 11 Plus. Instead, the school uses a standardisation and ranking process.
Here’s how it works.
- Round 1 scores are standardised for age and used to shortlist candidates for Round 2. Only the 300 top scoring girls progress.
- Round 2 results are combined with Round 1 to create a final ranked list. Pupils living within three miles (as well as those in receipt of Pupil Premium or “Looked After” children) are prioritised. Then, only the top-ranking girls are offered places, until all Year 7 slots are filled.
So in practice, this means:
- Roughly the top 10% of Round 1 candidates progress to Round 2.
- Around one in three Round 2 candidates ultimately receive offers.
So while there’s no set mark, aiming for 90% or above in GL-style practice papers is a sensible benchmark. Focus less on chasing a specific number, and more on developing consistency and timing. That’s what separates those who get through Round 1 and beyond.
What’s the acceptance rate for Henrietta Barnett?
Each year, HBS receives 2,500–3,000 applications for around 100–120 places. This means an overall acceptance rate of roughly 10%.
In 2025, the school sent 3121 invitations to students for Round 1 of testing. 2686 girls attended, with the top 300 progressing to Round 2.
The competition might sound daunting, but it’s worth remembering: this process is designed to identify not just the most academic students, but those who thrive on problem-solving and curiosity. As a result, preparation, confidence and a genuine love of learning go a long way.
QuickFire FAQs: HBS Ranking & Reputation
Before we wrap-up, here are the questions parents ask most often. From Henrietta Barnett’s ranking and reputation, to costs and GCSE and A Level performance, here are the key facts all parents should know.
Is Henrietta Barnett a good school?
Without question. Yes. Henrietta Barnett is one of the top-performing grammar schools in the country, with exceptional results and a reputation for nurturing well-rounded students.
While academic standards are sky-high, HBS also places a strong emphasis on creative subjects — music, art and drama are integral to school life. There’s also a refreshing sense of balance, and students aren’t just treated as exam machines. In fact, Ofsted’s latest report particularly praised how:
“Pupils’ confidence is enhanced through strong participation in the school’s wide ranging extra-curricular provision. This includes debating clubs and a symphony orchestra, as well as sports, drama and engineering provision.”
What is Henrietta Barnett ranked?
In The Sunday Times Parent Power table, HBS consistently ranks in the top five state schools nationally. For 2025, it’s ranked number one grammar school in the country, recognised as the “State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025”.
Speaking of this amazing recognition, the school said: “Our school nurtures the whole person. We strive to create an inspiring and enriching environment where girls can grow not only academically but personally, cognitively and socially.”
They also went on to describe the school’s pride at breaking “stereotypes about what girls can and cannot do; we are proud of our rich tradition of so many students taking up fields in which girls have historically been underrepresented such as science, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership.” A testament to the school’s enduring spirit.
How much does it cost to go to Henrietta Barnett?
Nothing at all. Henrietta Barnett is a state-funded grammar school, so there are no tuition fees.
Parents are only asked for voluntary contributions to support enrichment activities, school trips and facilities. There’s a charitable fund (“The HBS Trust”) which also welcomes donations from parents and the wider community. But again, payments are entirely optional.
What were Henrietta Barnett GCSE results for 2025?
Henrietta Barnett’s 2025 GCSE students achieved some truly outstanding results.
- Over 97% of all GCSE grades were 9–7.
- More than 69% were grade 9.
- 100% of pupils secured a passing grade 4 or above in English and Maths.
At A Level, over 86% of entries were graded A*–B, with 72% A* or A. As a result, almost all HBS students move on to top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and leading Russell Group institutions. Indeed, in 2024, an impressive 27 girls went on to Oxbridge. 17 to Cambridge and 10 to Oxford.
Achieve Learning: Expert Support in 11 Plus Preparation
The two-round Henrietta Barnett exam may be challenging, but for many students, it’s the gateway to an extraordinary education surrounded by like-minded peers.
Preparation should focus on understanding the exam style, building vocabulary and reasoning speed, and developing calm confidence under pressure.
At Achieve Learning, we’ve supported hundreds of students through the HBS process — helping them learn not just what to study, but how to approach it. Our 11+ specialists offer one-to-one tuition, targeted mock exams and academic consultancy to help your daughter walk into the exam hall with confidence.
To find out more or book a consultation, get in touch with our friendly team today.
