City of London School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​City of London School is a selective independent school for boys located in London. Established in 1442, it educates 950+ pupils aged 10 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Ranked among the best independent schools in the UK, City of London School for Boys delivers stellar results. The ISI rates the school "Excellent," in its last inspection. You can read more on City of London School ISI inspection report.

The City of London school for boys leverages its unique Thames-side location to offer the distinct ‘Talk!’ lecture series and a pioneering ‘Towards 2030’ strategy. This vision focuses on shaping students who are Kind, Aware, and Ready, whilst extensive transformational bursaries ensure a diverse, academic community.

In this guide, I leverage my 18-year education consultancy background to simplify City of London School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Boys
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 10 – 18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1060+
• City of London School GCSE Results (2025): 96% achieved Grades 9–7
• City of London School A-Level Results (2025): 75% achieved Grades A*–A

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Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 85
• Exam Board: School Set Exam
• Number of Stages: 2
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

​Attending the City of London School open day is the first step in your admissions journey. I have compiled the essential City of London School 11 plus exam dates to help you organise your schedule effectively. This guide details every key 11+ Exam date, ensuring you are fully prepared for the year ahead.

Parents seeking a place at this prestigious City of London school for Boys must adhere to strict timelines for the September 2026 intake. As stated on the City of London School Admissions Policy, the registration window typically opens in April and closes in early November. This rigorous process aligns with other competitive independent schools in London.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Submit the online application form by early November 2025 to successfully complete your 11 plus exam registration.
• Pay the non-refundable registration fee and upload your son's unabridged birth certificate to secure his eligibility for the 11+ Exam.
• Indicate any specific interest in Music Scholarships or means-tested Bursaries clearly on the form before the deadline for eleven plus exams.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at City of London School. The application process for September 2026 entry begins in Autumn 2025.

As stated in the City of London School Admissions Policy, applicants face a rigorous two-stage academic assessment. This structured approach ensures boys are fully prepared for the fast-paced environment at CLS London.

Stage One Test

The initial assessment is a bespoke online test taken at the candidate's current primary school. This evaluation takes place during late Autumn in 2025.

It features a variety of standard 11 plus exam questions. These thoroughly cover core curriculum topics alongside innate cognitive abilities.

11+ English and Creative Comprehension

• Candidates will read unseen text passages and answer questions testing inference.
• They must demonstrate a strong grasp of complex vocabulary and grammar.
• The creative comprehension assesses how well boys interpret highly nuanced texts.
• Pupils must read quickly and accurately under strict time pressure.

11+ Mathematics

• This section evaluates fundamental numeracy alongside advanced problem-solving skills.
• Pupils must tackle multi-step equations based strictly on the Key Stage 2 syllabus.
• Calculators are strictly prohibited during this entire part of the assessment.
• Mental arithmetic speed is crucial for finishing these mathematical questions.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Boys will face logic puzzles evaluating spatial awareness and pattern recognition.
• They must identify relationships between shapes without relying on prior knowledge.
• Verbal sections require students to manipulate letters and words logically.
• These questions identify underlying academic potential beyond standard classroom teaching.

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Stage Two Test

Boys who perform exceptionally well progress to the next phase in January 2026. They will visit the school campus to sit a formal written paper.

This City of London School 11 Plus Test element focuses strictly on written expression. It allows candidates to showcase their individual flair and imagination.

Creative Writing

• Candidates write a structured narrative response to a specific given prompt.
• The handwritten paper lasts for exactly 30 minutes in total.
• Markers look for accurate punctuation, varied vocabulary, and creative imagination.
• Boys must plan their stories effectively within the very short timeframe.

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The 11+ Interview

Successful candidates from the written rounds will attend a short interview. Teaching staff look for teachability, confidence, and genuine intellectual curiosity.

The conversational setting allows boys to discuss their personal academic interests. Parents should explore 11+ interview questions to help prepare their sons for this stage.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

What exam board does City of London School follow?

Bespoke online assessment and internally set papers

How long is the 11+ Exam for City of London School? 

Stage One is roughly 100 minutes and Stage Two is 30 minutes.

The City of London school for Boys does not publish a specific required standard or cut-off score. Successful candidates are selected based on their relative performance in the eleven plus exam compared to the annual cohort.

While the school does not have an official pass mark, if the child is able to achieve 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, they will be able to ace the City of London School 11 plus exam.

City of London School is a prestigious choice for boys seeking academic excellence in the capital. Its central location makes it highly desirable for families across London. You can visit their official site here at City of London School.

However, securing a place is incredibly competitive due to the high volume of applicants. I have advised parents for over 18+ years on 11+ strategy. Relying solely on one option is a high-risk approach.

I recommend a portfolio of two Grammar schools and three Private schools. This strategy ensures your son enters a top-tier learning environment.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Most families applying to the City of London school for Boys also target these high-performing alternatives. They offer comparable academic rigor and excellent university prospects. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

*Data based on recent 2024/2025 reporting cycles.

Why these schools are the top alternatives

• Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE Barnet): This is the gold standard for state education in the UK. It offers a rigorous academic environment similar to CLS without the fees.
• St Paul’s School: St Paul’s is the closest private sector rival in terms of prestige. It suits boys who thrive in a highly intellectual and fast-paced atmosphere.
• Westminster Under School: This school is a common pathway for boys aiming for Westminster School later. It shares the central London energy that draws parents to CLS.
• University College School (UCS): UCS offers a slightly more liberal and pastoral approach than its competitors. It is an excellent choice for boys needing a balanced educational ethos.
• The Latymer School: This co-educational grammar school is a fantastic option for North London families. It combines high academic standards with a diverse student body.

​Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of the City of London School 11+ exam past papers reveals a distinct topic weighting. Numbers and Geometry account for a large portion of the questions in the Stage One test.

11 Plus Maths Topics - Stage One

Try our 11 Plus Maths topics-wise Questions with more than 15,000+ targeted questions. Used by over 20,000+ students, it includes a complete exam planner and worksheets. For comprehensive revision, we highly recommend the 11+ Maths Independent Practice Papers Pack 1 and our 11+ Maths Solved Past Papers. Practising these 11 plus maths papers ensures readiness for the actual test format.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

Based on our Stage One analysis, reading and vocabulary are critical focus areas. Strong 11 plus english comprehension skills are essential for the online format.

English Topic - Stage One

To excel, students should use the 11+ English Independent Practice Papers Pack 1. You should also supplement this with 11+ English Past Papers and 11+ Comprehension Test Papers. Mastering grammar is easier with targeted 11+ SPAG Papers and focused 11+ Literary Devices practice.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

The 11 exam verbal reasoning section tests logic, vocabulary, and pattern recognition. Maths, making words, and missing words are the primary focus areas.

11 Plus VR Topics - Stage One

Elevate your child's score with our11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers. This pack features over 1,400+ topic-wise questions to master 11 plus verbal reasoning patterns.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non - Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of past tests shows that spatial awareness and analogies are critical. Block counting and 2D views carry significant weightage in this reasoning paper.

11 Plus NVR Topics - Stage One

Prepare effectively with our dedicated 11+ NVR Practice Papers. This resource provides expert-designed tests to build confidence in 11 plus non verbal reasoning.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for City of London School - Stage One?

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Creative Writing topics

The Stage Two test requires original thought, strong vocabulary, and clear structural planning. Students must showcase their imagination under timed conditions. Reviewing 11+ creative writing model answers is an excellent way to prepare.

11 Plus Creative Writing Topics - Stage Two

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for City of London School - Stage Two Test?

Parents often ask how to prepare for the rigorous Stage Two assessment. To match this open-ended writing style, we strongly advise using targeted resources. Practising with 11 plus creative writing past papers will ensure your child is fully prepared.

Best 11+ Mock Exam for City of London School

To build stamina for the bespoke online assessment format, structured mock exams are highly beneficial. We recommend the11+ ISEB Pre-Test Mock Pack 1(Maths, English, NVR & VR). It accurately simulates the timing and pressure of online reasoning and core subject tests.

​City of London School is highly competitive, so thorough preparation is vital for success. Sitting an 11 plus mock test allows your son to familiarise himself with the exam pressure. These practice sessions effectively identify weak areas and improve speed under strict conditions.

The City of London school for Boys uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test for the first round. We recommend the following resources to mirror this specific digital assessment:

You can also access our free 11 plus mock test to evaluate your child's current level. Securing an 11 plus mock test City of London ensures students handle the pressure of this elite school.

For the 2024-25 academic year, City of London School fees are £9,462 per term, including school lunches. Parents should note that these costs may rise with potential government VAT changes. This fee covers tuition and most curriculum-based activities for the boys.

To support accessibility, the school provides generous City of London School bursaries for lower-income households. Talented applicants can also pursue City of London School Scholarships for academic or musical merit. Every City of London School bursary is means-tested to help widen access. We recommend checking our blog on the most expensive Private Schools UK to compare these costs.

​​Provisional dates for the Academic Year 2025-2026 based on school patterns.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Wednesday 3^rd September 2025 to Friday 17^th October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3^rd November 2025 to Friday 12^th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: Tuesday 6^th  January 2026 to Friday 13^th February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 23^rd February 2026 to Friday 27^th March 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: Monday 20^th April 2026 to Friday 22^nd May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1^st June 2026 to Thursday 2^nd July 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and City of London School Official Website.