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

City of London School for Girls is a leading selective independent school for girls in the Barbican, London. Established in 1894, it educates 750+ pupils aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Ranked among the best independent schools in the UK, City of london girls school (CLSG) delivers stellar academic outcomes. Its latest ISI rating is that the school fully met all required Independent School Standards.

The City of London girls school uniquely leverages its Barbican setting to treat the capital as a classroom. It combines single-sex academic focus with extensive co-educational enrichment through its close partnership with the City of London School for boys.

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

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Girls
• Religion: Non-denominational
• Age Range: 11–18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 750+
• GCSE Results: 95.5% achieved Grades 9–7
• A-Level Results: 81% achieved Grades A*–A

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 75–100 (External)
• Exam Board: London 11+ Consortium
• Number of Stages: 2 (CEM Test + Second assessment and interview)
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

​Preparing for the City of London School for Girls open day requires careful scheduling to ensure no opportunity is missed. I have compiled the essential City of London School for Girls 11 plus exam dates to guide you. 

Every 11+ Exam date listed below is sourced directly from the school's admissions page, helping you track the specific 11 plus exam dates relevant to the 2026 entry.

Parents applying to City of London Girls school must manage the application directly via the school portal. As outlined on the City of London School for Girls Admissions page, the process is strictly online.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Submit the online registration form and pay the fee before the late October deadline.
• Upload a copy of the candidate's birth certificate and passport to the portal.
• Indicate any interest in Music Scholarships or bursary assistance on the application form.
• Ensure the current school provides a confidential reference before the 11+ Exam.

This completes the 11 plus exam registration for the Stage One CEM Select test. Among independent schools in the City of London, the 11 plus exam process is competitive. The school welcomes siblings, though they must pass the entrance assessment like all other applicants.

​In this section, we explain what is in the 11 Plus exam at City of London School for Girls. The process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 involves two distinct rounds of assessment.

As stated in the City of London School for Girls Admissions Policy, the school operates a selective two-stage process. Candidates must pass the computer-based assessment to progress to the written examination stage.

Stage One Test

The first assessment is the City of London School for Girls 11 Plus Test, held in mid-November 2025. This computer-based test acts as a screening mechanism to identify candidates with suitable academic potential.

Results from this stage determine which girls are invited to the school for the written papers. The assessment is conducted at the school or a designated centre.

CEM Select

The CEM select is an online, adaptive assessment provided by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring. It is designed to measure a child’s potential rather than just learned knowledge.

Many parents ask What is the CEM Select exam format; it consists of short, timed sections that adjust difficulty based on performance. Regarding What subjects are covered under CEM select, the test evaluates Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Numerical Reasoning skills using the Cambridge Select Insight exam model.

To prepare, you can use CEM select practice tests to help your child understand the interface. You can view the official CEM familiarisation material here.

Stage Two Test

Candidates who perform well in Stage One are invited to sit the Stage Two Test in January 2026. This stage consists of two written papers designed to test deep understanding and application of knowledge.

11+ English

• The 11+ English paper lasts 45 minutes and assesses reading and writing skills.
• It typically includes a comprehension section based on a challenging text passage.
• Students must also complete a creative writing task to demonstrate their expressive ability.
• Evaluators look for sophisticated vocabulary, accurate grammar, and structural clarity.

11+ Mathematics

• The 11+ Mathematics paper is also 45 minutes long.
• It covers Key Stage 2 topics but includes difficult problem-solving questions.
• Candidates must show their working out to demonstrate logical thought processes.
• Questions assess arithmetic fluency alongside the ability to apply concepts in new contexts.

Parents often wonder how long is the 11+ exam; for Stage Two, the total writing time is roughly 90 minutes. Familiarising your child with 11 plus exam questions is essential for success in this round.

The 11+ Interview

Girls who perform strongly in the written papers are invited for an interview in late January or early February. This session allows the school to explore the candidate's intellectual curiosity and interests.

The interview is generally informal and lasts approximately 20 minutes. We recommend reviewing PiAcademy’s 11+ interview questions to help your daughter prepare for this conversation.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

What exam board does city of london girls school follow?

CEM Select (Stage One) and internally set papers (Stage Two).

How long is the 11+ Exam for city of london girls school?

Stage One is roughly 60 minutes; Stage Two is 90 minutes total.

​There is no published cut-off score for the eleven plus exam at city of london girls school. Offers are based on the strongest 11 plus exam results relative to the specific cohort of applicants.

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 for Girls 11 plus exam.

City of London School for Girls is a premier academic choice in the Barbican. However, with over 800 applicants for approximately 100 places, the competition is fierce.

I have guided parents through this process for 6+ years. Relying solely on this "Gold Standard" school is a high-risk strategy.

A balanced application list is essential for peace of mind. I recommend targeting two Grammar schools and three Private schools to ensure success.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Most City of London Girls School applicants reside in North or Central London. Therefore, families often look at the Barnet grammars or the London 11+ Consortium schools.

Why these schools are the top alternatives to City of London Girls School

• Henrietta Barnett School (HBS): This is the closest academic equivalent in the state sector. It is free, highly prestigious, and offers a peer group of identical calibre.
• North London Collegiate School (NLCS): NLCS is a direct competitor for girls in North London. It provides extensive coach services and matches CLSG for history and facilities.
• St Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS): This is the only school arguably more academic than CLSG. It is a "reach" school for the most intellectually curious candidates.
• South Hampstead High School (SHHS): SHHS is a fantastic option within the London 11+ Consortium. It reduces exam stress as one test covers multiple consortium schools.
• St Michael’s Catholic Grammar: This school offers exceptional value and results. It is a prudent choice for families seeking grammar rigour within a supportive faith environment.

​The City of London School for Girls 11+ entrance process begins with the Stage One assessment, which follows the CEM Select exam board. This computer-based evaluation is designed to test a student's agility in Numerical, Verbal, and Non-Verbal reasoning skills.

Check out our FREE 11 Plus Exam papers blog to download the latest 2026 11+ past and practice papers.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths Topics (Stage One)

Our analysis of the CEM select test pattern reveals that rapid numerical reasoning is essential for success. The questions focus heavily on mental arithmetic, requiring students to process Numbers and data quickly.

This breakdown clearly shows that Numbers and Geometry account for a significant portion of the Stage One questions.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English & Verbal Reasoning Topics (Stage One)

For the English and 11+ verbal reasoning components, the CEM Select format prioritises Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension skills. Students must demonstrate strong lexical knowledge through synonyms, antonyms, and missing word exercises.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics (Stage One)

Analysis of 11 plus non verbal reasoning questions shows a heavy reliance on spatial awareness and pattern recognition. Topics like Odd One Out and 3D Shapes are critical for high scores in this section.

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

Our targeted CEM select practice test resources help students familiarise themselves with the unique digital format of this exam. These papers cover all essential 11+ maths papers and verbal topics required for success.

What are the 11+ Exam topics covered in Stage Two Test?

Students who pass the initial assessment are invited to sit the school's own written papers. These include challenging English and Maths exams designed to assess academic potential beyond multiple-choice formats.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths Topics (Stage Two)

Based on the analysis of Stage Two 11 plus past papers, Problem Solving (50%) and Advanced Algebra (30%) dominate the paper. Questions often require multi-step working out and logical deduction rather than simple calculation.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English Topics (Stage Two)

The Stage Two English paper focuses heavily on literary skills. The test typically demands high-level 11+ comprehension papers responses (50%) and includes an 11+ creative writing task (50%) to assess imagination and structure.

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

To master the written stage, we recommend using our extensive library of 11 plus english papers and maths resources. These materials are crafted to match the rigour of top independent schools.

​Gaining entry to City of London Girls school is challenging, so rigorous preparation is vital. Sitting a specific City of London School for Girls 11 plus mock exam helps students master the format. These 11 plus mock tests identify weak areas while improving accuracy under strict time constraints.

The school sets its own bespoke entrance papers. We recommend the following resource to mirror this comprehensive academic challenge:

Parents can also assess their child's current ability with our free 11 plus mock test online. Booking a targeted 11 plus mock test London session ensures your daughter is fully prepared for the exam day.

For the 2024/25 academic year, City of London School for Girls fees are currently £10,082 per term. This figure covers tuition, school lunches, textbooks, and personal accident insurance. Parents should anticipate potential fee adjustments following recent VAT updates for independent schools.

Talented applicants may be eligible for City of London School for Girls Scholarships in academic or musical disciplines. Additionally, means-tested City of London School for Girls bursaries offer substantial support, sometimes covering full fees. These generous awards often exceed typical private school scholarships bursaries found elsewhere.

You can check our blog article on the most expensive Private Schools UK to view other similar schools.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Friday 4^th September 2026 to Friday 17^th October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3^rd November 2026 to Friday 11^th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: Tuesday 6^th January 2027 to Friday 13^th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 23^rd February 2027 to Friday 27^th March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: Monday 20^th April 2027 to Friday 22^nd May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1^st June 2027 to Thursday 2^nd July 2027

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