Francis Holland School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Francis Holland School is a leading selective independent school for girls in Sloane Square, London. Established in 1881, it educates 600+ girls aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Ranked among the best independent schools in the UK, FHS SW1 consistently delivers stellar academic results. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rates the school as "Excellent" in all areas.

Named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2023, FHS SW1 uniquely prepares students through its pioneering Creative Enterprise curriculum. This bespoke programme, which also won the Independent School Parent Innovation Award, empowers girls with essential business acumen and entrepreneurial skills alongside their academic studies, fostering the next generation of innovators.

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

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School
  
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
  
• Gender Type: Girls
  
• Religion: Church of England
  
• Age Range: 4 to 18
  
• Number of Pupils (Total): 740+
  
• Francis Holland School GCSE Results (2025): 68% achieved Grades 9-8
  
• Francis Holland School A-Level Results (2025): 68% achieved A*-A
  

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
  
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): ~65
  
• Exam Board: London 11+ Consortium Bespoke Assessment
  
• Number of Stages: 2
  
• School Catchment Area: No
  
• Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
  
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

Planning for the Francis Holland School entrance assessment involves tracking multiple deadlines. I have compiled the definitive calendar of Francis Holland School 11 plus exam dates, from the Francis Holland School open day to the final offer release. This overview of 11 plus exam dates ensures you never miss a milestone, specifically the pivotal 11+ Exam date, helping you approach the academic year with confidence.

As stated on the Francis Holland School 11 Plus Admissions Page, parents seeking entry for September 2026 must follow specific steps. This institution is a prominent choice among Independent schools in Westminster, often referred to as FHS SW1.

Here is how to register for the 11+ exam:

• Complete the online application form and pay the non-refundable £175 registration fee before the November deadline.
  
• Upload a copy of your daughter’s passport and a recent digital headshot directly to the admissions portal.
  
• Submit a separate Scholarship Application Form (for Music, Art, or Drama) if you wish your daughter to be considered for an award.
  
• Ensure your daughter sits the London 11+ Consortium Entrance Assessment (100 minutes online) in late November or early December.
  

What exam board does Francis Holland School follow ?

London 11+ Consortium.

How long is the 11+ Exam for Francis Holland School ?

The assessment is approximately 100 minutes long, split into two parts with a 30-minute break.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at FHS SW1 (Francis Holland School Sloane Square). The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 identifies academic potential and independent thought. Candidates entering in 2026 will sit their entrance examinations in late November or early December 2025.

As stated in the Francis Holland School Admissions Policy, the school is a member of the London 11+ Consortium. All applicants sit a bespoke, computer-based assessment.

The London 11+ Consortium Assessment

The Francis Holland School 11 Plus Test is a one-stage assessment taken on a computer. It is known as the Consortium Selection Tool. The test is adaptive, meaning the questions adjust in difficulty based on the student's previous answers.

• The exam is 100 minutes in total length.
  
• It is taken at the candidate's current school or at Francis Holland School.
  
• The test includes a 30-minute break between the two main sections.
  
• There are no written papers for English or Mathematics.

Part 1: Cognitive Assessment

The first section lasts 60 minutes and covers core academic and reasoning skills.

11+ Mathematics

The mathematics section assesses fluency and the application of Key Stage 2 concepts.

• Questions cover arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and basic geometry.
  
• Students must solve problems using logical deduction.
  
• The format is strictly multiple-choice.
  
• The adaptive nature ensures students are tested at their specific ability level.

11+ English

This module evaluates reading comprehension and technical literacy.

• Candidates answer 11+ exam questions based on short passages.
  
• It tests spelling, punctuation, and grammar proficiency.
  
• Vocabulary is assessed through cloze tests and synonym identification.
  
• Speed and accuracy are crucial for high scores.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

This section identifies potential beyond standard curriculum teaching.

• Verbal Reasoning tests the ability to solve problems using words and language.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning requires students to analyse visual data and shapes.
• Spatial reasoning is included to test 2D and 3D visualization.
  

Part 2: Problem Solving and Analysis

The second section is 40 minutes long and focuses on Problem Solving and Analysis (PSPA).

• Problem Solving (15 minutes): Tests the ability to find solutions using logic and non-verbal skills.
  
• Analysis (25 minutes): Students must synthesize information from different sources.
  
• Students may need to review text, data, or audio instructions.
  
• This module is non-adaptive and standard for all candidates.

The 11+ Interview

Candidates who perform well in the assessment are invited to an interview in January 2026. This is a face-to-face session to assess the child's character and fit for the school.

• The interview explores the candidate's interests and intellectual curiosity.
  
• It often involves a discussion of a piece of work or an object.
  
• Teachers look for enthusiasm and the ability to articulate ideas.
  
• Parents should review 11+ interview questions to help their child prepare for this reflective session.

Francis Holland School (FHS SW1) does not publish an official cutoff for 11 plus exam results. Students should aim to maximise their scores across all subjects.

• While there is no set pass mark, high performance is essential for success.
  
• If the child is able to achieve 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, they will be able to ace the Francis Holland School eleven plus exam.
  

First and foremost, go to the Final Francis Holland School Admissions Policy link given above and understand which exam board it follows, and exactly which subjects are asked in the 11plus exams by this school.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of the London 11+ Consortium past inquiries reveals a strong emphasis on the National Curriculum for Year 5. The questions assess mathematical fluency and the ability to solve non-routine problems.

This breakdown clearly shows that Numbers and Geometry account for over half of the expected questions in the 11 Plus Test.

​

11 Plus Maths Topics

We recommend the 11+ maths papers from our Independent Practice Papers bundle for Francis Holland School. This pack consists of standard style questions with detailed Step-wise solutions to help you score top marks.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

Based on the analysis, 11 plus English papers for the Consortium focus heavily on Reading Comprehension (50%). The test evaluates a student's ability to deduce answers from short passages.

English Topic

We recommend the following resources for mastering the English format. These 11+ English past papers cover essential comprehension skills found in the exam.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of 11 plus verbal reasoning questions shows that letter codes and word meanings are critical. These areas collectively account for approximately 70% of the total marks in this section.

11 Plus VR Topics

Elevate your score with our resources designed for the 11 plus verbal reasoning format. Regular practice helps students recognise patterns quickly.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of non verbal reasoning 11 plus topics reveals a focus on shapes and spatial awareness. Matrices and Horizontal Codes are frequently assessed areas.

11 Plus NVR Topics

Prepare using our targeted 11+ practice papers for Non-Verbal Reasoning. These help students master 2D views and logical sequences.

Francis Holland School is a premier destination for girls' education in Sloane Square. However, with hundreds of applicants competing for approximately 105 places, the admissions process is incredibly competitive. Even the brightest students need a robust backup plan to ensure success.

I have guided London families through the 11+ process for over 18 years. I frequently see parents fixate solely on FHS SW1, only to face disappointment due to the unpredictable nature of entrance exams. I always advise parents to maintain a portfolio of three Private options and two Grammar or State alternatives.

This strategy ensures your daughter secures a place in an elite environment, even if Francis Holland School is not the final destination.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

When families target FHS SW1, they typically look at other London 11+ Consortium schools for streamlined testing and high-performing state options in Westminster or Kingston. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

​Why these schools are the top alternatives to FHS SW1

• Godolphin and Latymer (London Consortium): This is often the "reach" school for Francis Holland School applicants. Since both schools are part of the London 11+ Consortium, your daughter sits one cognitive test for both, reducing exam fatigue while doubling her chances at a top-tier offer.
• More House School (Knightsbridge): Located nearby in SW1, More House is an excellent parallel option. It focuses heavily on pastoral care and creative arts, making it a suitable alternative for girls who thrive in a nurturing environment similar to the ethos at Francis Holland.
• The Grey Coat Hospital (Westminster): This is the leading state alternative in the borough. While admissions prioritize Church of England attendance, it offers high academic standards and proximity, making it a financially prudent backup to the independent sector.
• The Tiffin Girls' School (Kingston): For parents seeking academic rigor without fees, Tiffin is the gold standard. Although geographically further, it matches FHS SW1 in exam results and university destinations, appealing to families prioritizing raw academic output.​
  

Competition for FHS SW1 is intense, making rigorous preparation vital. Sitting a Francis Holland School 11 plus mock exam helps your daughter get used to the specific exam conditions. It effectively highlights knowledge gaps while improving speed and accuracy.

Since the school is part of the London 11+ Consortium, we recommend the following resources:

You can assess your child’s skills using our Free 11 plus mock test. This preparation is vital for any student sitting the 11 plus mock test at Westminster.

For the 2024/25 academic year, Senior School fees are £10,478.40 per term, including lunches and personal accident insurance. This fee structure ensures transparency for parents planning their finances throughout the year.

Talented candidates can apply for Francis Holland School Scholarships in Academic, Art, and Music disciplines. Francis Holland School bursaries provide means-tested support, with each Francis Holland School bursary tailored to individual financial needs. For broader context, view our guide on the most expensive Private Schools UK to compare costs.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Tuesday 2^nd September 2025 to Friday 17^th October 2025
  
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3^th 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: Tuesday 21^st April 2026 to Friday 22^nd May 2026
  
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1^st June 2026 to Friday 3^rd July 2026
  

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Francis Holland School Official Website.

Independent school admissions involve direct applications, distinct registration deadlines, and bespoke pre-testing. Review these official inspection reports and testing guidelines to prepare your child for Francis Holland School.

• UK Govt. - Get Information on Francis Holland School Page
• Francis Holland School ISI Report​
• Francis Holland School Admissions Policy​
• ​UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data​
• ​Francis Holland School - Charity Commission​