Haberdashers' Boys' School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Haberdashers' Boys' School is a leading selective independent school for boys in Elstree, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1690, it educates 1,400+ boys aged 4 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Ranked among the best independent schools in the UK, Haberdashers' Boys' School delivers stellar academic results. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rates the school as "Excellent" in all areas, including the quality of pupils' academic achievements and personal development.

This Hertfordshire school distinguishes itself through the bespoke HABS Diploma, designed to extend academic curiosity beyond standard syllabi. Uniquely, it offers a "best of both worlds" structure, transitioning students into co-educational classes for Sixth Form alongside the neighbouring Girls’ School.

In this guide, I leverage my 18-year education consultancy background to simplify Haberdashers' Boys' 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: Inter-denominational
  
• Age Range: 4 to 18
  
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1,450+
  
• Haberdashers' Boys' School GCSE Results (2025): 88% achieved Grades 9–7
• Haberdashers' Boys' School A-Level Results (2025): 79% achieved Grades A*–A

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
  
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): ~160
  
• Exam Board: Quest Learning Assessment (Online) + Internal Creative Writing Paper
  
• Number of Stages: 2 (Entrance Exam & Interview)
  
• School Catchment Area: No
  
• Sibling Policy: No
  
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%
  

Preparing for the Haberdashers' Boys' School open day requires meticulous planning. I have compiled the definitive calendar of Haberdashers' Boys' School 11 plus exam dates, including the Quest Learning assessment schedule, to help you track every 11+ Exam date.

These 11 plus exam dates are arranged chronologically to help you plan the academic year.

Haberdashers' Boys' School is one of the most prestigious Independent schools in Hertfordshire, managing its own admissions for Year 7 entry in September 2026. Parents must complete the online registration as detailed on the Haberdashers' Boys' School Admissions page.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Create an account on the school's admissions portal to complete the 11 plus exam registration early November deadline.
  
• Submit the online application form and pay the non-refundable registration fee to secure a place for the 11+ Exam.
  
• Upload a copy of your son’s unabridged birth certificate and explicitly indicate any interest in scholarships or bursaries on the form.
  
• Provide details for your son’s current school to facilitate the confidential reference request, a mandatory part of the 11 plus exam process.
  

What exam board does Haberdashers' Boys' School follow?

Quest Learning Assessment and internally set Creative Writing.

How long is the 11+ Exam for Haberdashers' Boys' School?

The online assessment is approximately 105 minutes and Creative Writing is 30 minutes.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at Haberdashers' Boys' School.

The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is designed to identify academic potential and intellectual curiosity. Boys entering in 2026 will sit their entrance examinations in mid-December 2025.

As stated in the Haberdashers' Boys' School Admissions Policy, the school utilizes a bespoke entrance examination to evaluate candidates. All registered applicants are invited to the school to sit these formal papers.

The Entrance Examination

​The assessment day consists of two distinct components: a computer-based test and a handwritten paper. This hybrid format ensures that the Haberdashers' Boys' School 11 Plus Test evaluates both cognitive speed and expressive depth.

The first component is an online assessment provided by Quest Learning. This adaptive test lasts approximately 105 minutes and covers multiple skills with specific timings.

• English: 50 minutes (Creative Comprehension)
  
• Maths: 20 minutes
  
• Puzzles: 15 minutes
  
• Verbal Reasoning: 10 minutes
  
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: 10 minutes
  

Boys answer these 11 plus exam questions on a device provided by the school.

11+ English (Online Module)

The 11+ English module is a significant 50-minute section focusing on "Creative Comprehension."

• Candidates must analyse texts to demonstrate deep understanding.
  
• Questions assess vocabulary, inference, and processing speed.
  
• It requires sustained focus compared to shorter skills tests.
  

11+ Mathematics (Online Module)

The 11+ Mathematics section is a fast-paced 20-minute module based on Key Stage 2 concepts.

• It evaluates fluency in arithmetic and numerical reasoning.
• Questions cover fractions, decimals, and shape properties.
  
• Students must solve 11+ exam questions accurately under strict time pressure.

Reasoning and Puzzles

This section identifies underlying potential beyond learned knowledge.

• Verbal Reasoning (10 mins): Tests logic using words and language codes.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning (10 mins): Assesses visual patterns and spatial awareness.
• Puzzles (15 mins): Requires lateral thinking to solve novel problems.

Creative Writing Paper

Following the online test, candidates sit a 30-minute handwritten creative writing paper. This is a critical element of the Haberdashers' Boys' School assessment.

• Boys are given a prompt or title to base their writing on.
  
• It assesses imagination, structure, and descriptive ability.
  
• Markers look for technical accuracy in spelling and punctuation.
  
• Clear handwriting is essential for this section.

The Interview

Boys who perform well in the entrance examination are invited back for an interview. This session allows the school to see the person behind the grades.

• The interview explores the candidate’s hobbies and interests.
  
• It assesses communication skills and teachability.
  
• Parents should review PiAcademy’s 11+ interview questions to help their child prepare for this round.

Haberdashers' Boys' School in Hertfordshire does not release a specific cut-off score for the eleven plus exam. Consequently, students should aim to maximise their scores across all subjects to ensure they are competitive.

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 Haberdashers' Boys' School 11 plus exam.

Haberdashers' Boys' School is the premier choice for independent education in Hertfordshire. However, with hundreds of applicants for limited places, the admissions process is incredibly competitive. Most high-achieving candidates will need a secure backup plan.

I have advised families in North London and Hertfordshire for over 18 years. I frequently see parents focus solely on HABS Boys, only to face disappointment on offer day. I strongly recommend a portfolio of three Grammar options and two Private options.

This balanced strategy ensures your son accesses an elite academic environment, regardless of the final outcome. It mitigates the risk of the unpredictable 11+ interview process.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Families targeting Haberdashers' Boys' School typically look at the Barnet grammar consortium and nearby private rivals. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Haberdashers' Boys' School​​

• ​Queen Elizabeth's School (QE Boys): This is the academic "Gold Standard" for state education in Barnet. It is the closest match to HABS Boys for raw academic rigour. The entrance exam uses GL Assessment multiple-choice, differing from the written format at HABS.
  
• Merchant Taylors' School: Located in Northwood, this is the traditional independent rival to Haberdashers' Boys' School. It offers a similar single-sex environment with extensive sports facilities. Their unique "General Paper" tests critical thinking and rapid problem-solving skills.
  
• Dame Alice Owen's School: This school is a fierce competitor in Hertfordshire due to its exceptional results and free tuition. It is co-educational, offering a different social dynamic. Admission is heavily oversubscribed, relying on a mix of academic rank and distance.
  
• St Albans School: For families willing to travel slightly further north, St Albans offers prestige and history. It uses the ISEB Common Pre-test, which simplifies the process if you are applying to multiple private schools.
  

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of 11+ maths papers for Haberdashers' Boys' School reveals a challenging mix of topics. The exam assesses core numerical skills and logical problem-solving abilities.

We observe that Numbers and Geometry account for a significant portion of the questions. Mastering these areas is crucial for success in the 11 plus exam maths section.

Check out our 11+ Practice Papers pack to download the latest 2026 11+ past and practice papers. These resources help students familiarise themselves with the exam format.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

The 11+ English papers for Haberdashers' Boys' typically include a comprehension test and a writing task. Students are expected to analyse texts deeply and write creatively.

Our analysis highlights that Reading Comprehension and Creative Writing are equally weighted. Strong vocabulary is essential for high marks in 11+ English.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics​​

The 11 plus verbal reasoning section is often computer-based for Haberdashers' Boys'. It tests a student's ability to reason with words and letters.

Key topics include Word Meaning and Codes. Regular practice with 11 plus verbal reasoning papers pdf with answers can improve speed and accuracy.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

​The 11 plus non verbal reasoning test assesses spatial awareness and logic using shapes. This section is typically part of the online assessment.

Topics like Analogies and 3D Shapes are common. Practicing with 11 plus non verbal reasoning papers pdf with answers helps students identify patterns quickly.

Haberdashers' Boys' School is highly competitive, so rigorous preparation is key for success. Sitting a Haberdashers' Boys' School 11 plus mock exam helps students familiarise themselves with the challenging format. These sessions are essential to identify weak areas and improve speed under strict conditions.

The school sets its own bespoke written papers for English and Mathematics. We suggest the following 11 plus mock tests to mirror this standard format.

You can also use our Free 11 plus mock test to assess your son's current performance. Securing an 11 plus mock test Hertfordshire placement ensures he is ready for this elite school.

For the 2024-25 academic year, Senior School fees are £10,423 per term. This comprehensive fee covers tuition, lunches, and personal accident insurance for all pupils.

The school awards Haberdashers' Boys' School Scholarships for excellence in Academic, Art, Drama, Design Technology, and Music. Families seeking financial aid can apply for means-tested Haberdashers' Boys' School bursaries, which may cover full tuition.

These private school scholarships ensure access for talented boys regardless of financial background. Check our blog on the most expensive Private Schools UK to compare these costs.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Thursday 4 September 2025 to Friday 17 October 2025
  
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3 November 2025 to Friday 12 December 2025
  
• Spring Half Term 1: Monday 12 January 2026 to Friday 13 February 2026
  
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 23 February 2026 to Friday 27 March 2026
  
• Summer Half Term 1: Tuesday 14 April 2026 to Friday 22 May 2026
  
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1 June 2026 to Friday 3 July 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Haberdashers' Boys' 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 Haberdashers' Boys' School.

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