Lady Eleanor Holles School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Lady Eleanor Holles School is a leading selective independent school for girls in Hampton, London. Established in 1710, it serves 990+ pupils aged 7 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Widely considered one of the best independent schools in the UK, Lady Eleanor Holles School delivers stellar results. It was awarded the highest possible rating of 'Excellent' in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), reflecting its commitment to both academic success and personal development.

Lady Eleanor Holles School offers a distinctive ‘best of both worlds’ education through its extensive co-curricular partnership with Hampton School. It further prioritises resilience through a pioneering, timetabled Mindfulness curriculum and inspires ambition with its bespoke ‘Remarkable Women’ ethos.

In this guide, I leverage my 6+ year education consultancy background to simplify Lady Eleanor Holles School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

Lady Eleanor Holles School is a premier independent day school for girls, renowned for its academic excellence and holistic education. Admissions are highly competitive; typically, there are between 600 and 800 applicants vying for a total of 110 places in Year 7. Of these, approximately 35–40 places are filled by internal transition, leaving roughly 70–75 external vacancies. Given the high volume of applications compared to available spots, preparation is key.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent Day School
  
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
  
• Gender Type: Girls
  
• Religion: Church of England
  
• Age Range: 7–18
  
• Number of Pupils (Total): 990+
  
• Lady Eleanor Holles School GCSE Results (2025): 94% achieved Grade 9–7
  
• Lady Eleanor Holles School A-Level Results (2025): 73% achieved A*–A
  

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
  
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 110 (70–75 external vacancies)
  
• Exam Board: ISEB Common Pre-Test + School's Own
  
• Number of Stages: 3
  
• School Catchment Area: No
  
• Sibling Policy: Yes (Siblings are prioritised for interview)
  
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%
  

Preparing for the Lady Eleanor Holles School open day and coordinating the test schedule requires meticulous planning. I have compiled the definitive calendar of Lady Eleanor Holles School 11 plus exam dates, including the vital registration deadlines, to guide your family through every stage of the admissions process.

These dates are arranged chronologically to help you plan the academic year, ensuring you are fully prepared for the 11+ Exam date and all upcoming 11 plus exam dates.

Lady Eleanor Holles School employs a hybrid admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026, combining the external ISEB Common Pre-Test with its own internal assessments. Parents must strictly follow the guidance detailed on the Lady Eleanor Holles School Admissions Policy page. As a leading choice among Independent schools in Hampton, the process is rigorous and time-sensitive.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Submit the online application form by the closing date in November 2025 to book the 11+ Exam.
  
• Upload a clear digital photograph and a copy of the birth certificate during the 11 plus exam registration.
  
• Pay the non-refundable registration fee of £180 to complete the application for these eleven plus exams.
  
• Indicate any intention to apply for Music Scholarships or bursary assistance directly on the form.
  

What exam board does Lady Eleanor Holles School follow?

Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) and internally set papers.

How long is the 11+ Exam for Lady Eleanor Holles School?

Stage 1a is approx 150 minutes and Stage 1b is approx 60 minutes.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at Lady Eleanor Holles School.

The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 seeks students with academic agility and intellectual curiosity. Applicants must register by the deadline to sit the entrance assessments in late 2025.

As stated in the Lady Eleanor Holles School Admissions Policy, the assessment process is divided into distinct stages. This ensures a comprehensive review of every child’s potential before the final selection.

Stage 1a: The ISEB Common Pre-Test

All registered candidates are required to take the ISEB common pre test. This assessment takes place either at the candidate's current school or at LEH.

The ISEB test is a computer-based, adaptive assessment. It adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the student's real-time performance.

The test covers four specific areas:

• English: Assesses reading comprehension and grammar skills.
  
• Mathematics: Covers the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum.
  
• Verbal Reasoning: Tests logical thinking using language.
  
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates ability to analyze visual information.

Parents often ask how long the 11+ exam is for this stage; it takes approximately two and a half hours.

Stage 1b: Problem Solving Assessment

In addition to the pre-test, all applicants are invited to LEH for a bespoke Problem-Solving Entrance Examination. This is a written paper taken in early December 2025.

This unique paper is designed to identify valid 11 plus exam questions solution strategies in unfamiliar contexts. It tests a student's ability to apply logic rather than just recalling learned facts.

Stage 2: The Interview

Following the assessments, the Admissions Panel reviews results from both Stage 1a and Stage 1b. Selected candidates are invited back to LEH for an interview in January 2026.

This session is conducted by senior members of the teaching staff. It is an opportunity for the school to assess the candidate's teachability and interests.

Parents should review 11+ interview questions to help their child feel comfortable and reflective during this discussion.

Lady Eleanor Holles School does not publish an official pass mark for the eleven plus exam. Successful candidates are selected based on high 11 plus test results relative to the cohort.

While there is no cut-off, achieving a 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers ensures your child is well-positioned to ace the exam.

Lady Eleanor Holles School is often the first choice for families in South West London seeking top-tier girls' education. However, the competition is incredibly high, with hundreds of girls vying for limited places. Securing a spot at LEH requires brilliant preparation, but also a smart backup strategy. I have guided parents for 18 years, and I always advise creating a balanced school list.

You should not rely on a single outcome, no matter how bright your daughter is. A solid plan includes a mix of state grammar schools and other independent options. This approach ensures your daughter thrives in an excellent environment, even if she does not join LEH.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Parents targeting LEH typically look at schools in the Hampton, Kingston, and Hammersmith corridor. Here is how the top alternatives compare for the 2025/26 entry cycle.

Why these schools are top alternatives

• The Tiffin Girls' School: This is the premier state alternative offering zero tuition fees. It matches LEH for academic intensity but requires passing a rigorous two-stage test (Selective Eligibility Test followed by written English & Maths).
• St Paul's Girls' School: Located in Hammersmith, this is often the "reach" school for LEH applicants. It offers an intellectually liberating environment similar to the best universities and consistently tops national league tables.
• Godolphin and Latymer: A fantastic alternative accessible via the London 11+ Consortium. Like LEH, they use the ISEB Common Pre-Test, meaning your preparation for one aids the other, reducing exam fatigue for your daughter.
• Kingston Grammar School (KGS): If you are open to co-education, KGS is a prestigious local option. It is located very close to Hampton and offers excellent pastoral care alongside strong academic results.
  

Advisory Note: While LEH is a 'Gold Standard' school, the admissions process is exceptionally competitive. I strongly recommend a diversified strategy: apply to local state grammar schools (such as Tiffin Girls') and other independent schools to ensure you have a secure backup plan. Always verify the latest deadlines at Lady Eleanor Holles School Admissions.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of the 11+ Maths Papers for Lady Eleanor Holles School reveals a distinct topic weighting. This breakdown clearly shows that Numbers and Geometry account for over half of the expected questions.

Try our 11 Plus Maths topics-wise Questions with more than 15,000+ Questions. These resources include a complete planner and formula sheets.

Best 11+ Maths Practice Papers for Lady Eleanor Holles School

We recommend the following resources for the school's independent style maths exam.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

​Based on our analysis of 11+ English Past Papers, Reading Comprehension (45%) and Vocabulary (35%) are critical areas. Students must also demonstrate strong creative writing skills.

Best 11+ English Practice Papers for Lady Eleanor Holles School

To succeed in 11+ Creative Writing and comprehension, we advise using these targeted papers.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Reasoning topics

Analysis of 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning papers shows that Maths, Making Words, and Missing Words are primary focus areas. These topics collectively account for a significant portion of the total marks.

The Non Verbal Reasoning 11 Plus section often tests spatial awareness through shapes. Key topics include Odd One Out, Analogies, and 2D/3D Shapes.

Best 11+ Reasoning Practice Papers for Lady Eleanor Holles School

Enhance your performance with our specialised 11+ practice papers for reasoning.

Lady Eleanor Holles School is extremely competitive, so rigorous preparation is vital for success. Sitting a Lady Eleanor Holles School 11 plus mock exam helps students acclimatise to both the online and written exam formats under time constraints.

This practice effectively identifies weaker topics while boosting speed and accuracy in a realistic setting.

Since the admissions process involves both the ISEB Common Pre-Test (Stage 1) and a bespoke Problem Solving paper (Stage 2), comprehensive preparation is essential. We recommend the following packs to cover both the online and written formats:

Parents can access our Free 11 plus mock test to evaluate their daughter’s progress initially. Securing an 11 plus mock test Richmond upon Thames ensures she is prepared for this prestigious local school.

For the 2025-26 academic year, Senior School fees are £10,252 per term, which includes school lunches. Parents should monitor updates regarding potential government VAT implementation on school fees.

Talented pupils may apply for Lady Eleanor Holles School Scholarships in areas like academics, music, and sport. Additionally, a means-tested Lady Eleanor Holles School bursary can cover up to 100% of fees.

Understanding private school scholarships is crucial for financial planning. Please view our article on the most expensive Private Schools UK to compare these costs.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Thursday 4^th 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: Thursday 8^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 Lady Eleanor Holles School Official Website.