Merchant Taylors' School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Merchant Taylors' School is a prestigious, selective independent school for boys located in scenic Northwood, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1561, it provides exceptional education to 1,200+ boys aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Widely recognised as one of the best independent schools in the UK, Merchant Taylors' Hertfordshire secures "Excellent" and fully compliant Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection outcomes.

Set amongst 285 acres of lakes for unique on-site watersports, Merchant Taylors Hertfordshire cultivates character through its bespoke student-led Phab residential week. The school also champions innovation as a centre of excellence for Design Engineering, consistently producing Arkwright Scholars.

In this guide, I help parents decode Merchant Taylors' School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions using my 18+ years of specialist education consultancy.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School (HMC)
  
• Boarding Type: No Boarding (Day School)
  
• Gender Type: Boys
  
• Religion: Christian (Non-denominational)
  
• Age Range: 11–18 years
  
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1270+
  
• Merchant Taylors' School GCSE Results: 89.5% achieved Grades 9–7 (A*–A)
  
• Merchant Taylors' School A-Level Results: 70.6% achieved A*–A

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Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
  
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 140
  
• Exam Board: MTS Internal Exams
  
• Number of Stages: 2 (Exam and Interview)
  
• School Catchment Area: No
  
• Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
  
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

Planning for the Merchant Taylors' School admissions cycle requires keeping track of strict deadlines. Please note a significant change: The 11+ Entrance Exam now takes place in December, prior to the Christmas break, rather than the traditional January date.

Merchant Taylors' School (MTS) requires parents of boys currently in Year 6 to apply directly via the school's online portal for Year 7 entry. As one of the most prestigious independent schools in the area, the school strictly enforces its published timeline for the September 2026 intake.

How to Register for the 11+ Exam

• Submit the online application form before the 31 October 2025 deadline to formally begin the 11 plus exam process.
  
• Pay the non-refundable £180 registration fee (inclusive of VAT) via the portal to finalise your son's registration.
  
• Provide Headteacher Details: Parents must provide the correct contact details of their son’s current Headteacher so that MTS can request a confidential reference directly.
  
• Upload ID: Upload a clear copy of your son's birth certificate or passport to complete the booking.
  

What exam board does Merchant Taylors' Hertfordshire follow?

The written papers are set internally by the school. The online component is an adaptive test.

How long is the 11+ Exam for Merchant Taylors' Hertfordshire?

The assessment consists of three written papers in English, Mathematics and the Merchant Taylors’ General Paper, each lasting 45 minutes, together with a short online test.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at Merchant Taylors' School. The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is designed to identify boys with specific academic potential and strong character. Candidates will sit the Merchant Taylors' School 11 Plus Test in early December 2025.

As stated in the Merchant Taylors' School Admissions Policy, the assessment consists of three written papers and one online test. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the 140 boys selected for admission demonstrate both learned skills and innate reasoning ability.

11+ English

The 11+ English examination is a 45-minute paper that assesses reading fluency, comprehension, and writing proficiency.

• The first section features a comprehension task based on a challenging passage of fiction or non-fiction, requiring inference, deduction, and evidence retrieval.
  
• The second section is a creative writing task where students must continue a story or write descriptively. Markers look for sophisticated vocabulary, accurate punctuation, and imaginative content.
  

11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics paper runs for 45-minutes and is based on the National Curriculum up to Year 6.

• Questions cover core topics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic geometry, including challenging word problems to test logical application.
  
• Calculators are strictly forbidden. Showing working out is essential, as marks are awarded for the correct methodology used.
  

General Paper (Critical Thinking)

Note: This is unique to Merchant Taylors' and often the deciding factor. Unlike standard reasoning tests, the 45-minute General Paper assesses Critical Thinking across three specific areas:

• Language: Deciphering codes or analyzing invented languages.
  
• Logic: Solving complex logic puzzles and pattern recognition.
  
• Ethics: Answering moral dilemmas to test values and maturity.
  

Online Adaptive Test

All candidates sit a short, 30-minute computer-based test on the same day.

• Maths (20 mins): Rapid-fire mental arithmetic.
  
• Verbal Reasoning (10 mins): Assessing vocabulary and verbal logic.
  

Performance across all these components determines who is invited to the interview stage.

The 11+ Interview

Boys who perform well in the examinations are invited back for a personal interview with a member of staff in January.

• The interview explores a candidate's intellectual curiosity and outside interests.
  
• It is a conversation designed to gauge the boy's "teachability" and fit for the school.
  
• Parents should review PiAcademy’s 11+ interview questions to help their son prepare.
  

Merchant Taylors' School does not publish specific 11 plus exam results or pass marks. Admission to Merchant Taylors Hertfordshire is highly competitive and based on rank order.

While there is no official pass mark, ample practice is key. If your child achieves 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, they can ace the eleven plus exam.

Merchant Taylors' School is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious institutions for boys in the UK. Located in Northwood, Merchant Taylors Hertfordshire attracts the brightest minds from across Middlesex and North London. However, securing a place here is a formidable challenge.

Every year, hundreds of capable boys compete for roughly 140 places. The harsh reality of 11+ admissions means that even talented students can have an off day. Therefore, relying solely on one "Gold Standard" option is a high-risk strategy.

As an education consultant with over 18 years of experience, I advise parents to build a robust portfolio. A balanced list should ideally include three Grammar schools and two Independent schools. This approach ensures your son has excellent opportunities, regardless of the final MTS outcome.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Most families applying to Merchant Taylors' also look at the South West Herts Consortium and the Barnet grammar schools. Below are the primary competitors that consistently appear on parent shortlists:

Why these schools are the top alternatives

• Haberdashers' Boys' School (HABS): This is the most direct rival to Merchant Taylors' School. Located just a few miles away in Elstree, it shares a similar academic ethos and prestige. Many boys sit exams for both, but be aware that their interview dates often clash.
  
• Queen Elizabeth's School (QE Boys): For parents seeking a state-funded education without compromising on results, QE Boys is the pinnacle. It is fiercely competitive, with over 3,000 applicants for 180 seats. It focuses heavily on raw academic speed and accuracy in GL style papers.
  
• Watford Grammar School for Boys: This is a fantastic local option that is partially selective. It offers a slightly more rounded atmosphere compared to the intense pressure of QE Boys. Admission is partly based on the SW Herts Consortium test, which covers Maths and Verbal Reasoning.
  
• St Albans School: One of the oldest schools in the world, St Albans offers a rich history and strong academics. It is slightly further north but remains a popular choice for families in the Merchant Taylors Hertfordshire catchment area. For 11+ entry, boys sit the school's own internal written papers in January.
  
• The John Lyon School: Located in Harrow on the Hill, John Lyon is a fantastic independent alternative. Notably, the school transitioned to being fully co-educational in 2021, making it an excellent choice for families who decide they prefer a mixed learning environment as their backup option.
  

Advisory Note: While Merchant Taylors' School is an exceptional choice, the competition is intense, with roughly 4-5 applicants for every place. Adopting a strategy that includes the schools listed above is the best way to mitigate the risk of disappointment.

​Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of Merchant Taylors' past papers reveals a strong emphasis on core numerical skills and problem-solving abilities. The 11+ maths topics frequently tested include Number operations, Geometry, and Algebra, which carry significant weight in the exam.

Boost your preparation with our topic-wise questions, which include Numbers, Geometry, and Algebra worksheets. We also cover Ratio & Proportions and Statistics to ensure comprehensive coverage. For the best results, use our 11+ Maths Independent Practice Papers Pack 1.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

​The English paper at Merchant Taylors' assesses a student's reading and writing capabilities through demanding tasks. 11 plus English comprehension and creative writing are the primary components, requiring strong analytical and expressive skills.

Master these sections using our Reading Comprehension and (SPAG) Grammar & Punctuation resources. We also recommend our Vocabulary packs and Literary Devices guides. For thorough practice, try the 11+ English Independent Practice Papers Pack 1.

Analysis of 11+ Exam General Paper topics

The General Paper includes 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning to test logical acuity. Verbal reasoning focuses on word meanings and codes.

To excel, use our 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers. Additionally, prepare for spatial questions with our 11+ Maths Independent Practice Papers.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for Merchant Taylors' School?

Our targeted 11 plus test papers help students familiarise themselves with the exam pattern well in advance. We recommend the following resources for the Merchant Taylors' 11+ practice papers preparation.

Merchant Taylors' School is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and competitive entry process. Sitting a Merchant Taylors' School 11 plus mock exam is crucial for students to acclimatise to the demands. These tests help highlight areas for improvement while building speed and accuracy under pressure.

As Merchant Taylors Hertfordshire creates its own papers, comprehensive practice is essential. We recommend the following resources to prepare for this specific challenge:

Parents can access our 11 plus mock test online free to gauge their child's current level. Securing an 11 plus mock test Hertfordshire slot helps students settle into the exam mindset.

As a result of recent government changes introducing VAT to independent school fees, costs have updated significantly. For the 2025/26 academic year, the total mandatory termly fee is £10,649.

Parents should also budget for additional costs like uniform, transport (the MTS coach network costs approx. £2,352 per annum), and optional trips. You can view our article on the most expensive Private Schools UK to compare these fees across the sector.

The school is deeply committed to social mobility through substantial Merchant Taylors' School bursaries, which can cover up to 100% of fees for eligible families. Highly able boys can also apply for Merchant Taylors' School Scholarships in academics, sport, music, drama, art, or design engineering. Understanding the landscape of private school scholarships bursaries is vital for successful financial planning.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Wednesday 9^th September 2026 to Friday 16^th October 2026
  
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 2^th November 2026 to Thursday 17^th December 2026
  
• Spring Half Term 1: Thursday 7^th January 2027 to Friday 12^th February 2027
  
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 22^nd February 2027 to Thursday 25^th March 2027
  
• Summer Half Term 1: Wednesday 14^th April 2027 to Friday 28^th May 2027
  
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 7^th June 2027 to Wednesday 7^th July 2027
  

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Merchant Taylors' 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 Merchant Taylors' School.

• ​UK Govt. - Get Information on Merchant Taylors' School Page​
  
• ​Merchant Taylors' School ISI Report​
  
• ​Merchant Taylors' School Admissions Policy (11+)​
  
• ​UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data​
  
• ​Merchant Taylors' School - Charity Commission​