FREE Download: Oxford High School GDST (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

Oxford High School GDST is a selective independent school for girls aged 11-18, encompassing Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

With a 150-year legacy, Oxford High is renowned for academic excellence and holistic development. It consistently ranks among the best independent schools in UK.

Admissions for Year 7 entry are highly competitive, focusing on the 2026 11+ Exam. Candidates undertake an Online Quest assessment and an English written paper. These assessments evaluate academic potential and readiness for Oxford High.

In this guide, I apply 6+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate Oxford High School GDST 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with confidence.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent day school
• Boarding Type: Day only
• Gender Type: Girls only
• Religion: Non-denominational
• Age Range: 4-18 years
• Number of Pupils: Approx. 800
• GCSE Results (2025): 94% of grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent)
• A-Level Results (2025): 89% of grades A*-B

​​

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective, based on an online assessment, written paper, and interview.
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): Approx. 80 - 90
• Exam Board: Quest Admissions (online assessment).
• Number of Stages: 3
• School Catchment Area: No formal catchment area
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark Guidance: Aim for 90%

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Oxford High School GDST Official Website.

As an experienced UK Education Consultant, I understand that navigating the admissions process for selective schools like Oxford High School GDST can feel overwhelming for parents.

To help you plan effectively, I have compiled the essential Oxford High School GDST 11 plus exam dates and other key admissions milestones.

Navigating the 11 plus exam process for your daughter's September 2026 entry to Oxford High School GDST requires careful planning. As stated in the Oxford High School GDST Admissions Policy, the school seeks bright, curious girls.

For families considering independent schools in Oxfordshire, Oxford High GDST is a popular choice, and understanding the 11+ Exam application steps is crucial.

How to register for 11+ exam

• Begin your 11 plus exam registration by completing the online application form, typically in Year 6 (2025 for 2026 entry).
• Pay the non-refundable registration fee to secure your daughter's application.
• Your daughter will be invited to sit the Stage One Test (online aptitude tests) and the Stage Two Test (written English paper).
• Successful candidates will be invited for an interview with a senior member of staff.
• A reference from your daughter's current headteacher will also be requested as part of the assessment.

​Oxford High School GDST does not operate a formal catchment area for admissions. As an independent girls' school, places are offered based on a selective admissions process, rather than geographical proximity.

Admissions are criteria-led, focusing on a prospective pupil's performance in entrance assessments and an interview. For Year 7 entry, this typically includes an online Quest assessment, a written English paper, and an interview with a senior member of staff. The school also considers a report from the applicant's current school.

There are no specific postcode zones, distance bands, or priority areas that guarantee a place. While many pupils reside in Oxford and the surrounding Oxfordshire region, the school welcomes applications from a wider geographical area.

For Year 7 applicants, this means that eligibility is determined by academic potential and suitability for the school's ethos, irrespective of where a family lives. The school provides information on transport options, reflecting that pupils travel from various locations across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Oxford High School GDST is a highly sought-after independent girls' school, renowned for its academic excellence and holistic education. Given the competitive nature of admissions for such prestigious institutions, it is always prudent for parents to develop a robust backup strategy.

This involves researching and applying to several alternative schools, ensuring a mix of strong independent options that align with your daughter's needs and your family's preferences.

Considering factors like commute, exam board styles, and the overall ethos of a school is crucial in navigating the oversubscription pressure common in the Oxford area.

• Headington School: Located within Oxford, Headington offers a similar academic rigour and a wide range of extracurricular activities. It provides both day and boarding options, which can be a significant advantage for some families. Its admissions process is comparable, focusing on academic assessment and interview.
• St Helen and St Katharine: Situated in Abingdon, a short commute from Oxford, St Helen and St Katharine is another top-tier independent girls' school. It consistently achieves excellent academic results and fosters a supportive environment. While slightly further afield, its strong reputation makes it a compelling alternative.
• These schools are considered top alternatives due to their strong academic profiles, similar single-sex environments (or strong girls' provision), and proximity to Oxford. They offer diverse co-curricular programmes and excellent university outcomes, providing a comparable educational experience to Oxford High GDST.

Oxford High School GDST does not publicly disclose the exact number of applications it receives for Year 7 entry each year.

However, it is known to be a highly selective school with significant demand for places. 

Given the school's strong academic reputation and comprehensive admissions process, which includes an online Quest assessment, a written English paper, and an interview, competition for these places is considerable.

For Year 7 entry, prospective pupils for Oxford High School GDST undergo a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify academic potential and suitability for the school's vibrant learning environment.

As stated in the Oxford High School GDST Admissions Policy, the admissions process includes several key components.

The main assessment takes place on an Admissions Day, typically held in November of Year 6. The Oxford High School GDST 11 Plus Test comprises an online Quest assessment and a written English paper.

​Online Quest Assessment​

• Timings - 1 hour 35 minutes
• 11+ Mathematics: Questions based on the Year 5 National Curriculum, including number and place value, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry, graphs, and charts. Problem-solving and arithmetic skills are tested.
• 11+ English: Comprehension of fictional or non-fictional passages, assessing understanding of key ideas, word meanings, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Verbal Reasoning: ;Problems requiring the ability to solve questions using written information, such as identifying synonyms.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Tasks that assess the ability to analyse visual information to solve problems, for example, selecting blocks to create a given shape.
• Puzzles and Problem-Solving: Interactive puzzles designed to test focus and methodical problem-solving approaches.
• Creative Comprehension: Interpretation of various sources linked by a common theme, demonstrating the ability to make connections between them.

English Written Paper

• ​A creative writing task, requiring candidates to produce an engaging and structured piece of writing.
  
• Timings - 30 minutes

Following the Admissions Day, candidates will also be invited for an interview with the Head or a senior member of staff.

These interviews are typically held within a few weeks of the assessment day and are an important part of the selection process, allowing the school to learn more about each applicant's personality, interests, and aspirations. Preparing for 11+ interview questions can help your daughter feel more confident on the day.

To help your daughter prepare for the 11 plus exam questions, familiarise her with the Quest assessment style and practice creative writing under timed conditions.

Consistent, focused practice across all subjects, including 11+ English and 11+ Mathematics, will build confidence and improve performance.

A practical tip for preparation is to establish a regular study routine that includes short, focused sessions rather than long, infrequent ones. This helps maintain engagement and prevents burnout, ensuring your daughter approaches the Oxford High GDST 11 Plus Test feeling refreshed and ready.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

• How long is the 11+ Exam for Oxford High GDST?
  The online Quest assessment for Oxford High GDST lasts approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. This is followed by a separate 30-minute English written paper.
• What exam board does Oxford High GDST follow?
  Oxford High School GDST primarily utilises the online Quest assessment platform for a significant portion of its 11+ entrance examination.​

Oxford High School GDST does not publish an official 11 Plus pass mark for entry. For strong preparation, children consistently aiming for 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers are generally better positioned. Maximising scores across all tested subjects is crucial for success in the eleven plus exam.

Oxford High School GDST assesses prospective Year 7 pupils through a comprehensive process designed to identify academic potential and suitability for their vibrant learning environment.

The assessment typically involves an online Quest assessment, a separate written English paper, and an interview.

The online Quest assessment is a multi-component test, while the written English paper focuses specifically on creative writing. Understanding the specific topics and their emphasis is crucial for effective preparation.

English Assessment

The English assessment for Oxford High School GDST is multifaceted, combining an online component within the Quest test and a separate written paper.

• Quest Online English: This section evaluates comprehension skills through fictional and non-fictional passages. Candidates are expected to demonstrate understanding of key ideas, infer meanings, and interpret vocabulary in context. It also includes questions on spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG).
• Written English Paper: A dedicated 30-minute paper requires candidates to produce an engaging piece of creative writing. This assesses their ability to develop ideas, structure narratives, use varied vocabulary, and apply correct grammar and punctuation under timed conditions.
• Quest Creative Comprehension: A unique section of the Quest assessment, this involves interpreting various sources (e.g., texts, images, charts) linked by a common theme. Girls must demonstrate critical thinking by making connections and drawing conclusions across different information types.

​

Mathematics Assessment

The Maths section of the online Quest assessment covers a broad range of topics aligned with the Year 5 National Curriculum. Emphasis is placed not just on arithmetic proficiency but also on problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.

​

Verbal Reasoning Assessment

This section of the Quest online assessment evaluates a candidate's ability to solve problems using written information and logical deduction. It assesses vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical skills.

​

Non-Verbal Reasoning Assessment

The Non-Verbal Reasoning section within the Quest assessment tests a candidate's ability to analyse and interpret visual information, identify patterns, and solve problems without relying on language skills. Questions are typically multiple-choice.

​

Best Resources for Oxford High School GDST 11+ Exam Preparation

To prepare effectively for Oxford High School GDST's 11+ entrance exam, a balanced approach focusing on both the online Quest assessment and the written English paper is essential. Utilising resources that mirror the independent school exam style and cover all tested subjects will be highly beneficial. For a broader range of practice, explore various 11 plus exam papers.

Recommended PiAcademy Resources

PiAcademy offers a comprehensive suite of resources tailored for independent school entrance exams, which are ideal for preparing for Oxford High School GDST's assessments.

Consistent practice across all these areas, combined with timed mock tests, will build confidence and familiarity with the exam format, giving your daughter the best chance of success at Oxford High School GDST.

Preparing for the Oxford High School GDST 11 Plus entrance exam is crucial given its competitive nature and excellent academic reputation.

The school employs its own bespoke Quest assessment, which evaluates English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning skills, alongside puzzles and creative comprehension.

Regular practice with an 11 plus mock test Oxfordshire helps familiarise your daughter with the format and timing, building confidence and identifying areas for improvement.

While the Quest assessment is unique, mastering core 11+ subjects is vital for success at Oxford High GDST. For a comprehensive evaluation, consider our recommended mock exams.

You can also access a free 11 Plus diagnostic assessment to pinpoint your child's strengths and weaknesses.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 2 September 2025 to 24 October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: 3 November 2025 to 12 December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: 6 January 2026 to 13 February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: 23 February 2026 to 27 March 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: 21 April 2026 to 22 May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: 1 June 2026 to 3 July 2026

Navigating independent school admissions requires understanding direct application processes, specific registration deadlines, and bespoke entrance assessments.

To help you prepare your child effectively for Oxford High School GDST, we've compiled essential official resources, including inspection reports, admissions policies, and key governance information.

• UK Govt. - Get Information on Oxford High School GDST Page
• Oxford High School GDST ISI Report
• Oxford High School GDST Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data
• The Girls' Day School Trust - Charity Commission

The annual fees for the Senior School, including Year 7 is £8,148 per term.

To support wider access, Oxford High School GDST offers various scholarships for Year 7 entry, including Academic, Art & Design/Textiles, Drama, Music, and Sport.

Additionally, means-tested bursaries are available for families who require financial assistance, making an independent education more accessible. While Oxford High GDST is a prestigious institution, it is not listed among the most expensive Private Schools UK.