FREE Download: St Helen and St Katharine (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

St Helen and St Katharine is a highly selective independent school for girls aged 9-18, with a significant intake at 11+. This Abingdon, Oxfordshire institution, recognised among the best independent schools in UK, fosters academic excellence from Key Stage 3 (KS3) through to 6th Form.

Securing a place for 2026 11+ Exam admissions requires understanding the rigorous process. The admissions journey includes a Stage One Test, comprising written assessments in English and Mathematics. Candidates also participate in a Stage Two Test, involving a taster day and interview. Both Saint Helen and St Helen emphasise a holistic assessment.

Saint Helen and St Katharine, crowned Independent Girls’ School of the Year 2025, stands as Abingdon’s top school according to The Times Parent Power 2026.

In this guide, I apply 18+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate St Helen and St Katharine 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with confidence.

​​School Details

• Type of School: Independent Day School
• Boarding Type: Day only
• Gender Type: Girls
• Religion: Church of England (Anglican)
• Age Range: 9-18 (Years 5-13)
• Number of Pupils: Approximately 710
• GCSE Results (2025): 92% of results were grades 9-7
• A-Level Results (2025): 87.5% of results were grades A*, A or B

​

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Academically selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 70+
• Exam Board: School's own entrance assessment
• Number of Stages: 2
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark Guidance: Aim for 90%

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and St Helen and St Katharine Official Website.

As an experienced UK Education Consultant, I understand that navigating the 11 plus admissions process for schools like St Helen and St Katharine can feel overwhelming for parents.

To assist you in planning, I have compiled the key St Helen and St Katharine 11 plus exam dates and other important milestones for prospective pupils. Keeping track of the 11+ Exam date, registration deadlines, and St Helen and St Katharine open day events is crucial for a smooth application journey.

Below, you'll find a concise overview of the important dates for Year 7 entry.

For September 2026 entry, the St Helen and St Katharine 11 plus exam process typically begins in 2025. As per the St Helen and St Katharine Admissions Policy, key stages are involved. This leading institution is among the highly regarded independent schools in Oxfordshire.

How to register for 11+ exam

To register for 11+ exam for your daughter's September 2026 entry:

• Visit St Helen and St Katharine at an Open Day.
• Complete online registration and pay the fee. Early 11 plus exam registration is advised.
• Candidates attend a taster day and interview (autumn term, Year 6).
• The Entrance assessment (English and Maths) is in January of Year 6. A headteacher’s reference is requested.

​St Helen and St Katharine, an independent day school for girls in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, does not operate a formal catchment area. The school welcomes applications from a wide geographical region, reflecting its status as an academically selective institution.

Admissions to St Helen and St Katharine are highly selective and criteria-led. Places are offered based on a comprehensive assessment process, which includes an entrance examination in English and Mathematics, an interview, and a confidential reference from a candidate's current school.

These criteria ensure that girls who will thrive in the school's vibrant academic environment are selected.

For Year 7 applicants, the practical implication is that a girl's suitability for a place is determined by her performance in the entrance assessment and interview, alongside her school report, rather than her home address or proximity to the school.

Given the highly competitive nature of admissions to academically selective schools like St Helen and St Katharine, it is always prudent for parents to develop a robust backup strategy.

This often involves considering a mix of other leading independent schools and, where geographically viable, top-performing grammar schools.

A well-researched list of alternatives ensures your daughter has excellent options, regardless of the outcome of her primary application.

• These schools are considered top alternatives due to their strong academic records, excellent pastoral care, and commitment to developing well-rounded students, mirroring the ethos of St Helen and St Katharine.
• Headington School and Oxford High School GDST offer a similar independent girls' school environment, often attracting families from the same catchment areas in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. Their admissions processes are also academically rigorous, involving a mix of written assessments and interviews.
• Kendrick School, while a state-funded grammar, provides an outstanding academic education for girls, making it a highly sought-after option for parents prioritising academic excellence without independent school fees. Its admissions are solely based on the competitive 11+ examination.
• When making your decision, consider practical factors such as daily commute, the specific exam board and style of assessment (e.g., online vs. paper, interview stage), and the overall oversubscription pressure for each school. Understanding the different stage styles can help tailor your daughter's preparation effectively.

St Helen and St Katharine does not publicly disclose the exact number of applications received for Year 7 entry each year. However, it is an academically selective school with a competitive admissions process.

The main intake for Year 7 (11+) typically offers around 70 places. Given the school's strong academic reputation and popularity, parents should anticipate a significant number of applicants for these limited places.

For the most current admissions information, including registration deadlines, please refer to the school's official admissions page.

St Helen and St Katharine

St Helen and St Katharine is a highly regarded independent day school for girls in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

For Year 7 (11+) entry, the school conducts its own entrance assessment designed to identify bright and inquisitive students who will thrive in its academic environment.

As stated in the St Helen and St Katharine Admissions Policy, the entrance assessment is a key part of the application process.

The 11+ entrance assessment for St Helen and St Katharine typically takes place in January of Year 6. For example, the entrance assessment for entry in 2027 is scheduled for Saturday 16 January 2027. The assessment comprises following online main papers:

• English
• Mathematics
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Puzzles and Problem-Solving
• Creative Comprehension
  

Short Written Papers:

• 11+ Mathematics
• 11+ English
  

Each element of the assessment process, along with a confidential headteacher’s reference and the taster day activities, is taken into account by the Head to determine suitability for a place.

St Helen and St Katharine 11+ Test Overview

The entrance assessments comprise a series of online assessments in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non‑Verbal Reasoning, Puzzles and Problem‑Solving, and Creative Comprehension, alongside short written papers in Mathematics and English.

The Interview Process

As part of the entrance assessment process, registered candidates are required to attend a taster day at St Helen’s during the autumn term of Year 6.

During this day, the Head meets candidates individually, and the afternoon concludes with small group informal discussions with a senior member of staff.

These interactions allow the school to gain a broader understanding of each applicant beyond their academic performance in the written tests. Preparing for 11+ interview questions can help build confidence for these discussions.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

• What exam board does Saint Helen follow?
  St Helen and St Katharine uses its own bespoke entrance examination papers for 11+ admissions, rather than an external exam board.
• How long is the 11+ Exam for Saint Helen?
  The St Helen and St Katharine 11 Plus Test consists a series of online assessments in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non‑Verbal Reasoning, Puzzles and Problem‑Solving, and Creative Comprehension.
  
  

St Helen and St Katharine does not publish an official 11 Plus pass mark. For strong 11 plus exam results at Saint Helen, aiming 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers positions applicants well.

Students should focus on maximising their scores across all tested subjects to enhance their application.

What are the topics for 11+ Exam of St Helen and St Katharine?

St Helen and St Katharine conducts a comprehensive, single-stage entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The examination is designed to identify bright girls with enquiring minds, assessing a broad range of academic and cognitive skills. The school uses its own bespoke assessment, which includes both online and written components.

English

The English assessment for SHSK Year 7 entry evaluates both reading comprehension and written expression. Candidates will encounter a variety of tasks designed to test their understanding of texts, their ability to infer meaning and authorial intent, and their capacity for creative and persuasive writing. Strong emphasis is placed on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the structured development of ideas.

Mathematics

The Mathematics assessment at St Helen and St Katharine covers the core concepts from the Year 6 National Curriculum. It tests not only arithmetic proficiency but also the ability to apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems and reason logically. Candidates should be prepared to show their working clearly, as no calculators are permitted.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section assesses a candidate's ability to understand and reason with words, language, and concepts. This online assessment typically includes questions on vocabulary, logical deduction, coding, and identifying relationships between words.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

The Non-Verbal Reasoning assessment evaluates a candidate's ability to solve problems using diagrams, shapes, and patterns, without relying on language or numbers. This online component tests spatial awareness, logical thinking, and the identification of visual rules.

Best Resources for St Helen and St Katharine 11+ Exam Preparation

To prepare effectively for the St Helen and St Katharine 11+ entrance assessment, a balanced approach focusing on all tested subjects is crucial. Utilising high-quality practice materials that mirror the independent school exam style will build confidence and familiarity. For a wide range of resources, explore PiAcademy's 11 plus exam papers.

Recommended PiAcademy Resources

St Helen and St Katharine is a highly competitive independent girls' school in Oxfordshire. To secure a place, thorough preparation is essential. Engaging in an 11 plus mock test Oxfordshire is crucial for familiarising your daughter with the exam format, managing time effectively, and reducing test-day anxiety.

Mock tests help identify areas for improvement, allowing for targeted revision. For Saint Helen and St Katharine's own entrance assessment, which focuses on English and Mathematics, comprehensive practice is key. Consider PiAcademy’s Mock Test 11 Plus to simulate the real exam experience.

Additionally, if you're unsure about your daughter's current performance, a free 11 Plus diagnostic assessment can provide valuable insights.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 7th September 2026 – 16th October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: 2nd November 2026 – 11th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: 5th January 2027 – 12th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: 22nd February 2027 – 25th March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: 19th April 2027 – 28th May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: 7th June 2027 – 9th July 2027

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 St Helen and St Katharine.

• UK Govt. - Get Information on St Helen and St Katharine Page
• St Helen and St Katharine ISI Report
• St Helen and St Katharine Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data
• St Helen and St Katharine - Charity Commission

Understanding the financial commitment for St Helen and St Katharine is vital for prospective parents. For the academic year, Termly tuition fee is £8,950 (inclusive of VAT).

This investment covers a comprehensive education at this prestigious independent girls' school in Abingdon. St Helen and St Katharine also offers various forms of financial assistance. Prospective pupils can apply for scholarships, which recognise academic excellence or talent in specific areas like music.

Additionally, bursaries are available, offering between 20% and 100% of fees, subject to a rigorous means-testing process for families requiring financial support.

For a broader perspective on independent school costs, you might be interested in learning about the most expensive Private Schools UK.