The The Latymer School 11 plus admissions process is one of the most selective and academically demanding for Year 7 entry in North London. As a voluntary aided co-educational selective grammar school in Edmonton, Latymer attracts a large number of applicants each year for a relatively small number of places. With competitive entry and limited places, The Latymer School can feel overwhelming at first. But with a clear plan, it’s absolutely achievable. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to know for September 2026 entry, helping you understand how the assessment works, what dates to watch, how selection happens, and how to support your child through preparation.
At Latymer, academic selection is based on performance in formal entrance tests that include mathematics and verbal reasoning, and an English paper. These assessments are designed to identify pupils with strong reasoning skills and literacy, as suited to a grammar school environment where pupils typically thrive in rigorous academic content. The school’s admissions policy places emphasis on academic ability, but also uses oversubscription criteria including proximity and postcode residency within a defined “Inner Area”. The school publishes sample test papers and guidance, and has a tradition going back centuries of serving local families in North London.The Latymer School+1
This guide will explain the step-by-step admissions process, confirmed dates, how offers are made, and practical advice for preparation. It will also clarify areas not publicly confirmed and suggest what is typical based on recent admissions cycles. By understanding the structure of The Latymer School admissions and focusing preparation on the right areas, you can help your child approach their 11+ with confidence.
The Latymer School Overview at a Glance
How the The Latymer School 11+ Entry Process Works
The Latymer School admissions for Year 7 follow a structured, academically selective process. There’s no charge for tuition because the school is voluntary aided and state-funded, but competition for places is strong.
First, you need to register your child for the Year 7 admissions cycle. For 2026 entry, registration opened earlier and has since closed, but knowing the pattern helps if you are planning ahead. Once registered, candidates sit the school’s academic tests.
The assessments consist of mathematics and verbal reasoning papers provided by GL Assessment, followed by an English paper. The results of these tests determine a ranking for each candidate. Only the top scoring candidates are deemed academically selective and considered for available places. Applicants are then ranked and placed against the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Unlike many independent schools, Latymer’s entry does not include an interview for 11+ candidates as part of the initial selection. Instead, offers are made based on test performance and where you live relative to the school’s published Inner Area postcodes, which prioritise local families within specified London and adjacent postcode areas. It’s essential to ensure that your address fits these criteria and that supporting documentation is provided by the deadline specified by the school.
Because the school uses co-ordinated admissions through your local authority, you must also submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to your council, listing Latymer as one of your preferences. The combination of your ranking from the school’s tests and your CAF preference influences whether an offer is made on National Offer Day.
Key Dates for The Latymer School Admissions (2026 Entry)
Milestone | Date |
Open day | 30 April 2026 The Latymer School |
Registration deadline | 2 June 2025 (registration closed) The Latymer School |
Entrance exam or assessment | 3, 6, 7 September 2025 The Latymer School |
Interviews | Not published (no interview at 11+ stage) |
Offers | National Offer Day March 2026 (typical) |
Acceptance deadline | Based on local authority timetable (typically March/April 2026) |
Scholarships, Bursaries and Fees at The Latymer School
Because The Latymer School is a state-funded grammar school, there are no tuition fees to pay for Year 7 entry. This is one of the key differences compared with private independent schools where termly fees would often be several thousands of pounds.
The admissions process doesn’t involve scholarships in the traditional independent school sense. Instead, the school offers free 11+ familiarisation materials to support candidates eligible for Pupil Premium, helping families from lower-income backgrounds prepare for the test without extra cost. This isn’t a means-tested bursary like you’d see in independent contexts, but it is another piece of support to widen access for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
What to Expect from the Interview at The Latymer School
For 11+ entry to The Latymer School, there is no formal interview reported as part of the usual admissions process for September 2026. Selection is based on performance in the academic tests and the subsequent ranking and oversubscription criteria. However, the school does provide frequently asked questions and guidance for parents, which can reassure you about how the tests are organised and what the school looks for in applicants.The Latymer School
If you have specific concerns about your child’s transition, you can contact the admissions team directly for clarity on interview components or pastoral conversations, but these are not part of the standard 11+ entry.
Preparing for the The Latymer School 11 Plus Assessments
Preparation for The Latymer School’s entrance tests should begin well in advance of the September assessment dates. For most families, Year 5 is when to start building a solid foundation in maths, verbal reasoning, reading comprehension and writing. By Year 6, focused preparation on the specific styles of questions used in GL Assessment papers is crucial.
Maths practice should cover number operations, problem solving, sequences and data interpretation. Verbal reasoning can feel unfamiliar, as it tests your child’s ability to spot patterns, analogies and logical relationships between words and shapes. English preparation should include reading comprehension practice and writing tasks that build vocabulary, grammar understanding and clarity of expression.
Use the sample papers published by the school to familiarise your child with the format and timing of questions, and introduce timed practice sessions to build confidence under pressure. Encouraging a calm, structured routine around revision helps reduce anxiety and improve performance on test day.
As a clear starting point, you can book a free 11+ diagnostic session with Find Your Tutor (FYT) focused on The Latymer School. It benchmarks your child’s current level and gives you a personalised preparation roadmap for the months ahead.
Other Schools to Consider Near The Latymer School
If you are exploring options beyond The Latymer School, nearby grammar and selective schools often considered by parents include Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet (for boys) and other selective schools in North London and Hertfordshire. These schools also have competitive selection procedures, each with its own testing format and criteria.