7 plus (7+) Exam – South Hampstead High School – What you need to know

School Name South Hampstead High School

Description Girls; day school

Age range 7-11

Fees £4,840 per term

Address 5 Netherhall Gardens, London, NW3 5RN

Email (general enquiries) junior@shhs.gdst.net

Telephone (general enquiries) 020 7794 7198

Headmistress Helen Pike

Head of Junior School Mrs Gabrielle Solti

Admissions Email junioradmissions@shhs.gdst.net

Telephone 020 7309 6288

Overview

Founded in 1876, South Hampstead High School (SHHS) is a blend of original Victorian properties and modern, purpose-built facilities. The Junior School is housed in two Victorian buildings. Girls enjoy access to well-equipped classrooms and dedicated art, science, and music rooms as well as libraries and landscaped outdoor play areas.

The school is a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK. It is a charity that owns and runs 24 schools and two academies.

SHHS Junior School has a clear focus on developing literacy and numeracy skills and daily lessons are provided in each of these subjects. An integrated approach to the curriculum means that learning is focused across several subjects around a theme. This ensures girls develop a depth of knowledge, as well as confidence in key skills such as research, analysis, interpretation and presenting information.

Music is a strength. From Year 1, girls take part in a ‘Strings Project’ where they learn either the violin or cello as a class group. Opportunities in music continue as girls progress through the school, with nearly every girl learning an instrument and/or taking part in the many bands, ensembles and choirs. Listen to the SHHS Music Showcase here, it’s impressive.

Clubs include Art Club, Science Club, Gardening Club, Spanish Club, Ballet and Drama, as well as a huge range of sporting and musical activities. An after school club helps parents by providing extended day provision which currently runs until 5.15pm, Monday – Thursday.

Admissions Process for South Hampstead High School at Seven Plus

24 new pupils are welcomed at 7+.

Applications & Registration

The deadline for registration for South Hampstead High School 7+ entry is in November.

Please click here for a link to South Hampstead High School’s 7+ registration form.

Registration fee: £100

Open Days/Visits

SHHS open days are for adults rather than prospective pupils (who get an opportunity to visit as part of the application process.) As a guide, an open day will include a 30-minute talk from the Head and a 30-minute tour conducted by pupils, followed by tea/coffee and a Q&A session. Space is limited and booking required. If both parents will be attending, then both names must be given at the time of booking.

Bookings should be made online and you can visit the relevant page here.

However, dates for additional 2016 Autumn term open days are yet to be published and therefore cannot be booked yet!

Entrance Exams

Entrance exams will be held in January and include papers in English, maths and non-verbal reasoning. Girls who perform well are invited back for interview and an observed assessment session.

The school has a high academic pedigree and is looking for girls with potential and who will flourish in its unique environment.

Recommended Materials

English practice papers, ideal for South Hampstead High School 7+ preparation:

7+ English: Punctuation

7+ English: Vocabulary and Grammar

7+ English: Spelling

The Complete Illustrated Guide to 7+ Comprehension

The Complete Illustrated Guide to 7+ Writing

7 plus maths practice papers, ideal for South Hampstead 7+ exam preparation:

7+ Mathematics Pack 1

7+ Mathematics Pack 2

7+ Mathematics Pack 3

7+ Mathematics: Mental Arithmetic

7+ Mathematics: Problem Solving

The Complete Illustrated Guide to 7+ Mathematics

7 plus reasoning practice papers, ideal for South Hampstead 7+ exam preparation:

7+ Reasoning Pack 1 (Non-Verbal sections)

7+ Reasoning Pack 2 (Non-Verbal sections)

7+ Reasoning Pack 3 (Non-Verbal sections)

7 plus Listening practice papers, ideal for South Hampstead 7+ exam preparation:

7+ Listening Pack 1

Destination Schools at 11+

It is assumed that all girls will progress to the Senior School. In the Spring term of Year 5, the majority of girls will receive an unconditional, confirmed offer of a place in Year 7 of the Senior School. This means that girls from the Junior School will not sit the 11+ entrance test unless she wishes to apply for a scholarship or a bursary.

The Junior School’s subject co-ordinators liaise closely with the Heads of Department in the Senior School to ensure a smooth transition.