Frequently Asked Questions about our Admissions process
PREP SCHOOL
What is the registration deadline?
You can register your daughter via our online registration form at any time up to the November in the year before the September of entry (November 2023 for September 2024 start).
The exact date is published on our website each year as soon as it is confirmed — please see our Admissions page for this year’s dates.
Are assessments based on first come first served?
No, every registered girl will be set an assessment appointment.
Do you take into account the difference in ages at assessment?
Yes, girls are assessed according to their date of birth – their score is standardised.
If my daughter does not gain a place in Nursery, can she reapply for Reception?
Yes. Reception is an intake point at St Helen’s, therefore your daughter can be assessed again for this year group.
You do not need to re-register or pay a further fee — just contact the Admissions Department on 01923 843230 or email admissions@sthelens.london.
Is there more than one round to the assessment?
For Nursery and Reception intake, we have one round of assessments in school.
How many girls do you take in at 3+ and 4+ and what are the class sizes?
We take 48 girls at 3+ and divide these into 3 classes of 16 girls. We then offer a further 12 places at 4+ to increase each class to 20 girls. Our classes in Prep School remain at approximately 20 girls throughout.
How many applicants do you have?
It varies every year so giving any numbers at this point is not possible.
Do you have breakfast and after school clubs?
Wrap around care is available from 7.30am to 6pm from Nursery to Year 6. Full information is available on our Extended Day page here.
Are you affiliated to any local nurseries?
No – each year we have girls joining us from a wide range of nurseries and girls who have been at home until they join us.
Do you offer places in other year groups? (Year 1 to 6)?
On occasion we have spaces available in other year groups. Candidates are invited to take part in an assessment or entrance exam, depending on the year group. Please contact the Admissions Department on 01923 843230 or email admissions@sthelens.london for further information.
SENIOR SCHOOL
What is the registration deadline?
You can register your daughter via our online registration form at any time up to the November in the year before the September of entry (November 2023 for September 2024 start).
The exact date is published on our website each year as soon as it is confirmed — please see our Admissions page for this year’s dates.
Do you request school reports/references from current schools?
Yes, this information is taken into consideration as part of the application process.
How many spaces do you have available for external applicants at 11+ intake?
Between 40 to 50 places.
Do you offer Scholarships at 11+?
Yes. We offer Academic Scholarships. No additional exam is required for these, and decisions are made based on entrance exam results, a current school reference/report and an interview.
Additionally, we offer scholarships in Sport and Music. Full information on how to apply and the criteria required will be sent out with details about the 11+ assessment. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in a Sport and/or Music assessment. Candidates are welcome to apply for both.
For more information, please visit our Scholarships page here.
Do you offer Bursaries at 11+?
Yes, you can express your interest by ticking the appropriate box when you register online. A separate online bursary application will then need to be completed by the specified deadline date.
For more information, please visit our Bursaries page here.
Do you age adjust the scores for the 11+ entrance exam?
The scores are standardised according to the date of birth.
What are your class and year group sizes?
We aim to have five classes per year group of approximately 20 to 22 per class.
Do you offer places in other year groups in Senior School (Year 8 to 10)?
On occasion we have spaces available in other year groups. Candidates are invited to sit entrance exams in English, Maths, Science, and a Modern Foreign Language.
Please contact the Admissions Department on 01923 843230 or email admissions@sthelens.london for further information.
