Godolphin and Latymer School 11+ Guide

1.0 Top

Why is Godolphin and Latymer So Competitive?

Godolphin and Latymer receives a high volume of applications for a limited number of Year 7 places each year. Its reputation for academic excellence, exceptional teaching, and broad enrichment opportunities make it one of the most sought-after girls’ schools in London.

With such intense competition, it is vital for families to understand the admissions process, entrance assessments, and what the school looks for in prospective students. This guide will walk you through each stage of the 11+ admissions journey, helping you and your daughter prepare with confidence and clarity.

---

2.0 Top

Executive Summary and School Specifications Overview

School Specifications

Specification	Details
School Name	Godolphin and Latymer School
Type	Independent Day School
Gender	Girls
Age Range	11–18 Years
Exam Board	London 11+ Consortium
Key Exam Subjects	English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Registration Deadline	Early November (Year 6)
Exam Date	Late November or Early December
Interview Required	Yes
Interview Date	January
Fees	£11,226 per term (as of Spring 2025). See fees page
Financial Assistance	Means-tested bursaries and scholarships available
Admissions Contact	office@godolphinandlatymer.com | 020 8741 1936
Location	Iffley Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0PG
Catchment	No catchment; open to all applicants
Transport Links	Nearest Tube: Hammersmith Station (District, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City lines)

---

3.0 Top

Why Choose Godolphin and Latymer School?

Strong Academic Options
Godolphin and Latymer offers both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Sixth Form, giving students real choice depending on their interests and university goals. This dual pathway is relatively rare and appeals to families looking for flexibility in academic planning.

Excellent Teaching and Results
The school consistently achieves outstanding academic results. Teaching is highly regarded, and students are supported to reach their full potential in a stimulating but manageable learning environment.

Day School Balance
As a day school, Godolphin and Latymer provides academic ambition without the disruption of boarding. Girls benefit from a full and challenging school life while remaining closely connected to home and family.

Exceptional Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is a core part of the school’s ethos. Students are known and supported as individuals, with a pastoral system that helps them navigate academic pressures and personal development with confidence.

Outstanding Facilities
Facilities include a nationally recognised library, a professional-standard performing arts centre in a converted church, modern science labs, and extensive sports amenities — all on a compact and accessible West London campus.

Breadth Beyond the Classroom
A wide co-curricular programme offers everything from music and drama to coding, debating and sport. There is also a strong focus on social responsibility, with community partnerships, outreach initiatives and environmental projects including the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

Well-Rounded, Future-Ready Students
Godolphin and Latymer supports girls to become confident, thoughtful and resilient young women. Students leave not only with excellent qualifications but also with a strong sense of self, purpose and responsibility.

---

4.0 Top

Introduction to the 11+ Assessment for Godolphin and Latymer School

Admission to Godolphin and Latymer at 11+ involves a two-stage process: candidates first sit the London 11+ Consortium entrance assessment, followed by interviews for shortlisted applicants. Offers are made based on performance in both stages, alongside a school reference and overall suitability for the academic environment.

4.1

How Competitive is the Godolphin and Latymer 11+ Exam?

The 11+ admissions process at Godolphin and Latymer School is highly competitive. The school offers approximately 120 places in Year 7 each year, but receives significantly more applications from academically able girls across London and beyond. Its strong academic reputation, excellent facilities, and central West London location make it one of the most sought-after day schools in the capital.

Applicants sit the London 11+ Consortium entrance assessment, and those who perform well are invited for an interview. Offers are made based on exam performance, interview outcomes, and a reference from the candidate’s current school.

4.2

What to Expect in the 11+ Entrance Exam at Godolphin and Latymer School

Exam Format:

Duration: Approximately 100 minutes, split into two parts with a short break in between.

Part 1:

• Mathematics (20 minutes): Assesses numerical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

• English and Verbal Reasoning (30 minutes): Covers reading comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal logic.

• Non-Verbal Reasoning (10 minutes): Tests pattern recognition and spatial awareness.

Part 2:

• Problem Solving (15 minutes): Involves multi-step problems requiring logical and strategic thinking.

• Creative Comprehension (25 minutes): Requires candidates to interpret and analyse information from various written and visual sources.

The test is taken online and is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts depending on a student's responses. Most applicants complete the assessment at their current school or at a designated test centre.

You may be familiar with the ISEB Pre-Test format, a similar adaptive test taken digitally; however, the 11+ consortium is a different test all together.

4.3

Can you prepare for the 11+ Godolphin and Latymer exam using entrance exam past papers?

The London 11+ Consortium does not release official past papers for its entrance exam, so candidates cannot prepare using traditional past papers in the same way they might for other school-specific assessments.

However, preparation is still very possible and recommended; read on below:

4.4

How to Prepare for the Consortium 11+ Exam

• Use the Consortium's Familiarisation Materials
  The Consortium provides an official familiarisation test that reflects the format, timing, and types of questions found in the real exam. This is the most accurate preparation resource available.
  

• Practice Key Skills Separately
  Since the exam covers mathematics, English and verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, problem solving, and creative comprehension, students can use general 11+ practice books and online platforms to build skills in each of these areas.
  

• Focus on Adaptive Test Practice
  The exam is online and adaptive, meaning it adjusts to the ability level of the candidate. Practice with computer-based, adaptive-style tests (where possible) can help students become familiar with this format.
  

• Time Management and Stamina
  The test is about 100 minutes long. Regular timed practice and building focus over longer periods are both useful strategies.

---

5.0 Top

The 11+ Interview at Godolphin and Latymer School

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in January, following the entrance assessment. At 11+, the interview is warm and conversational, designed to explore a student’s curiosity, communication skills, and readiness to thrive in Godolphin and Latymer’s academic environment. Interviewers are looking for thoughtful responses, enthusiasm for learning, and a willingness to engage with new ideas. Candidates may be asked about their interests, reflect on their experiences at school, respond to discussion prompts, or solve gentle reasoning tasks.

Key Skills
The interview is not just about academic ability. It focuses on how a student thinks, communicates, and approaches problems. Interviewers want to understand each individual—what motivates her, how she interacts with others, and how she might contribute to the school community.

Preparation Tips
Help your child practise by having relaxed conversations about books they've enjoyed, subjects they find interesting, or experiences they’re proud of. Encourage them to express their thoughts clearly, explain their reasoning, and build confidence in responding to open-ended questions. Discussing simple topics like current events or creative scenarios can also help them feel more comfortable thinking aloud.

Common Questions
Students might be asked why they are interested in Godolphin and Latymer, what they enjoy most about school, or how they’ve handled a challenge. They may also be encouraged to share their views on topics like teamwork, problem-solving, or making mistakes and learning from them.

Presentation and Etiquette
First impressions count. Encourage your child to smile, make eye contact, and listen carefully. Speaking politely, showing interest, and arriving on time all help create a positive impression. Above all, remind them that the interview is a chance to be themselves and to share what excites them.

Additional Support
If you would like structured support, Ivy Education offers tailored 11+ mock interview sessions designed specifically for competitive schools like Godolphin and Latymer. Led by experienced educators, these sessions simulate the interview setting and provide personalised feedback to help students feel confident and well-prepared.

We've also written a guide to help prospective students ace their interview questions. Read our 25 most commonly asked school interview questions, below.

---

6.0 Top

Registration and Application Process

6.1

Key Dates for 11+ Entry (September 2026)

• Registration Deadline: Friday 7 November 2025 (by noon)

• Entrance Assessment: Friday 28 November or Tuesday 2 December 2025

• Interview Date: Friday 16 January 2026

• Offer Letters Sent: Friday 13 February 2026

• Acceptance Deadline: Wednesday 4 March 2026 (by noon)

These dates apply to the 2026 entry cycle and may vary slightly in future years. Always check the school’s official website for the most current timeline.

6.2

Application Procedure

1. Complete the Online Registration Form
Available via the Godolphin and Latymer website. Parents must submit the form by the published deadline (usually early November in Year 6).

2. Submit the Registration Fee
A non-refundable registration fee of £150 is required upon submission of the form. Bursary applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver.

3. Provide Supporting Information
This includes:

• A copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport

• Contact details of your child’s current school for reference

• Any relevant reports or learning support documentation (if applicable)

4. Entrance Assessment
All applicants sit the London 11+ Consortium entrance exam, typically held in late November or early December. Candidates may take the assessment at their current school or at a designated test centre.

5. Interview Stage (if shortlisted)
Shortlisted candidates are invited to Godolphin and Latymer for an interview in January. The interview helps assess academic potential, communication skills, and fit with the school.

6. Offer and Acceptance
Offers are issued in mid-February. Parents must accept by the stated deadline in early March to secure their child’s place.

Need Help Preparing for Godolphin and Latymer?

Ivy Education’s expert 11+ tutors can help your child feel confident and fully prepared for both the entrance exam and interview. Visit our 11+ Tuition page

---

7.0 Top

After the Exam and Interview: What Happens Next?

Following the entrance assessment and interview, parents will be notified of the outcome in mid-February. Godolphin and Latymer takes time to review each candidate’s performance alongside school references and interview impressions before making a final decision.

What if my child is successful?

Congratulations! Successful applicants will receive an offer letter, which must be reviewed and accepted by the given deadline. Families should confirm their child’s place promptly, as demand is high, and spaces are limited. A deposit payment may be required to secure the offer.

What if my child didn't pass?

If your child is not successful, you may request feedback from the school. This can be valuable in identifying areas for development when considering future applications to other selective schools or preparing for 13+ entry. Families often explore alternative schools with later deadlines or seek academic support to help build confidence and readiness for future opportunities.

What if my child ends up on a waiting list?

For candidates who are placed on the waiting list, it is important to stay in contact with the admissions office and express continued interest in the school. Occasionally, spaces become available, and waitlisted students may be offered a place at a later stage. If you would like more information on school waiting lists, check out our guide.

---

8.0 Top

Additional Considerations

Godolphin and Latymer offers a generous bursary programme to support academically able students from a wide range of financial backgrounds. Means-tested bursaries are available at 11+ entry and can cover up to 100% of tuition fees, depending on a family’s circumstances. Academic and music scholarships are also offered to recognise and encourage outstanding talent.

Attending an open day or school tour is strongly recommended. These events allow prospective families to explore the school’s facilities, meet teaching staff and current pupils, and learn more about the admissions process. Experiencing the school in person helps families understand its values, teaching style, and community culture.

When considering Godolphin and Latymer, or any independent school, families should reflect on a range of factors, including academic performance, subject choice, extracurricular opportunities, pastoral support, and school ethos. Each child is different, and choosing a school that aligns with their strengths, interests, and personality is key to helping them thrive both academically and personally.

---

9.0 Top

Useful Resources & Contacts

Explore Godolphin and Latymer Admissions: Visit the Godolphin and Latymer 11+ Admissions Page for official details, including key dates, application steps, and the latest updates from the school.

Transform Exam Preparation: Ivy Education offers tailored 11+ Tuition designed to suit your child’s individual strengths and areas for development. With expert tutors, engaging resources, and a focus on confidence-building, Ivy Education helps students approach the London 11+ Consortium exam with clarity and assurance.

Consult Experts: Navigating the admissions journey can feel overwhelming, but Ivy Education’s Consultancy Services are here to guide you every step of the way! Our team provides personalised advice and support, ensuring that families make the right choices for their child’s future. Contact us today!

---

10.0 Top

FAQs

---