Haberdashers' Boys' School: 11 Plus Entry Guide
Key Takeaways
- Haberdashers' uses a two-stage process: ISEB Pre-Test then school exam.
- Approximately 150 boys enter Year 7 each year.
- Substantial bursaries are available to widen access.
- Preparation must cover both adaptive testing and traditional exam formats.
Haberdashers' Boys' School (commonly known as Habs Boys) is one of the leading independent schools in the country, located in Elstree, Hertfordshire. It consistently achieves outstanding academic results and is known for producing well-rounded, confident young men. Entry at 11 plus is through the ISEB Common Pre-Test followed by the school's own examination. This two-stage process means families need to understand both systems. This guide covers the admissions process and preparation strategies. EdifyPod Nexus provides adaptive practice for both ISEB and school-specific formats.
Haberdashers' Boys' School in Elstree uses a two-stage admissions process: the ISEB Common Pre-Test as initial screening, followed by the school's own examination and interview. Approximately 150 boys enter Year 7. Means-tested bursaries are available. Preparation must cover both computer-adaptive testing and traditional exam formats.
About Haberdashers' Boys' School
Haberdashers' Boys' School is a day school for boys aged 5 to 18, set on a substantial campus in Elstree. It shares its site with Haberdashers' Girls' School, though the two schools operate independently for most of the school day.
The school has a national reputation for academic excellence. Results at GCSE and A-level are consistently among the best in the country. Beyond academics, the school offers exceptional opportunities in sport, music, drama, and community service.
Approximately 150 boys enter Year 7 each year, with a mix of external applicants and boys from the prep school. Competition for external places is strong.
The Two-Stage Admissions Process
Haberdashers' uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as an initial screening stage. This is a computer-adaptive test taken at the candidate's current school, typically in Year 6. It tests English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Candidates who perform well in the ISEB Pre-Test are invited for the school's own examination and interview. This second stage allows the school to assess candidates in more depth using its own criteria.
The two-stage process means preparation must cover both the ISEB adaptive format and more traditional exam-style questions. Familiarity with computer-adaptive testing is important for the first stage.
Fees and Financial Support
Haberdashers' is a fee-paying school. Current fees are published on the school's website. The school offers means-tested bursaries for families who cannot afford full fees, with awards that can cover a very substantial proportion of costs.
Scholarships are available for academic excellence, music, and sport. Academic scholarships are typically awarded based on performance in the entrance exam. Music scholars may receive free tuition on their instruments.
The school actively encourages applications from all backgrounds and provides detailed information about financial assistance on its website.
Preparation Strategy
For the ISEB Pre-Test stage, your child needs to be comfortable with computer-adaptive testing where the difficulty adjusts based on their answers. Practice with ISEB familiarisation materials and adaptive online platforms like EdifyPod Nexus is essential.
For the school's own exam, preparation should extend to advanced English comprehension, creative writing under timed conditions, and challenging Mathematics. The school values independent thinking and the ability to tackle unfamiliar problems.
Interview preparation should focus on your child's genuine interests and ability to engage in thoughtful conversation. Read widely, discuss ideas at home, and encourage your child to form and express opinions.
For comprehensive preparation covering both ISEB and school-specific formats, explore our group and 1-to-1 programmes at edifypod.com/11plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to pass the ISEB Pre-Test to apply to Haberdashers?
The ISEB Pre-Test is used as an initial screening stage. Candidates who perform well are invited for the school's own exam and interview. The Pre-Test is a necessary first step.
How competitive is entry to Haberdashers' Boys?
Very competitive. The school receives significantly more applications than places available. Strong performance in both the ISEB Pre-Test and the school's own exam is required.
Can girls apply to Haberdashers' at 11 plus?
The boys' school admits boys only. Haberdashers' Girls' School operates separately with its own admissions process.