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It is natural to ask "what score does my child need?" Independent schools answer that differently from a test with a fixed target. Here is how they describe it, in their own words.
A fixed number of places
Each school has a set number of Year 7 places. Some publish the figure:
- Dulwich College: 90 places for September 2027 entry.
- Highgate School: approximately 80 places for entry in 2027.
- St Albans School: approximately 80 places to join First Form (Year 7) each year.
More children apply than there are places. Dulwich College says "the number of applicants for places normally exceeds the number of places available by some margin; entry is highly competitive". St Paul's Girls' School says it is oversubscribed. Guildford High School says it "has a high number of applicants to places".
Ranking, not a target score
Because places are limited, schools compare candidates with each other rather than against a fixed score.
- St Paul's School: "Where places are limited, offers are made in rank order."
- Highgate School: decisions are "predominantly" informed by "the ranking order in the tests". Highgate also says it interviews more children than it has places.
- Guildford High School: if it is oversubscribed, applicants who meet the academic requirements "will be ranked according to the admissions criteria".
- St Albans School: refers to each child's "place in the order of merit at 11+".
The Highgate, St Paul's and St Paul's Girls' policies quoted here mention no pass mark at all.
City of London School for Girls uses the words "pass mark" for its first-stage computer test at 11+, but doesn't give a figure. It is the score above which every candidate is invited back for the second assessment and interview. The school says "the marks will vary from year to year", and there is "a pool of candidates" between a higher and a lower mark. So it isn't a fixed number you can aim for. It depends on how that year's candidates do.
More than one test
Schools say they look at several things, not one score.
- St Paul's Girls' School: "Applications are considered holistically, taking into account performance across all stages of the process", alongside the reference from your daughter's current school.
- Highgate School: alongside the test ranking, it takes "into account interview performance", plus the confidential reference and reports from your child's current school.
- St Paul's School: offers go to candidates who, across "all aspects of the Admissions process", show they can comfortably meet the school's academic standards.
- City of London School: test results are "considered alongside" a confidential report from your child's current Head when choosing who to interview.
- Sevenoaks School: "Our admissions process is holistic." At the first stage it reviews the pre-test scores and also the report and reference from your child's current school, and what you tell it about their wider interests.
The interview and reference are not extras. At these schools they are part of the decision.
What this means for your family
- Don't chase a number. The schools quoted here don't publish a target score. City of London School for Girls says its first-stage marks vary from year to year.
- Think about every stage. Tests, interview and reference all count at the schools quoted here.
- Talk to your child's current school. Several schools ask it for a confidential reference or report.
- Read each school's own policy. How the stages are weighed differs from school to school. Our school guides link to each one.
These quotes come from each school's own admissions pages and policies. Schools update them, so read the current version before you apply.
Questions parents ask
What score does my child need for an independent school?
None of the schools quoted here publishes a fixed score to aim for. Places are limited, and schools such as St Paul's and Highgate say they make decisions using a ranking. Where your child comes depends on who else applies that year.
Does the interview really count?
At Highgate the interview is part of the final decision. St Paul's Girls' School says it looks at performance across all stages. Each school's guide on Akiru describes its interview.
Will the school tell us my child's score?
Each school has its own rules on feedback. Ask the school's admissions team.
Sources
Each school's own admissions pages and policies, checked on 23 October 2026:
- Highgate School: Admissions Policy 11+ 2027 entry
- St Paul's School: admissions policy
- St Paul's Girls' School: admissions policy
- Dulwich College: admission policy for boys entering from age 7 to 18
- Dulwich College: Year 7 entry
- Guildford High School: admissions policy
- St Albans School: our admissions process
- City of London School for Girls: admissions policy
- City of London School: 11+ entry
- Sevenoaks School: entry at 11+, introduction
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