Harrow has excellent secondary schools, but no state grammar schools. Families who want a selective school usually look just across the borough border, at Barnet, Enfield, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Each school sets its own rules, so planning early makes a real difference.
The nearest grammar schools
Queen Elizabeth’s School
Own entrance test in English and Maths. Highly competitive, with places ranked mainly by test score.
The Henrietta Barnett School
Two-round test: a first round of verbal, non-verbal reasoning and English, then a second round for the top scorers.
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School
Own test covering reasoning, Maths and English. Check its faith-based admission criteria.
The Latymer School
Own test, with places limited to families living in a published list of postcode districts.
Watford Grammar Schools for Boys and Girls
Partially selective: only some places are given by academic or music tests. Others follow distance and sibling rules.
Bucks grammar schools (e.g. Amersham, Chesham, High Wycombe)
Shared Secondary Transfer Test. Children living outside Buckinghamshire can usually sit it, but catchment rules vary by school.
Rules, catchment areas and dates change every year. Always check each school’s current admissions policy before applying.
Key dates for Harrow families
Year 4 to early Year 5
Assess your child, build Maths and English foundations and start reading widely.
Spring to summer of Year 5
Visit open days and register for each school’s test. Each school has its own registration and deadline.
September of Year 6
Most tests are held this month. Some schools hold a second round in October.
By 31 October of Year 6
List your chosen schools on the Harrow Common Application Form.
1 March of Year 7 entry
National Offer Day, when secondary school places are announced.
How to prepare well
- Start with an assessment so you know your child’s strengths and gaps
- Build Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning steadily
- Read widely every week to grow vocabulary and comprehension
- Practise timed papers in the format of the schools you are applying to
- Keep feedback calm and positive so confidence grows alongside skill
Our 11 Plus preparation course at our Harrow centre and online covers all four areas, with timed practice and regular feedback for parents.
Common questions
Are there any grammar schools in Harrow?
No. Harrow has no state grammar schools, so families usually look at selective schools in nearby boroughs and counties such as Barnet, Enfield, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Can my child sit more than one 11 Plus test?
Yes. Most schools near Harrow run their own tests, so you register with each one separately. Registering with one school does not register you for the others.
When should 11 Plus preparation start?
Many families begin steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, leaving time to build skills without cramming before tests in September of Year 6.
Not sure where your child stands?
Book a free assessment and we’ll suggest a clear 11 Plus plan for the schools you’re considering.