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 multiple-choice entrance test in Maths and English. For 2027 entry, registration ran 1 May to 8 July 2026 and tests were held on 16–17 September 2026. Highly competitive, with places ranked mainly by test score.
The Henrietta Barnett School
Two rounds. Round One (GL Assessment-style) covers Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and English; the top 300 go through to a Round Two written English and Maths test. 120 places. For 2027 entry, Round One was 2–4 September and Round Two was 6 October 2026. Priority bands include girls living within 3 miles.
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School
Four tests on one day: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths (multiple choice) plus a written English paper. 128 places. Admission is prioritised by Catholic faith criteria as well as test rank — for 2027 entry a Certificate of Baptism and a recent Certificate of Catholic Practice are required.
The Latymer School
One round: multiple-choice Verbal Reasoning and Maths (GL Assessment, 50 minutes each), plus a 45-minute written English paper marked only for the top scorers. 192 places. Strictly limited to a published Inner Area of north London postcode districts — families in most of Harrow are outside it, so check the postcode list before registering.
Watford Grammar Schools for Boys and Girls
Partially selective through the South West Herts Consortium: about 25% of places are awarded on the academic test, with others for music, siblings and distance. One Consortium registration covers all seven member schools. For 2027 entry, registration ran 1 April to 5 June 2026.
Bucks grammar schools (e.g. Amersham, Chesham, High Wycombe)
One shared Secondary Transfer Test (GL Assessment) covering verbal, mathematical and non-verbal skills; the qualifying score is 121. Children at schools outside Buckinghamshire — including Harrow — can register to sit it (for 2027 entry, 1 May to 2 June 2026), but each of the 13 grammar schools sets its own catchment and oversubscription rules.
Facts checked against official school and council sources on 24 October 2026. Rules, catchment areas and dates change every year — always confirm each school’s current admissions policy before applying.
Official sources
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet — admissions
- The Henrietta Barnett School — admissions
- St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School — admissions 2027–28
- The Latymer School — 2027 admissions
- South West Herts Schools Consortium
- Buckinghamshire Council — Secondary Transfer Test
Key dates for Harrow families
Year 4 to early Year 5
Assess your child, build Maths and English foundations and start reading widely.
April to July of Year 5
Register for each school’s test — deadlines fall earlier than most parents expect. In the 2027-entry round: South West Herts Consortium closed 5 June, Buckinghamshire 2 June, Latymer 2 June, St Michael’s 7 July and Queen Elizabeth’s 8 July.
September of Year 6
Most tests are held this month — for 2027 entry, Henrietta Barnett Round One was 2–4 September, Latymer 3–5 September, St Michael’s 11 September and Queen Elizabeth’s 16–17 September. Second rounds (for example Henrietta Barnett’s) follow in early October.
By 31 October of Year 6
List your chosen schools on the Harrow Common Application Form. Test results arrive before this date so you can apply realistically.
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.