Godolphin and Latymer School 11+ Preparation Guide

Godolphin and Latymer School in Hammersmith is one of London's leading independent girls' schools, consistently ranked among the top academic schools in the country. Entry at 11+ is highly competitive, and the school produces outstanding results at GCSE and A-Level with an excellent record of progression to Oxbridge and other leading universities.

About the School

Founded in 1905, Godolphin and Latymer is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, located in Hammersmith, West London. It is a member of the Girls' Schools Association (GSA) and the Independent Schools Council. The school has a rigorous and ambitious academic culture, drawing pupils from across London and the Home Counties, and places a strong emphasis on intellectual engagement, debate, and independent thinking.

The 11+ Examination Format

Godolphin and Latymer uses its own entrance papers in English and Mathematics at 11+. These are designed to assess reasoning ability, analytical thinking, and genuine academic potential rather than simply curriculum coverage. The school may also participate in London consortium arrangements for certain assessment components — families should verify the current format directly with the admissions office each year, as arrangements can change.

The English section typically includes unseen comprehension, literary analysis, and extended writing. The Mathematics section includes multi-step problem-solving and reasoning questions that extend beyond the standard primary curriculum.

What the School Is Looking For

Godolphin and Latymer values intellectual curiosity and the confidence to engage with difficult ideas. Candidates who read widely, think independently, and can discuss their reasoning clearly — in both written papers and any interview or assessment day — tend to perform best. These qualities are developed over time and are not easily manufactured through last-minute preparation.

Our 11+ specialists prepare students for the Godolphin and Latymer assessment, covering the English comprehension and Maths components with the precision those papers demand. Our students have achieved a 95%+ offer rate across selective school entry, and we're rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot. Book a free consultation to discuss preparation.

How to Prepare

Begin structured preparation no later than the start of Year 5. The Mathematics paper rewards systematic problem-solving and the ability to work methodically through unfamiliar question types — Junior Mathematical Challenge preparation is directly relevant. For English, build analytical reading habits across literary fiction and non-fiction, practise commenting precisely on language choices, and develop extended writing fluency under timed conditions with structured feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Godolphin and Latymer 11+ exam format?

Godolphin and Latymer uses its own entrance papers covering English and Mathematics, designed to assess reasoning ability and analytical thinking. The school has at times participated in London consortium arrangements — the current format should always be confirmed with the admissions office directly, as this can change year to year.

Is Godolphin and Latymer part of a consortium?

Godolphin and Latymer has at times participated in London 11+ consortium arrangements for parts of its assessment, but also uses its own papers. Families should verify the current arrangements with the admissions office at the start of the Year 5 registration period.

Does Godolphin and Latymer offer scholarships at 11+?

Yes. The school offers academic and music scholarships at 11+. Means-tested bursaries are also available, and Godolphin and Latymer has a strong commitment to widening access. Families who may be eligible for bursary support should contact the admissions office early in Year 5 to understand the application process and timeline.

How many places does Godolphin and Latymer offer at 11+?

Godolphin and Latymer typically offers around 90 places at 11+ each year, with a significantly larger number of applications received. Entry is highly competitive, and candidates should expect to be in the top academic tier for their age group to secure a place.