City of London School (often affectionately known simply as “City”) is one of London’s most prestigious independent day schools for boys. Nestled on Queen Victoria Street beside the Thames, it enjoys an unrivalled location in the heart of London.
The school traces its roots back to the 15th century, when John Carpenter left a bequest to educate boys of the City. Over the centuries, this grew into the modern City of London School, which has built a reputation for academic excellence, breadth of opportunity, and a forward-thinking ethos.
In 2022, the school launched City Junior School, a co-educational junior section for children aged 7–11. Based in Gray’s Inn, City Juniors offers a nurturing environment with the same high standards, preparing pupils seamlessly for transition to the senior school.
Entrance Points
There are three key entry routes into City of London School for boys:
- 7+ – Exams are taken in the autumn of Year 2, with successful candidates joining City Junior School in Year 3 the following September. Entry into City Juniors virtually guarantees a place in the senior school at 11+, provided boys continue to make good progress.
- 10+ – Exams take place in the autumn of Year 5. Successful applicants join the senior school in Year 6 (known as “Old Grammar”) the following September.
- 11+ – Exams are sat in the autumn of Year 6, with entry into Year 7 the following September. This is the most competitive entry point, with hundreds of applicants vying for a relatively small number of places.
Entrance Exams
7+ (City Junior School, Year 3)
At 7+, boys sit papers in mathematics, reading comprehension, and creative writing. Those who perform strongly are invited back for a further assessment and an interview, designed to explore character and curiosity as well as academics.
10+ (Entry into Year 6 at the senior school)
At 10+, boys sit exams in English, mathematics, and reasoning. The English paper includes comprehension and creative writing, while the maths paper tests both core skills and problem solving. Reasoning tasks may be verbal or non-verbal. Successful candidates are invited for an interview, and references are taken from their current school.
11+ (Entry into Year 7 at the senior school)
At 11+, boys sit assessments in English, maths, and reasoning, with tasks designed to test both knowledge and creativity. This is followed by an interview, giving the school the chance to get to know each boy beyond exam performance. Offers are typically made in the spring for September entry.
How to Prepare
Securing a place at City is highly competitive, and preparation is key. At Clarendon Tutors, we pride ourselves on being the leading agency for families aiming for success in the City of London School admissions process.
We usually recommend starting preparation around 18 months in advance of your chosen entry point. This gives time to build solid foundations in English and maths, develop reasoning skills, and grow in confidence with timed assessments. It also ensures that preparation is steady and stress-free rather than rushed.
Our team of experienced educators – many of whom have taught at or prepared students for the top London schools – will guide your child through every step. From practice exam papers and interview coaching to long-term study planning, we provide the support that makes all the difference.
With the right preparation, applying to City doesn’t need to feel daunting. With Clarendon Tutors, your child will be fully equipped not only to gain a place, but to thrive once there.
Photograph by Wayland Smith (CC BY-SA)
