Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith is one of West London's most respected independent schools — co-educational, highly selective and with a proud tradition of combining academic excellence with breadth of opportunity. Entry is at Year 7 (11+) and Year 9 (13+), with the 11+ being the primary external entry point. For families in Chiswick, Hammersmith, Ealing, Richmond and nearby areas, Latymer Upper is among the most sought-after destinations at secondary school age.
About Latymer Upper School
Latymer Upper is located on King Street, Hammersmith, W6 — easily accessible from the District Line and from a wide West London catchment. The school educates around 1,200 pupils from Year 7 to the Sixth Form, with exceptional results across arts and sciences and a particularly strong reputation for music, drama and sport alongside academic achievement.
The school has a co-educational ethos from Year 7 and a culture that rewards individuality and engagement alongside academic performance. University destinations include Oxbridge, top Russell Group universities and competitive US and international institutions. A significant number of pupils each year receive means-tested bursaries, reflecting the school's commitment to broadening access.
The 11+ process at Latymer Upper
Registration opens in September of Year 5 and closes in October. The process:
- Entrance papers in January of Year 6 — candidates sit English and Mathematics papers. Both are set by the school and are harder than standard 11+ materials: the Maths paper includes multi-step problems and reasoning; the English paper includes comprehension with analytical questions and a writing task.
- Interview for shortlisted candidates — Latymer Upper interviews are designed to be friendly and conversational, but they serve a genuine purpose: the school is looking for pupils who have interests beyond the curriculum, who can discuss ideas with enthusiasm, and who will contribute to the school's broad community. Some creative activities may be included.
- Offers in February of Year 6. Bursary applications should be submitted at the point of registration.
What the papers test
- Mathematics — number, algebra (at an introductory level), geometry, fractions, percentages, problem-solving and reasoning. The paper is timed and requires both accuracy and the ability to work through unfamiliar problems.
- English comprehension — unseen passages with questions requiring inference, analysis and developed written response. The standard is demanding but not as extreme as SPGS or NLCS.
- Writing — creative or discursive writing. Latymer Upper values genuine expression — pupils who write with personality, ideas and confidence.
How selective is it?
Latymer Upper is highly selective — typically accepting around 20–25% of applicants for Year 7 places. While it is not quite in the same tier as St Paul's, SPGS or Haberdashers' in terms of raw selectivity, the competition is still intense and preparation must be taken seriously. The school attracts a wide mix of candidates: prep school boys and girls from South-West and West London, and a growing number of applicants from maintained primaries.
When to start preparation
Structured preparation for the January Year 6 papers should typically begin in September of Year 5 — approximately 16 months before the exam. For families targeting Latymer Upper as their first-choice school, a Year 4 start gives more time to build depth and reduces pressure in the examination year.
For boys and girls from maintained schools, earlier preparation is advisable to ensure Mathematics is extended beyond the KS2 curriculum and that English comprehension is at the required standard.
Preparation strategy
- Mathematics beyond Year 6. Ratio, proportion, introductory algebra and multi-step problem-solving should all feature in Year 5 and early Year 6 preparation. Past papers from Latymer Upper and similar schools are the most accurate guide to the level required.
- English — comprehension and writing. Wide reading, analytical discussion of texts, and regular timed writing with feedback. Latymer Upper values authentic expression: pupils who write with ideas and engagement do better than those who follow a formulaic approach.
- Interview preparation. Encourage genuine interests — arts, sport, current affairs, science — and practise discussing them clearly and enthusiastically. The Latymer Upper interview is not intimidating, but it rewards pupils who have something genuine to say.
- Broad co-curricular engagement. Latymer Upper values the whole person. Children who are actively engaged in music, sport, drama or other activities are genuinely better placed for an assessment that includes a holistic review.
Bursaries and financial support
Latymer Upper has one of the most active bursary programmes of any London independent school. Means-tested support is available for a significant proportion of the intake, and the school is explicit that financial circumstances should not prevent academically qualified pupils from attending. Families from maintained schools should factor in the bursary application from the start of the admissions process.
Finding a tutor
Latymer Upper preparation is demanding but not extreme — a well-structured 12–16 months of tuition covering English, Mathematics and interview preparation should be sufficient for a strong candidate. Look for a tutor who understands the school's co-educational ethos and who can help a child develop genuine confidence rather than just exam technique.
Browse tutors with 11+ experience in West London, or use the parent portal to find tutors near Hammersmith and Chiswick.