The Latymer School in Edmonton, north-east London, is unusual among high-performing grammar schools in that it has been co-educational from the start of students’ time at the school. It is also notable that, unlike other grammars which routinely rival the top private schools in the country—such as Henrietta Barnett and Wilson’s School—it places geographical restrictions on applicants. Only students living within specific local postcodes are eligible for a place. Owing to the local demographic, this results in a highly diverse student body that consistently achieves excellent exam results.
In the 2025 examination results, Latymer’s GCSE students achieved 37% at grade 9, 66.1% at grade 8 and above, and 84.4% at grade 7 and above. At A level, students gained 30.7% A*, 65.1% A*–A, and 86% A*–B.
The school was originally founded in 1624 as a boys’ school under the will of Edward Latymer, with the purpose of providing education and clothing to eight poor local boys. It became co-educational in 1910 when it reopened on its current site on Haselbury Road. Today, it educates around 1,350 students.
Latymer maintains formal links with Edward Latymer’s former Cambridge college, St John’s, as well as with Corpus Christi College, also in Cambridge. Endowments with both colleges continue to support further study by Latymer students, and each year around 30 students secure places at Oxford or Cambridge.
In 2022, Ofsted rated the school Good overall, noting numerous outstanding features. These included the quality of education, students’ behaviour and attitudes, the strength of leadership and management, and Outstanding sixth-form provision.
The school encourages students to take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities and nurtures talent in both music and sport. Current clubs and societies include the African Caribbean Society, Dungeons & Dragons Society, East and South-East Asian Heritage Society, Feminism Society, Finance Society and the K-Pop Club!
Entry Points
The main entry point to the school is Year 7, and in 2025 the school offered 192 places at this stage.
Of these, twenty places are reserved for children receiving Free School Meals (or Universal Credit) at the time of application. These applicants must also achieve a ranking within the top 900 candidates in the initial Maths and Verbal Reasoning test. This gives an indication of the sheer number applying for a place each year.
Admission Requirements for 11+ Entry
Applications open in March of the year before prospective students would join the school. The extended application window runs from March to early June and includes an open day for parents and pupils. You can view the Headteachers talk from the last open event here.
In September, candidates attend an assessment day where they sit three papers: Maths, Verbal Reasoning (VR) and English. Only those students ranking in the top 700 in Maths and VR will have their English papers marked, which then refines the ranking score.
What Sort of Questions Should I Expect in Latymer School Admissions Tests?
Latymer uses GL Assessment papers for Verbal Reasoning and Maths. Candidates should familiarise themselves early with the format and timing of these tests.
The school sets its own English paper, which is broadly similar to other 11+ English entrance exams. It includes a reading comprehension and a writing task, both based on a demanding passage of prose fiction.
As part of its commitment to widening access, and recognising the value of tutoring during exam preparation, the school collaborates with Atom Learning to provide free 11+ resources. Atom specialises in test materials that support consolidation of Key Stage 2 learning and help students become familiar with the school’s testing platform. Access to these resources is available only to pupils eligible for the Pupil Premium and must be requested directly from the school.
16+ (Sixth Form) Admission Requirements
Latymer welcomes applications for entry into the sixth form. The process begins early in Year 12, with applications due in late November following an open evening earlier that month. The same postcode and catchment rules apply as for lower-school entry.
Offers are based on predicted GCSE grades from a student’s current school, and places are dependent on availability in the subjects the applicant wishes to study at A level.
Students applying to study Maths or the Sciences must take an entrance test in January of Year 12. Those choosing four subjects that do not include Maths or Science are not required to sit this exam. Conditional offers are made following the test, with final places confirmed once GCSE results are released.
Latymer requires sixth-form students to have achieved at least grade 7 in the subjects they wish to take at A level, as well as at least six grade 7s overall.
Preparation Tips for the Latymer School Entrance Test
Competition for places at leading grammar schools is fiercely fought. In addition to maintaining strong performance in Key Stage 2 Maths and English, pupils should develop a thorough understanding of the Verbal Reasoning requirements specific to Latymer’s tests. It is essential that candidates are familiar not only with the academic content and question formats, but also with effective exam technique—particularly the time pressures that apply.
For over a decade, Keystone Tutors has employed specialist grammar school entrance tutors who can support families through the entire 11+ process tailored to the exact requirements of The Latymer School. For further information, please contact the Keystone office to speak with one of our experienced client managers.
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