St Paul’s Girls · Henrietta Barnett · North London Collegiate
She absolutely excelled in her 11+ exams—receiving offers from all the grammar and independent schools we applied to: HBS and NLCS, including scholarships from SPGS.
— Sakshi Grover
HBS 11+ English Preparation
HBS Round 1 is English at its core.
Round 1 asks pupils to recognise the best answer.
Round 2 asks them to produce it.
The school does not release past papers or a marking scheme for Round 2, and gives no detail about what the paper contains.
Preparation therefore has to come from teaching, not from practising old papers.
Round 2 also includes a Maths paper. At English Matters, we teach the English.
The aim is not simply to get through Round 1. It is to arrive at Round 2 ready for it.
These are not separate skills taught in isolation. They grow from the same foundation: understanding language precisely.
Yes. HBS does not release Round 2 past papers, so preparation focuses on the skills the paper depends on: close reading, written comprehension and creative writing. These skills are developed steadily across the year rather than left until the short interval between the two rounds.
Year 4 Foundation builds strong reading, comprehension and writing habits early. Year 5 is the full HBS preparation, with the English skills needed for Round 1 and Round 2 developed alongside each other. Written comprehension and creative writing take time to mature and should not be left until after the Round 1 result.
At English Matters, we teach English and Verbal Reasoning. We do not teach Maths or Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Yes. The English skills required for HBS are of a very high standard — close reading, inference, vocabulary, comprehension and precise written expression. These are transferable skills that support preparation for other selective Grammar and Independent School English papers too.
She absolutely excelled in her 11+ exams—receiving offers from all the grammar and independent schools we applied to: HBS and NLCS, including scholarships from SPGS.
— Sakshi Grover
Her most endearing quality is how she brings a positive perspective to the whole 11+ process — which is very essential for a child going through a demanding year. With Sumona’s continued support my daughter secured a place at Henrietta Barnett School.
— Ambika Chouhan
My daughter started her 11+ journey in Year 5 and we were worried it was a little late. Sumona however ensured she felt comfortable in the classes, kept the content engaging, and focused on improving her weak areas. My daughter got into Henrietta Barnett School and St Paul’s Girls.
— Deepa NS
Specialist HBS English preparation in a live online group of no more than five pupils.
All sessions taught personally by Sumona Singhal.